“The Beatles” was an apt name for a band who brought a revolutionary beat to music. That beat was often, literally, down to Ringo Starr: the drummer who grounded the Fab Four's sounds since their first studio contract in 1962. A left-handed drummer with a right-handed drumming kit, his method of playing was unique to say the least and the same can be said for his approach to fashion.
Starr is no stranger to style. He's been a leading model of menswear for more than 60 years: starting out as one of the sharpest mods in the 1960s before transitioning to some excellent sartorial flamboyance in the 1970s. Today, he's settled on a supercool (and reliable) rockstar uniform: black jeans or leather trousers, black T-shirt, blazer, silver bling and aviators. Given that he's turning 80 today, we're confident in calling him one of the greatest style icons of all time.
To join in on the birthday celebrations, we've travelled back to his younger years and gathered eight of his essential style lessons. Apply these to your own wardrobe for an instant upgrade.
Year: 1960
Why it works: Stripes? For summer? It's a big yes from Starr, so a big yes from us too. Pictured here in 1960, he chose to style these stunning, chalk-stripe trousers with some black leather loafers and a chunky crewneck jumper. Very simple, of course, but very effective (especially alongside that iconic mop top haircut).
Year: 1965
Why it works: Starr's collection of accessories has always been excellent. One of his recurring stars in the 1960s was this brilliant baker boy hat, which he pulled off with ease thanks to the exposure of his longer, layered locks. This is a stylish solution to those bad hair days, especially if you pair it with other monochrome pieces (big yes to that jumper).
Year: 1965
Why it works: Double denim resurged across the Spring/Summer 2020 menswear shows, from Valentino and Versace to Celine. Looks like they all took a style cue from Ringo Starr, who has been coordinating this most casual texture since the mid-1960s. Here he's in a supercool white ensemble, which he paired with a plain turtleneck, tape belt and a gold chain bracelet (very Bottega Veneta). His clear message? Bold denim works best.
Year: 1969
Why it works: Alongside his fellow bandmates, Ringo Starr was a leading model for the mod tailoring movement through the 1960s. It wasn't just about the suits, though – shirts were just as much of a statement and their collars were to be as long and sharp as possible. Starr's styling ticks those requirements here, plus the addition of that skinny black tie is perfect.
Year: 1970
Why it works: We're all for a flamboyant shirt and this one modelled by Starr in 1970 is an absolute dream. That's down to two things: the print and design. On the print front, polka dots always prove to be a winning recipe for confident style and the best way of introducing them to your wardrobe is through a shirt like Starr's. As for the design details? Ruffles all the way.
Year: 1964
Why it works: OK, so these are in fact swimming shorts, but boxer-style shorts are all the rage for daytime dressing right now, so Starr's little striped design is a brilliant reference for your upcoming summer wardrobe. Maybe best to save the terry towel shirt for the poolside, but definitely stick to the simple colour scheme – we'd go for a Cuban-collared design for a nonchalant result.
Year: 1966
Why it works: You see a pair of tiny shades, you probably think of The Matrix (and pretty much every celebrity who bought a pair after the film's release in 1999). But the real origin of this accessory sensation? Ringo Starr, of course, whose mid-1960s uniform was often sealed with a set of minuscule square sunglasses. We're really into this gold-rimmed design and we suggest sourcing a pair yourself for minimum effort and maximum effect.
Year: 1963
Why it works: Ringo Starr once declared, “I've always played with other musicians. It's how I play, there's no joy for me in playing on my own.” Syncopation was key to The Beatles as much in fashion as it was in music and, with that in mind, you can always rely on their classic uniform. The combination of a single-breasted mod suit, white shirt, skinny tie, overcoat and leather boots is still iconic and makes an essential nod to the most timeless style move in history.
John Lennon was the most stylish musician of all time. Period
