Think billionaire’s wardrobe and you might conjure up images of head-to-toe Gucci, designer logo bags or t-shirts emblazoned with ‘Balmain’ or ‘Saint Laurent’.
But not so for the Roy family, the fictional media moguls at the heart of HBO drama Succession, which returned for its third series this week.
Costume designer Michelle Matland has described the characters’ approach to dressing as ‘anti-bling’. Yes, they wear high-end labels, but not in the sort of obvious way of the nouveau riche or Instagram millionaires.
Instead it is quietly expensive: an exquisitely tailored suit for Logan or Shiv’s sophisticated separates from the likes of Gabriela Hearst, Max Mara or Loro Piana.
Indeed Shiv (played by Sarah Snook) has become something of a poster girl for modern power dressing. She is confident, sleek and wears colours that are quietly eye-catching.
But while the media scion can afford to step out in Ralph Lauren, The Row and Theory, shoppers without a billionaire’s budget can achieve her signature look by picking up key pieces at the likes of Massimo Dutti, Mango and Jigsaw.
Sophisticated: Succession’s Shiv (played by Sarah Snook) has become something of a poster girl for modern power dressing. She is confident, sleek and wears colours that are quietly eye-catching. But you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to recreate the looks at home. Shoppers can pick up key pieces like a blue silk shirt (left) from brands like Jigsaw (right, a £125 style)
Hero tailoring: Shiv’s ‘I-mean-business’ attitude is reflected in her character’s chic trouser suits, silk shirts and soft yet sophisticated tailoring. Pictured, Shiv in a stone coloured linen suit in series 3, episode one (left) and a similar suit from Maje: blazer, £197; trousers, £131
Style evolution: In series one Shiv (left), with her long auburn locks still in tact, was dressed in earthy, ’70s-inspired tones, accessorising with silk scarves and even baseball caps. Pictured, the character in a long brown coat, worn over teal trousers. Right, a £269 Massimo Dutti coat
‘The trick to nailing Shiv’s style is look for high waisted tailored trousers, sharp blazers and fitted knitwear in neutral hues such as monochrome, camel, navy and taupe,’ explained fashion stylist Hannah Eichler.
‘Add ladylike jewellery and a slick of buttery rose hued lipstick and don’t forget to dig out those straighteners – you’ll need a sleek bob to show you mean business.’
In the first episode of series three, which aired in the US on Sunday and the UK on Monday night, Shiv wore a light linen suit over a cream textured top. A publicity shot reveals that later in the series she will wear a blue suit with a soft cyan blue shirt underneath.
This sort of professional, yet relaxed tailoring, has become Shiv’s signature style.
‘Shiv takes her sartorial cue from 90s office dressing with hard working, versatile turtle necks, houndstooth checks and tailored cuts,’ Hannah continued.
‘It’s a modern take on 9-5 wear, with easy, reliable styles which keep their shape all day – perfect if you’re a busy female boss.’
Relaxed and oversized: In the pilot episode, Shiv’s separation from her family was illustrated by this low key outfit of an H&M Fair Isle sweater, maroon trousers and a well worn baseball cap. Right, popular Fair Isle knits can be found at every price point, including this £29.99 Zara style
Autumnal tones: Shiv in a signature silk shirt in a burnt orange hue in series one. The shade was typical of her colour palette in the earlier episodes. Right, a Holland Cooper blouse, £199
Wardrobe staples: The trick to nailing Shiv’s style is look for high waisted tailored trousers, sharp blazers and fitted knitwear in neutral hues such as monochrome, camel, navy and taupe, as seen in this series one grab. Pictured right: A lookalike £35.99 collared shirt from Mango
As is the case with all good TV costuming, this styling is not only pleasing to the eye but communicates a message.
In series one Shiv, with her long auburn locks still in tact, was dressed in earthy, ’70s-inspired tones, accessorising with silk scarves and even baseball caps.
The fits were more traditionally ‘feminine’, the clothes more patterned, and everything combined to create the image as Logan’s only daughter as someone outside the buttoned-up corporate world occupied by her father and brothers.
This shifted when she joined Waystar Royco in series two. Her loose waves were replaced with a sharp bob and the outfits became more structured and traditionally businesslike.
Day-to-night: Shiv in a Max Mara double-breasted, plaid, blazer dress in a scene from series 2. Create the look with this blazer from Mango, £139.99, worn with a belt and nothing underneath
Back to basics: Fitted turtlenecks are a key part of Shiv’s wardrobe, like this one worn with high-waisted in series two. Right, pick up your own from Selected Femme for £43.99
Cue more fitted jumpers, nipped-in blazers and high waisted trousers, which have achieved cult status with fans.
‘Easy-looking suits are the foundation of her wardrobe so it’s no surprise that she’s become synonymous with them, and they’ve been a key part in her style strategy,’ noted the Daily Telegraph’s Krissy Turner.
‘To hold her own in a man’s world, Shiv’s looks straddle the masculine-feminine line. Fitted tweed blazers are worn over figure-hugging but modest turtlenecks, while thick gold bangles sit under her wool cuffs, and fine gold and pearl necklaces adorn her neck. It’s a sartorial power play that allows her to blend in but with a point of difference.’
Although series three has only just started, the first glimpses of Shiv suggest she will continue down this sophisticated path as she continues to position herself as the child who should be trusted to take the helm of the company.
Soft shades: This pale pink colour is a perfect base for Shiv’s series two suit (left). A similar style, with the same type of collar, can be found at Hobbs for £39
Recreating the looks at home starts with finding a base piece in a block colour, whether that is a butter soft silk shirt or a ribbed grey turtleneck.
Layer this under a sharp blazer, paying close attention to how it fits at key points like the waist and shoulders.
A good fit is essential to elevating any look, even on a budget. When bespoke tailoring is not an option, consider having your favourite high street or mid-range pieces tweaked slightly to better fit your figure.
A fabric panel on the side of a jacket, for example, can help it fit better across the bust. An awkward midi is sometimes best shortened by an inch or so for those of a shorter stature.
Small tweaks like these are used by stylists everywhere and are a simple way to make even an affordable piece look expensive – and worthy of any Roy.