It’s fair to say that Oscar-winning actress Naomi Watts knows more than a thing or two about red-carpet dressing – but lately, she’s been showing off sartorial skills of a different kind. While promoting her new book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause, Watts has shelved the shimmering gowns in favour of a soft power wardrobe of smart separates, fluid tailoring and elevated accessories that really means business. “At 56, Watts is rewriting the notion of ‘age-appropriate’ dressing and pursuing a contemporary capsule that feels elegant, professional and just the right level of directional,’ says Joy Montgomery, shopping editor at British Vogue.
Building a hard-working, office-appropriate wardrobe that feels both feminine and modern is no easy task – but Watts’s look is based on several key principles that are relatively simple to follow. From contemporary suiting and classic outerwear to great sunglasses and actually wearable heels, these are the most important elements of her style.
A woollen overcoat is an essential
“An overcoat is totally timeless and it will last you forever,” explains Alice Byrom, stylist and brand director at British suiting label Kipper. Watts has been spotted in several iterations of this wardrobe staple over the past few weeks, including a camel number from Celine, a black Akris style with a stand-up leather collar and a gold-buttoned, navy-blue option from Prada. This is an investment piece, so it’s worth spending a little more on the best quality wool you can afford: Joseph, Me+Em and Jigsaw can be relied upon for classic options every year, with the latter’s “City” coat remaining a firm favourite season after season. “I would go up a size for that boyish fit,” advises Byrom; like Watts, try wearing it over your shoulders for an updated silhouette.
Sheer black tights are back in fashion
Once an absolute no-no among the style cognoscenti, black tights are now back in favour and can look incredibly chic with the right outfit. “I would suggest a lighter denier, especially at the moment – gone are the days of a heavy, schoolgirl-style pair of tights,” says Byrom, who recommends sticking to a 15 or 20 denier pair. Like Watts, riff off any retro associations by teaming with neat midi-skirts and oversized sunglasses.
A suit works for every occasion
“Watts leans into the power of tailoring, which both commands authority and confers polish, without feeling too overdone,” says Montgomery. When it comes to a suit, it’s all in the styling: on her tour, Watts teamed hers with either a plain T-shirt or a pussy-bow blouse, plus her ever-present overcoat and sunglasses, for a look that veered towards cool rather than stuffy. Try Arket for boxy, contemporary cuts, and Kipper for off-the-peg styles that are so carefully constructed, they feel custom made.
Accessories are everything
Out and about, Watts is rarely seen without a pair of excellent shades, which instantly add glamour to a professional outfit. She usually favours a chunky, cat-eye style from Balenciaga, but you needn’t opt for designer – & Other Stories and Cos always have good selections. For Watts, sunglasses are part of a nod to vintage elegance, says Montgomery, the same taste for which she also applies to her handbags.
“Think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, mixed with a hint of Jackie Onassis. Like them, Watts clearly understands the power of a ladylike accessory: she’s been spotted with structured, top-handle bags from Prada and Oscar de la Renta.” For a similar look, head to Strathberry, which is a mainstay in royal wardrobes for good reason – its “Multrees” style has a clever adjustable strap and adds polish to every look.
Try colour-blocking for instant impact
“Naomi Watts knows a great silhouette, and ramps that up by wearing one shade head-to-toe,” says Byrom. “It makes a statement without trying too hard.” Take note of the creamy, Attersee set Watts recently wore with a matching, off-white bag and shoes: paired with a caramel coat slung over the shoulders, it read as relaxed yet impeccably put together. Nervous of trying this trick yourself? “Choose a colour that you know flatters your skin tone and start off by mixing a few tonal shades within the same outfit,” advises Byrom.
Heels are a slick option (but make sure they’re walkable)
While she’s never been one to shy away from a stiletto, Watts has also been sporting some chunkier styles of late, such as a platform Mary Jane from Loewe and a pair of metal-heeled Fendi boots. It’s a reminder that good heels can change your posture, encourage you to walk taller and add unmistakeable flair to a look – without any need to sacrifice practicality in the process. For Byrom, “a knee-high boot with a low, chunky heel is an easy wardrobe update. Flattered and Dear Frances have great options in good quality leather”. Kitten heels are also enjoying a return to the spotlight; try the “Maud” style from Florrie London, which goes with everything and is exceedingly comfortable, too.