How to style like … 4 authors with distinctive personal styles, from Joan Didion to Zadie SmithJun 19, 2026Tom Wolfe, Joan Didion, Colson Whitehead and Zadie Smith have personal styles that are as creative as their writing. Photos: Getty Images, WireImageChannel these famous writers with the help of Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Saint Laurent – perhaps inspiration will strike, tooMany great writers also possess a distinct sense of style. Some notable names from the past even went on to become fashion icons in their own right – think of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s dapper tailoring or Virginia Woolf’s maximalism. Read on to explore the personal style of four more recent literary giants with sartorial flair.Colson WhiteheadAmerican writer Colson Whitehead wears a striped T and fitted jeans. Photo: Getty ImagesThis two-time Pulitzer Prize winner often opts for casual wardrobe staples that can be mixed and matched.Visvim T-shirtVisvim T-shirt at Mr Porter (US$525). Photo: HandoutManolo Blahnik sneakersManolo Blahnik sneakers (US$925). Photo: HandoutFedeli trousersFedeli trousers at Mytheresa (US$310). Photo: HandoutPaul Smith socksPaul Smith socks (US$24). Photo: HandoutJoan DidionJoan Didion, pictured in 2007, wearing a checked blazer and a knee-length skirt. Photo: WireImageFamous for works such as The White Album, Didion liked to lift elegant basics with her signature oversized sunglasses.Aquazzura sunglassesAquazzura sunglasses (US$650). Photo: HandoutRemain blazerRemain blazer at Farfetch (US$305). Photo: HandoutSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x