Christy Turlington Burns shows us how to dress like a gentlewoman
Blazer and trousers by Giuliva Heritage Collection. Top by The Row. Boots by Bottega Veneta.
The sleek trouser suit, the simple T-shirt, the khaki utility jacket, the stomp-everywhere boots, (or what one of my friends calls shit-kickers); items that are effortlessly chic and infinitely wearable. These images of Christy Turlington Burns for Matchesfashion.com nail Gentlewoman Style, brilliantly. Everything is considered but nothing looks too ‘done’. Wearing menswear-inspired clothes from Giuliva Heritage Collection, Jil Sander and Symonds Pearmain, multi-talented Turlington Burns reminds me how much mileage there is in a pared-down, androgynous wardrobe.
‘I still appreciate fashion, but my style is simple, clean, comfortable, minimalist,’ the founder of the Every Woman Counts organistation tells Matchesfashion.com, ‘I still enjoy dressing up, but these days it’s for really interesting experiences.’
Jacket and trousers, both by Symonds Pearmain. Belt by Bottega Veneta.
Blazer and trousers by Jil Sander. Top by Extreme Cashmere. Earrings by Charlotte Chesnais.
Who doesn’t love an elegant tomboy?
Photographs by Chloe Le Drezen
Styling by Azza Yousif
Discussion (17 Comments)
Isobel says:
Yes! And “in her off hours she can be found haunting the flea markets of the world”…now that sounds like fun!!
Goddessinthedetails says:
CTB is taking on the Audrey Hepburn mantle – the woman whom we all look to as being herself while being gorgeous.
Sarah says:
I love the gentlewoman style and feel it suits my personality. I can’t afford Jill Sanders and live in the US. Are there more affordable brands you might recommend? Or maybe I just need to spend time in thrift shops? Thanks so much!
Cheryl Grant-Gamble says:
I live in Canada and like you, I admire the looks CBT wears so beautifully! I have found that
there is SO much abundance out there and that you can take wonderful cues from any high end
look and then seek out the pieces anywhere from the Sally Ann to high end consignment, e-Bay,
etc. It’s amazing, super-fun and inspiring in terms of what you can find, the opportunity for creative
expression and the great fun of finding a fabulous bargain!
Anne Murphy says:
Looks great on her…..tall, slim, cheekbones! tend to think it’s all about attitude,….those particular boots for me, just a tad too chunky!
Laura says:
She is beautiful and models these clothes so well! A wonderful shoot….. Out of my league.
Jan Miller says:
Now that is style and being herself, (who wouldn’t want to be looking like that. ) Love her natural Elegance and confidence.
Mrs Tonia says:
Beautiful older Supermodel from the 90s wearing elegant well-cut clothing. How can it fail.
As others write it can be a blueprint of style of clothing to seek out at other price points too.Kate says:
This site and Allyson’s books have shown me what a wonderful look the Gentlewoman look is. At 48 I’m shifting away from daily dresses and heels (just had back surgery – my body won’t allow heels any longer for daily use) and I want to invest in wonderful suits. If by chance fellow readers you get a chance to ever see Georgia O Keefe’s clothing exhibit you too will be inspired by her sensible suiting. There is a book by Wanda Corn that details just this but to see the clothing in person is swoon worthy. She even sewed her own delicate white blouses! I want to swoon over my clothing . But here is my question. Georgia’s suits, like other vintage suits I have admired , seem to be created in the softest , fluid, and clearly fine handed wools. Where can we go today to purchase such a suit without spending 5k and up? I can’t wear itchy wools and synthetics are so often problematic in warmer weather. (I live West US) I’d like a suit that could be worn for 3 seasons at least and mixed and matched. I also need comfort above all else. Would love tips from Allyson or fellow fans on who makes a comfy natural soft fiber suit?
I’ll throw out a designer that I’m going to try out this Winter here in US who has some very clever , less business look suit options in fine fabrics – Ivey Abitz. Made to order, I have been coveting a vest, feminine blouse, tie and floaty pant look to wear with brogues. Her look sort of has a 1930s feel in my opinion. Just waiting patiently for Winter line to release. Allyson, I’d love to see you in an outfit like hers too. I have no affiliation-just thinking I’d share. Investment yes . But not as pricey as major fashion house garb.JERI says:
To Kate: Thanks for Ivey Abitz . I will never be able to afford her clothes but love them. Am always googling for similar styles, fabrics and patterns. I have always liked the 30s working man’s casual style in men’s clothing and the natural fabrics. Her blouses remind me of early 1900s. Can’t find anything similar in ready to wear, always stuck with whatever is selling. Time to learn to sew.
Gretchen 
Stephanie. 
Joyce Morris 
Julia 
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Who indeed;).
She looks wonderful, and intelligent, and grounded.