The importance of dressing the part - and more style tips from architect Alison Brooks

alison brooks
Styling; Harriet Elton; hair & Makeup: Jess Whitbread Credit: Alice Whitby

One of the UK's leading architects, 54 year old Alison Brooks says it's always important to dress the part, which for her means clean lines and neutral tones, as well as clothes that say something about the creative side of her job. 

Here are her tips for honing a personal but professional sense of style...

Be prepared

Brooks' working day is multifaceted; from (sometimes last minute) client meetings, to site visits and evening events, and her wardrobe needs to reflect this.

What is at the top of her list of priorities when she's considering what to wear? ''To look professional but also versatile, because architects walk the line between many worlds - design, business, academia, law and construction,'' Brooks tells The Telegraph. ''And to convey a sense of creativity and humour.''

Find your hero pieces

''Like most architects, I wear a lot of black and white, and I prefer interesting fabrics to patterns,'' says Brooks. What are her hero pieces? ''Cropped Armani trousers and a white tie-shirt from the French label Cop Copine.''  

alison brooks
Credit: Alice Whitby

Poplin shirt, £320, Acne Studios; Dorothee Schumacher cotton trousers, £407, Farfetch; Jewellery, Alison’s own

Don't be a slave to trends

As someone whose career is design led, one might assume that Brooks awaits each new fashion season with keen anticipation, buying into the new trends as they emerge. But in reality, she takes a different approach to shopping.

''I buy things with ideas behind them rather than trends, because they have more staying power,'' she describes. ''Jil Sander, Dorothee Schumacher, Bimba y Lola and Cos all do this well.''

Take inspiration from unexpected places

Rather than the pages of a glossy magazine or her Instagram feed, Brooks finds style inspiration in the works of artist Georgia O'Keeffe: It's simple, powerful and mysterious.''

Comfortable footwear is key 

''I’m always sprinting up London escalators - that's my fitness regime,'' Brooks admits. ''So I only wear shoes I can run in. Platforms are a good option – they give you added height and authority while keeping your feet dry.''

Which brands would she suggest for grown-up platform shoes? ''United Nude and Spice, Miu Miu and Prada.'' 

Look for niche jewellery brands 

To complement her fuss-free, simple but structural wardrobe, Brooks invests in unique, architectural jewellery from little-know brands: ''I go to McCaul in Exmouth Market and Edinburgh based  Joanne Thompson.

 

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