By Tamara Abraham
Could Jennifer Aniston be any more stylish? I know it’s an obvious line, but it’s true. The actor has had a stellar awards season fashion-wise, a highlight for me being the ivory vintage Dior slip dress at the SAG Awards that had her ex-husband Brad Pitt – and the rest of us – virtually bowing down in admiration.
One of the most appealing things about the star is her self-confidence, and a degree of that comes from the fact that she takes care of herself.Credit: Ben Hassett/AUGUST/Raven & Snow
The season was neatly capped off by her 51st birthday last month, which coincided with the release of the March issue of Interview magazine. It features Jennifer on the cover wearing a Celine leather jacket and over-the-knee boots with Alaïa briefs, all honey-blonde hair and toned, tanned legs.
The looks within the magazine would be just as unforgiving on an ordinary mortal: an ab-flashing black dress by Versace and a bra-style top by Givenchy, all largely monochrome and very, very expensive-looking.
She has stylist Mel Ottenberg to thank for the Interview looks, but I get the impression that JenAn only works with stylists whose aesthetic she shares. She has long collaborated with stylist sisters Nina and Clare Hallworth on her red-carpet looks, and even calls on the pair for her on-screen looks; they created the impeccable wardrobe for her new TV series The Morning Show, which features “old Céline” double-faced cashmere coats and Valextra bags.
Despite all the help and guidance, though, there’s a thread of consistency running through all of the looks we see Jennifer wearing.
It’s not just the sleek, elegant aesthetic that’s very much her own, it’s also that her personality is never overwhelmed by the fashion. It’s always “Jennifer Aniston in a dress”, not “a dress wearing Jennifer Aniston”.
Of course, it helps to actually look like Jennifer to carry off her style, but it’s not essential – I’m certainly not suggesting that we should all have washboard abs and rock-hard thighs at 51.
That said, one of the most appealing things about the star is her self-confidence, and a degree of that likely comes from the fact that she takes care of herself. It can help a woman walk a little taller, smile a little wider and she may even be more prepared to take fashion risks.
In vintage Dior at the 2020 SAG Awards.Credit: Getty Images
Jen isn’t the only celebrity redefining what a woman in her 50s looks like. Countless column inches have been devoted to Jennifer Lopez, who at 50 performed at the Super Bowl in a series of custom Versace and Swarovski looks that showcased her incredible physique. There’s also Halle Berry, 53, Sandra Bullock, 55, and Gwen Stefani, 50, none of whom look a day over 35.
But of them all, the woman I’d happily trade wardrobes with is Jennifer Aniston. The Interview story offered a little insight into her off-duty style. She tells interviewer Sandra Bullock that she’s wearing Rag & Bone jeans, an Elder Statesman cashmere knit and a James Perse tee. So far, so stealth-wealth luxury. Her underwear, she elaborates, is Hanky Panky.
The hallmarks of a signature Aniston look are actually rather uncomplicated.
Rocking the suit.Credit: Getty Images
It’s classic, rather than trendy, with a focus on premium materials and impeccable cut. Blazers are structured, jeans are boyfriend-style yet not too baggy, and bags are logo-free. Her palette is neutral – black, white and taupe. It’s sophisticated, timeless, and best of all, easy to copy.
But Jennifer’s ’90s style is also being celebrated by the fashion industry. Last September, Ralph Lauren launched a workwear collection inspired by Rachel Green from Friends, the role that made Jennifer famous. Pieces include miniskirt suits, poloneck dresses and leather trousers – all items that wouldn’t look out of place on the actor today.
We’ll file that under: The One in Which Jennifer Aniston Becomes a Style Icon.
Telegraph Media Group Limited
This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale March 22.