Alexa Chung Embraces Quirky Maturity: Welcoming Her 'Eccentric Aunt' Phase at 40

Alexa Chung has just moved back into her renovated home and is excitedly showing off her new shoe cupboard in a virtual tour. It’s a dream come true—a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe brimming with stunning shoes. However, the camera then reveals a massive pile of additional footwear on the floor. “I have to admit, shoes are my weakness,” Chung confesses. “I created this cupboard, a lifelong dream, but not all my shoes fit.” She points out three pairs of Carel Mary Janes within sight, adding, “But I wear them every day.” It’s refreshing to see that even someone with enviable style faces storage dilemmas. This relatability is part of what makes Chung a standout figure in effortlessly chic British fashion. She effortlessly blends casual pieces, like jeans and loafers, with striking outfits that seem exclusive to her. At 40, her appeal remains strong, especially as the classic, preppy style she popularized during her T4 days returns to the spotlight. After closing her own brand, Alexachung, in March 2022 due to pandemic challenges, she is now diving back into collaborations, recently launching a denim line with Madewell and a new partnership with Barbour, a brand closely associated with her early career.

“We must remember that my initial attraction to Barbour was rooted in humor,” Chung reflects, reclining on her bed after showcasing her shoe collection. “It was ironic to embrace a brand typically associated with country grannies while living in London as a young person, and that’s how our connection began.” As the creative director of The Edit by Alexa Chung, she has crafted 11 pieces available on Barbour’s website, including modern interpretations of classic coat designs and a pair of gardening clogs perfect for her morning coffee runs, alongside Made-in-Scotland knitwear featuring bold stripes and elegant cardigans. “Finding a coat that genuinely keeps you warm and dry can be challenging. Thank goodness for Barbour—they really deliver,” Chung adds. While every designer and high street brand may be releasing their version of the “barn coat” this season, it’s a style that Barbour has perfected over decades, favored even by the Royal family. Chung’s fresh take on these classic silhouettes breathes new life into them, making them appealing to a younger audience while honoring the brand’s rich heritage.

“Since my last collaboration with Barbour in 2022, my love for oversized silhouettes has really evolved, making these designs bolder,” Chung shares. “My favorite piece is the Liam coat, which features a hood—something I noticed was missing from my other Barbour jackets. A hood is crucial for winter!” She appreciates the coat's slouchy fit, making it versatile for both city and country wear. With a nod to 90s nostalgia, the Liam coat echoes the parkas favored by Oasis, perfect for those rainy British summer shows.

Chung believes that a good waterproof coat can elevate your winter wardrobe. “I’ve realized that having a weatherproof option means I can wear a nice outfit underneath instead of layering on 55 items. Now, I can throw on this coat over a normal outfit,” she explains, embodying both her time in New York and her southern roots.

In addition to the outerwear, Chung wanted to add elements of flair with pieces like the flounced Maximillian shirt. “I have a lot of gay friends who often want to borrow my blouses but can’t fit into them, so I kept them in mind while designing,” she notes. “I think the inherent androgyny of Barbour could use a touch of frill or femininity.”

Turning 40 last November hasn’t dampened Alexa Chung’s passion for style experimentation. “I’m in my Grey Gardens, eccentric aunt phase,” she chuckles, referencing the iconic 1975 documentary about two stylishly unconventional relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy, as we discuss her newfound love for headscarves and long necklaces. Although she aimed to create a silk scarf with Barbour, the idea didn’t materialize, prompting her to suggest sourcing vintage options instead. “When I think about my favorite wardrobe pieces, they’re all vintage,” she muses. “Perhaps it’s the romance of knowing that no one else has them, or maybe it’s that things were simply made better back in the day. Plus, the thrill of the treasure hunt is a huge part of the appeal.”

Her most memorable vintage find? “I have this quirky jumper—red and striped, from the 70s, in a rather unappealing polyester fabric. It’s the kind of piece that makes you wonder, do I love it or is it hideous? I can never quite decide.” Chung also enjoys the affordability of secondhand shopping. “If something costs £7 instead of hundreds, I’m more inclined to buy it and take a chance. It allows for a more playful approach to fashion.”