Necessary Metrolink upgrades caused travel disruption this week, but it gave Steal Their Style the chance to take an alternative route into Manchester. A diverted commute along the Oxford Road corridor provided some welcome chance encounters with some of the city's most stylish people.
First up were Nicole and Ella, both 24, who were on their way to HOME cinema to, in their own words, 'watch some pretentious movie.' Nicole, a primary school teacher, wore an embroidered lace-up vest that cost just £1 on Vinted, layered over a long-sleeve white shirt "probably from Asda" that she'd owned for years. "[Turquoise] trousers I also found on Vinted, matching headband on Amazon, I've got a bunch of them," she said. "These shoes are from TK Maxx, they were about £15, and the necklace is from me nan. There's like a little vintage shop in Kendal she always shops at."
"And my bag is from Beamish," she laughed, noting that the £10 tote bag is ironically one of her most expensive items. Its text read 'W.S.P.U. Votes for Women, Deeds not Words,' unintentionally fitting for mayoral election day. "Zooey Deschanel in New Girl when she's a teacher is hugely my vibe," Nicole said. "I also like looking 'punk rock,' but also chic. Oh she knows about that, but also she's got a profession, sort of vibe."
Her friend Ella, who works for the Crown Prosecution Service, was next. "My shorts are from Collusion, I think they were discounted, about £30. Plain white t-shirt also from Collusion for about a fiver. I think this knitted vest situation is from Asos, their own design, probably about £20," she explained. "Socks are Ellesse, shoes are £80 Vans, but they're so comfy that I went and bought a second pair in a different colour." "And these bracelets, I'd recently just had surgery, so my friends got me some jewellery that they said was like healing stuff," she said, confirming that she does indeed feel healed, adding that her outfit ideas usually funnel in from online.
Omar and Shahz: postgraduate style
With summer halfway through, many students were turning into graduates. Omar, 24, had just completed training to become a qualified psychotherapist, and was in town with consultant Shahz, also 24, hunting for a tennis racket.
Omar showed off a vintage 'Roy Robson' blazer – made in West-Germany and bought from a charity shop for about £10 – paired with Urban Outfitters jeans and Doc Martens. He wore two watches: a flea market find and a Casio, meaning his future clients might see him checking either wrist for time. His style influences come from prestige television: "I watch a lot of Sopranos, and like how they wear 'work' appropriate clothes but also leather jackets and blazers. What's that guy called… Christopher Moltisanti. Played by Michael Imperioli. That's my inspo."
Shahz, meanwhile, drew inspiration from South Korean DJ Peggy Gou. She layered a Zara 100% real leather jacket with suede lining over an Urban Outfitters full-sleeve distressed bolero situation. "The jeans are from Korea, they're actually men's tailored, from a solo trip in April for cherry blossom season," she noted. "And these are limited New Balance colorways, they're giving Ikea, but I kind of vibe with that. Jewellery-wise, rings are from Afflecks, and this bracelet is from Marrakech, which has my name on it in Arabic. Hair is a box-dye if that counts."
A Smiths family connection
Architectural photographer Martene Rourke, 44, was next. "This coat I got it in Munich 15 years ago from A.P.C." she said, throwing it on to complete the outfit. "It's cause I used to live in Germany, like the bag which is from Berlin." The shirt and trousers were both from UNIQLO "unfortunately," and her earrings and glasses came from Oliver Bonas.
But the chat took a surprising turn when Martene mentioned her uncle, Gary Whelan, drummer in Happy Mondays. Her partner then chimed in: "you're speaking to the adopted daughter of Andy Rourke from The Smiths." With Mike Joyce's book The Drums in hand, it made for a particularly special interview – not every day you can pull a book out of your bag and tell someone their dad is on the cover.
Fin and Bea: birthday style
Finally, Steal Their Style barged in on a quiet birthday celebration. "What's up!" began 22-year-old Fin, flashing numbers on his fingers as he spoke. "Fred Perry Polo, £10, Depop. Adrian loafers, £40, wait that's 8 fingers…" He continued: "These jeans are Edwin Selvedge denim… £200. Silly purchase," he whispered, before adding: "Actually no regrets, cause I've only got one pair of jeans, had them for two years, and it's a good piece of kit."
Fin listed James Dean and skinhead movements – "SHARPs though, not the racist skinheads" – as style inspirations, plus Paul McCartney, specifically Ram era. The group showed restraint in not breaking into Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.
Fin was in town celebrating Bea's birthday with drinks, pizza, mozzarella sticks and an emphasis on cheese-balls. Bea explained: "So this Ed Hardy top, I got for my birthday today, so I have no idea what the cost is. These (cargo trousers) were £4 from the charity shop, no idea what the brand is, I don't think they've even got a tag anymore. Then Doc Martens, they've got a little little platform on, I never go out without a platform shoe on."
Fin jokingly indicated she was actually only as tall as his knee. Bea's own style icons include "always stunning" Heather Baron-Gracie from Pale Waves, and Billie Eilish – "her modern look, baggy jeans, tight tops. That's probably about it."
