How to style like … 4 authors with distinctive personal styles, from Joan Didion to Zadie Smith

Many great writers also possess a distinct sense of style. Some notable names from the past even went on to become fashion icons in their own right – think of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s dapper tailoring or Virginia Woolf’s maximalism. Read on to explore the personal style of four more recent literary giants with sartorial flair.

Colson Whitehead

This two-time Pulitzer Prize winner often opts for casual wardrobe staples that can be mixed and matched.

Visvim T-shirt

Manolo Blahnik sneakers

Fedeli trousers

Paul Smith socks

Joan Didion

Famous for works such as The White Album, Didion liked to lift elegant basics with her signature oversized sunglasses.

Aquazzura sunglasses

Remain blazer