How Victoria and David Beckham cemented their status as a fashion power couple

Let’s rewind to 1997, when a young man crosses paths with a young woman. The young woman feigns an interest in football as a means to strike up a conversation with the aspiring footballer. Their connection blossoms into a romantic relationship, and soon they find themselves thrust into the limelight, becoming a favourite subject of the paparazzi. They embody the classic tale of a sports star dating a musician. However, what truly sets apart the journey of Posh and Becks is their remarkable ability to use fashion as a means of expressing not only their commitment to each other but also their determination to present a united front to the world.

1998

One year into keeping the public guessing about the status of their relationship, David finally takes the leap and proposes to Victoria. The couple decides to share the news with the world, appearing in coordinated all-black outfits. Posh Spice, in particular, opts for a fur-trimmed leather jacket and a black turtleneck. This also marks the first of 15 engagement rings that David will present to his wife throughout their marriage, featuring a dazzling three-carat marquisecut diamond set in yellow gold.

1999

One can’t easily forget the couple’s bold choice of coordinated bright purple outfits designed by Antonio Berardi for their wedding reception. The couple openly acknowledges this unconventional decision in their recent Netflix documentary, Beckham. Victoria’s satin fishtail gown with a strapless bodice and David’s double-breasted blazer along with flared trousers will go down as an odd but memorable choice. And then there’s the matching all-black Gucci biker jacket coordinated looks they donned.

2000

The couple fearlessly forged their own path in fashion, particularly in the early aughts. They demonstrate that the unconventional combination of black and brown can be a daring yet successful style choice. David sports a patent leather trench coat, while Victoria dons a brown velvet ensemble that includes a strapless bodice and matching pants. Surprisingly, this pairing somehow works.

2001

Staying consistent with their choice of colour palette, the couple opts for matching all-black outfits at a music awards show, embracing the Y2K style. Victoria effortlessly exudes sensuality in a crop top and low-rise flares, while David, sporting a newly shaved head in a somewhat rebellious gesture, considering the simmering tension with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, rocks a paisley print blouse and velvet trousers, topped off with a large cross pendant.

2003

At the MTV Movie Awards, the couple decided to make a change by donning all-white ensembles. This period coincides with a time when David and Posh were experiencing some discord due to his move to Real Madrid. Posh, who didn’t particularly relish her time in Spain, wears an embellished corset gown with crystallised trim, complemented by metallic heels. In contrast, David opts for a white suit, pairing it with distressed brown boots and multiple layered diamond chains, creating a striking contrast. According to Asha Saxena, a counsellor based in New Delhi, when couples are going through turbulent times, coordinating their outfits with matching colours can serve as a means to project an appearance of normalcy. 

2005

Throughout the majority of the 2000s, Posh could frequently be seen in outfits featuring shiny and silky materials, while David consistently favoured a more casual look, often opting for graphic tees and a beanie. It’s intriguing to observe how they steadfastly maintained their distinctive personal styles, especially in their casual, off-duty attire.

2011

Fast-forwarding eight years to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (the Princess of Wales), Victoria, who was pregnant with her daughter Harper, exuded regal elegance in her maternity fashion. She graced the occasion in a navy A-line dress from her eponymous fashion brand, which she had founded in 2008. A special shoutout is due for her choice of the satin fascinator. On the other hand, David maintained his impeccable style by opting for a Ralph Lauren ensemble featuring a knee-length suit jacket. Their fashion choices mirror a certain maturity while still upholding their status as a power couple.

2018

For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials, the Beckhams decided to sport navy once again. But despite opting for a similar colour palette, the duo’s looks definitely came with a modern update. David kept it clean in a gray and black three-piece suit accompanied by a pair of shades. Given that men are traditionally required to wear ‘morning dress’ to a royal wedding, with the dress code typically comprising a single-breasted suit jacket in black, navy, or gray, featuring tails at the back, this look is right on the money. Wearing one of her own creations, Victoria, who had now come into her own as a designer, sported a caped navy look with a matching hat and veil complimented by bright red pumps.

2019

It had become evident by now that the Beckhams were setting their own style rules. The refinement of Victoria’s collections by now had translated into chic choices, like the complimentary look that the duo wore to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery in London. While David kept it classic in a silk lapel tux and bowtie, Victoria gave us her version of evening wear with a voluminous white long-sleeve blouse paired with baggy black trousers over tights and a dash of colour via neon fuchsia pumps. Just a few months before the event, the couple kept it casual yet chic, with David in a white tee, jeans, and a beige coat (an updated take on his style from the early aughts, where he would regularly sport white tees and denim). Victoria’s penchant for sharp tailoring is evident in a silk cream shirt with a chain pattern from her own line and a sleek black blazer.

2022

The couple showcased their ability to pull off colourful ensembles as well. Departing from their typical monochrome palette, David and Victoria appeared ready for spring in Paris, embracing the then-current dopamine trend. Victoria donned a green dress with an asymmetric neckline coupled with bold red peep-toe boots. This marked a significant departure from her usual attire of trademark blazers and silk blouses. Meanwhile, David’s light blue suit, complemented by trainers and the Dior Saddle bag, was a more understated choice, yet it had a maximal impact. 

2023

The pair made an appearance in Paris during fashion week earlier this year, both dressed in textured outfits. Victoria was seen wearing lime corduroy flared highwaisted trousers, which were from her own collection. She paired these with a lilac roll-neck jumper, creating a stylish reinterpretation of 70s fashion. To complete her look, she carried a lime tassel bag. David, on the other hand, made a bold fashion statement with a tan velvet suit, offset by a turquoise blue roll-neck jumper and a purple scarf. This daring combination marked one of the riskiest fashion choices we’ve seen from him in quite some time.