Gangland wife Roberta Williams’ style through the years

THE name Roberta Williams might be more synonymous with the term gangland wife than style icon, but the widow of Carl Williams has taken followers of her story on a fashion journey through the years.

EVERY woman’s wardrobe tells a story. The garments hanging in a closet map the history of where a woman has been, from school formals to first dates, job interviews to graduations, weddings to funerals.

While the name Roberta Williams might be more synonymous with the term gangland wife than style icon, the Melbourne mother of five and widow of Carl Williams has taken followers of her story on a fashion journey through the years.

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Being an adopter of trends, Roberta’s style evolution is a surprising yardstick for tracking the fashion trends across almost twenty years.

Roberta Williams has paraded many and varied styles on court walks through the years.

Roberta at her first wedding to Dean Stevens Picture: Supplied

The halter neck, circa 2001

This plunging neckline spent a good part of the late 90s through to the early 2000s in the sartorial spotlight, so it’s not surprising that Roberta chose it for her wedding to Carl.

Roberta, who was pregnant at the time with the couple’s now 17 year-old daughter Dakota, chose a surprising gold hue for the frock.

Her tousled tresses were held in place with a tiara, with just a few loose curls left down, framing her face.

The look mirrored the on-screen Hollywood prom scenes at the time, and was a look that also proved to be popular on the Brownlow red carpet that year (Akermanis won, for those playing trivia at home).

Roberta in her gold hued wedding dress. Picture: Big Shots/Adam Shand/Penguin books

Roberta walking down the aisle. Picture: Supplied

Low slung pants, circa 2004

It’s hard to remember a time our muffin tops weren’t snugly tucked away by high waisted jeans, but a little over ten years ago, fashion reached its low point, literally, with jeans that sat on the hip bone.

Made popular by another celebrity bad girl and former prison inmate, Paris Hilton, these jeans were not the most flattering, but such was the Hilton heiress’ influence at the time, we all adopted her oversized sunglasses, midriff-baring tops and low-rider jeans, including Roberta.

Of course fashion became so consumed by the look, that even the waistlines of trousers dropped, and being more corporate than denim, they were the perfect pant for court.

Roberta in her low-slung pants days.

Roberta outside the Supreme Court.

Roberta and Carl Williams regularly ran the media gauntlet outside court.

Hip belts, circa 2004

A classic sub-trend of the low slung trousers, these were an essential accessory to keep the waistband above plumber-crack territory. Whether the popular braided leather variety, milk-chocolate brown or classic black, Roberta had them all.

Roberta in 2004.

Roberta showing off her extensive belt collection.

Beanies, 2007

With the media attention on Roberta almost as crazy as the paparazzi packs following Britney Spears during her 2007 breakdown, it’s not surprising Williams adopted some of the singer’s incognito style, with low-key jeans, hoodie jumpers and beanies.

The hoodie and beanie combo was a classic Roberta look in 2007.

Robert leaves the Magistrates Court in 2007.

Roberta dons a beanie to a sentencing hearing for her husband in 2007.

The pixie cut, circa 2008

Nothing says reinvention like a lob of your locks and in 2008, everyone who was anyone was taking the scissors to their strands.

First was Victoria Beckham who experimented with more of a spiky, elfin look, then her BFF (at the time) Katie Holmes copied the cropped ‘do.

Roberta’s style, which she debuted on an episode of A Current Affair, played with choppy layers subtle highlights, before showing it off again at the Melbourne Magistrates.

Roberta debuted the pixie cut on an episode of A Current Affair in 2008.

Roberta Williams leaves the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

The waist belt, circa 2010

After years of low-slung styles, belts finally became flattering and cinching in waistlines at the turn of the decade. In one of the most memorable funerals that marked the end of a gangland war, and in which Carl Williams was buried in a gold casket, Roberta was solemnly understated in an all-black ensemble with a double-buckled, wide waist belt.

Although, old habits do die hard, as Roberta knows only too well, and she has on at least one occasion, worn the same waist belt slung low around her hips.

Roberta Williams at Keilor Cemetery after Carl’s burial.

Williams strides from court.

A statement bag, 2014

The 2000s were the era of the “IT” bag, and Roberta favoured local Melbourne brand Mimco. As iconic an Australian accessory as the Country Road canvas bag or a pair of thongs, the Mimco handbag, famous for their signature, over-size button detailing, the bags usually retailed for around $450.

Roberta with her Mimco statement bag.

Military trend, circa 2015

Leather-look becomes the affordable lux, and with zipper details and paired with khaki and ankle boots, Roberta has nailed the military trend from a few years ago when designers labels including Gucci and Marc Jacobs were giving a nod to army-inspired fashions.

Roberta nails the military lookPicture: Ian Currie

Williams pairs leather pants with khaki and ankle boots. Picture: Ian Currie

50 shades of grey, circa 2018

Grey is officially the new black, with the stormy shade becoming a modern wardrobe neutral. And while it’s not often suggested that it be worn head to toe, it seems Roberta still has her finger on fashion’s pulse.

Especially paired back with clean white sneakers, well beyond a five kilometre radius of a gym. As millennial fashionistas know, sneakers are the ultimate casual chic shoe, and are most definitely meant to be worn beyond your work out.

Roberta outside the Supreme court this year. Picture: David Crosling

Roberta still has her finger on fashion’s pulse. Picture: David Crosling