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LOOKBOOK: BEATNIK STYLE

"Every new fashion is a form of rebellion."
Sidney Poitier

Stay wild.

A BEATNIK STYLE GUIDE.

Is it wrong to write a fashion post about a movement that essentially rejected all forms of materialism? Hmmm… In my defence, the beatniks might approve of the rebelliousness of this act. Nevertheless, I’m really only writing this because I like the beatnik look. It’s something akin to that French unkempt style we all love so much (but with a touch more artistic gloom).

You probably already know the beatnik look (even if you’ve never heard the actual term before). The beatniks were a reaction to conformity of the post-war 1940s and 1950s. Between the 1950s and 1960s, women threw off those big, voluptuous skirts, cinched waists and colourful tops, in favour of sleek pants, loafers and a dark, melancholy palette. They sat in underground bars, smoking cigarillos and scribbling in their notebooks. They discussed art, literature and revolution, and they did it all to the sounds of Charlie Parker and Bob Dylan.

They were oh so masculine. And oh so chic.

And this is was their fashion arsenal…

Beatnik essentials.

Hats

A black beret (of course!) or maybe a newsboy cap.

Accessories

Keep it simple with dark, over-sized glasses and nothing else.

Tops

Tight black turtles, skin-hugging bodysuits and Breton tops.

Outerwear

A masculine, black blazer or even a leather jacket.

Shoes

Lace up brogues, loafers or black ballet flats.

Bottoms

Black cigarette pants or skinny, black jeans.

A beatnik lookbook:

Here’s how those beatniks wore these pieces so effortlessly…

IF YOU LIKE IT, SHARE IT.

Pascale Booysen
About me

Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. I’m so glad to meet you!

I created the blog Capsule Couture to share my love of capsule wardrobes. I wanted to inspire women to have more fun with their clothes and use fashion as a tool to rediscover themselves.

Are you ready to find out what excites you?

XOXO Pascale

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