In 1999’s Notting Hill we see Julia Roberts play Anna Scott, a famous actor who is chased by the paparazzi into the arms of bookshop owner William Thacker, played by Hugh Grant. The rom-com captured the hearts of Brits and the rest of the world alike, and coined some iconic looks and lines. ‘I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her’… we’ve all been there. Why not at least dress the part whilst you put your heart on the line? Snatch has you covered, looking at each romantic interest’s best look.
The Look – Hugh Grant as William Thacker
Hugh Grant is the iconic type-cast playboy from the nineties. As William Thacker, he sports the perfect ‘tubing to Notting Hill Gate for a summertime pint’ outfit. Thacker really wears one look through the whole film – comprised of a loose-fitting light cotton shirt that’s missing the first three top buttons, paired with heavy linen trousers and boating shoes.
The trousers
For this look (or to recreate it on your own Hugh Grant lookalike boyfriend) get to the charity shops. As we leave spring, the North Londoners have cleared out their wardrobes, meaning that floods of middle-aged men are parting with summer shirts they wore in Marseille 20 odd years ago which don’t quite button over their beer bellies anymore. Luckily, given the return of noughties fashion, those middle-aged men were also pairing their shirts with the same linen trousers you’re seeking – and they probably don’t fit either. Some brands to look out for include Next or Blue Harbour.
The shirt
The light cotton shirt is a menswear summer staple, perfect for going to Regent’s Park for a picnic and subsequent kick about with the boys. It even lends itself nicely to the evening’s usual jaunt back south east to grab a glass of wine at Forza’s rooftop wine bar. This look is the staple Cos style London boy summer outfit.
To find these summer shirts, look out for brands such as Charles Tyrwhitt and Nautica. They are particularly good for plain light cotton shirts and, can often be found in the back of charity shops. For patterned striped or checkered shirts, look out for vintage.
Boating shoes
For footwear, we recommend sticking true to Thacker’s dark beige boating shoe; go for something like Timberland Lugs. Or, you can modernise the look with a pair of Birkenstock mules – suede always over leather.
The best charity shops are rumoured to be in Chelsea – spend a day wandering along King’s Road and you’ll be sure to save a buck or two on recreating this look. East Dulwich’s newly re-opened St Christopher’s Hospice has a large range of men’s shirts and trousers. Shelter Boutique, also in East Dulwich, houses a large collection of designer bits; this makes it a little more expensive but it’s still cheaper than brand new. North of the river, head to Muswell Hill; charity shops here are littered with designer goodies. Or, if you’re a Depop pro, get to it.
The Look – Julia Roberts as Anna Scott
Whether you’re dodging an ex, an old friend or that nosy neighbour – Robert’s disguise should do the trick. Celebs such as Kendall Jenner have tried to recreate this iconic look, but without easy access to Britain’s well stocked charity shops and Snatch’s guidance – she didn’t quite meet the Notting Hill brief.
Roberts, a mega star actor, plays another mega star actor in Notting Hill. This is already endearing but the outfits in the film cemented it into British culture. From cool girl disguises to her plain jane cardigan look in the finale, Anna Scott’s wardrobe is varied enough to make any 20-something, no matter your aesthetic, jealous.
This look, comprised of a Chanel beret, black leather blazer, pin-stripe suit trousers and cat eye sunglasses – cool has made a comeback with this one.
The beret
Although Roberts’s black felt beret is Chanel, yours doesn’t have to be to pull off the disguise. Find a black felt beret with a sprout coming out the top for a maximum Parisian diva look. Vintage Kangol berets are very on trend right now and inexpensive on eBay.
The leather jacket
For the leather jacket, go with black or brown blazer style. Also, go simple; you don’t need adornments on a leather jacket and the simpler you go, the more stylish you look. Look out for brands such as Sam Tyler or Avia Trix.
The suit trousers
Pin-stripe suit trousers, high or low waisted, are always flattering because of the stripes – that’s a trick Snatch learnt from Gok Wan, and we’re not ashamed to admit that.
The leather jacket and pin-stripe suit trousers should be easy to find in the sea of vintage shops lining Brick Lane. Start at Oat – you’ll need a coffee to fuel your search – then straddle either side of the bridge. Go between Rokit Vintage and Serotonin Vintage, popping into all the shops that fall in-between. If all else fails, go to the Brick Lane Vintage Market where there’s a massive range of vendors.
The sunnies
Sunglasses – is it raining? is it sunny? Roberts doesn’t know and doesn’t care, and you shouldn’t either. You’re prepared for any weather with this look. Snatch recommends either slight cat eye or oval sunglasses for the look.
To get your own pair, head up to Spitalfields Market, where there’s a man selling sunglasses for a tenner.
This is the perfect look for going to the library, to read – or sit outside and smoke a cigarette looking mysterious whilst you procrastinate work deadlines that were due three or four days ago.
Send us pictures of your recreated looks on Instagram to @snatchmagazine_
Pictures: Working Title
Designs: Pius Bentgens