From his days as a Manchester United midfielder to those spent swanning around in Wimbledon's Royal Box, David Beckham (OBE, BTW) has been turning heads ever since he came on the scene aged seventeen. With a sartorial prowess as enduring as his decades-long sport and modelling careers, Beckham's style has rarely faltered, ageing like a fine wine and informing the generation that has long looked to him for inspiration.
Whilst on the surface Becks' aesthetic might not appear ground-breaking, lacking in the sequinned-jumpsuits and gender-subverting traits of other contemporary menswear icons, his era of experimentation in the '90s opened a dialogue for menswear mavericks that hadn't previously been explored. Once known for pairing frosted tips with all-leather ‘fits, Becks' wild styling eventually gave way to evolved, timeless looks that have come to define the tone of classic British style for a whole generation. In fact, Becks now has the most googled style of any London-born, celeb according to a 2022 study, and that's certainly no thanks to his infamous bandana years.
But what is it specifically about David Beckham's style that we so covet? Besides the fact that it sealed the deal with a certain, well-dressed Spice Girl, Becks' aesthetic embodies his hybridised career, where more casual sporty touches sit alongside statuesque, luxurious ensembles. Through the incorporation of sportswear into his everyday wardrobe, Beckham's style becomes not just relatable, but accessible to all.
That's why we at GQ have picked out the seven must-have pieces from Beckham's contemporary wardrobe to help you ‘trend it' like Beckham. From dapper blazers donned for the crowds of Wimbledon, to relaxed everyday polo shirts, all wardrobes can borrow a little something from that of David Beckham's — and here's where you ought to start.
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1. Percival's pose-inducing polo
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When Becks shaved his head, we shaved our heads. When Becks bleached his hair, we bleached our hair. Now? Becks is wearing Percival, and even other celebs are listening. Recently donned by the likes of Chris Evans, Paul Mescal and The Rock, David Beckham was among the first to back Christoper Gove's polo-loving label in early 2021.
Worn by Beckham in a campaign for his eponymous eyewear brand, Percival's Visitors polo lends the poised feel of Italiana to any ensemble it's a part of, exaggerated here by David's louche, oh-so-casual reading of the morning paper. Since updated with a buttoned neckline, Percival's pieces are ever-evolving, developing alongside the trends themselves… something Becks is also rather adept at.
2. Pangaia's lounge set
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As revealed on his Instagram last year, David Beckham's favourite song is Chris Rea's Driving Home for Christmas, and while doing so, he decked himself out in Pangaia's navy blue 365 track set, paired with a vibrant orange Stone Island beanie.
As eagle-eyed fashion enthusiasts and regular GQ readers will have clocked, Beckham isn't the first celeb to back the sporty and sustainable loungewear brand, with Tom Holland, Harry Styles, Jaden Smith and Leonardo di Caprio all having been papped whilst clad in various, lary-hued, Pangaia pieces.
3. Oversized Eyewear by David Beckham sunglasses
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Designed by Becks, for Becks. David Beckham's own spectacle brand, Eyewear by David Beckham, specialises in creating frames that speak to his own style, as well as his extensive travelling around Italy. Marrying timeless silhouettes with a contemporary aesthetic, Beckham says of his collections; "my own style journey has taught me the power of simplicity and the importance of detail and craftsmanship." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, David.
Styled with a linen shirt on the beachfront, mid-recline, Becks' dons his DB 7000 frames to take in the ocean's waves… But their thick-set, bold look works just as well strolling the streets of London as it does washed ashore, balanced on Beckham's nose.
4. Polo Ralph Lauren's sharp double-breasted blazer
When it comes to Wimbledon, we come for the tennis, but we stay for the celebrity style. Serving up an especially refined look this year, Becks' smiled from the Royal Box in a sharply tailored Polo Ralph Lauren blazer, clutching not one, but two pairs of his label's sleek, chic spectacles.
Boasting a lightweight chino-like construction, this unlined blazer is cut for a slim-fitting shape that sits naturally on the frame of its wearer. For styling tips, do as Becks did with Polo Ralph Lauren's Wynton slim-legged white chinos and a preppy striped dress shirt.
5. Dickies' dog-adored sweatshirt
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Snapped during his dog-dad duties, Becks wore his trusty Stone Island beanie with Dickies' cosy Oakport sweatshirt in a look that has us craving a spot of autumnal weather.
Whilst David's eggplant-purple pick is now out of stock, the Oakport sweatshirt is available in a range of rich, earthy hues to see you through the transitional season, of which our pick is this versatile khaki colourway, primed for placement in each and every new-season ensemble.
6 & 7. Loro Piana's vibrant polo shirt
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If we had a penny for every time we found ourselves leant back luxuriously against a Maserati, impeccably dressed, perusing Instagram…
Shot in collaboration with Maserati prior to attending this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, Beckham donned a full Loro Piana look, accessorised only by his own shades and his trademark perfect quiff, in a look that redefined laidback cool. The ‘fit in question, a striking long-sleeve knit polo and chinos combo, is still up for grabs online via Mr Porter, and while it doesn't come with Beckham's ruggedly handsome good looks, it's as close to a smart-casual cheat sheet as you're likely to come by.
David Beckham: ‘I think I know myself and my style now’
