Olivia Dean's style sits somewhere between Diana Ross at Studio 54 and your coolest friend who just knows what looks good. It's big, it moves, it's unapologetically extra, but never feels like she's trying too hard.
Old Hollywood glamour but make it functional for someone who actually dances on stage. Slinky slip dresses, sequined minis, skirts with actual volume. Think cowl necklines, jewel tones, fabrics that catch light and move with you instead of against you.
Her stylist Simone Beyene pulls from a few key reference points—70s soul, romantic maximalism, that free-spirited boho energy—but it never feels overly conceptual. Dean just looks like she's having a good time getting dressed.
The proof it works? Her album The Art of Loving has its own flawless and highly acclaimed, but her wardrobe has its own fan account. @oliviadeanscloset has 7,816 followers tracking every look. When your outfits get their own Instagram, you're doing something right.
The Style: Old Hollywood Meets 70s Soul
Dean performs like she means it, dancing, heel kicks, tambourine shakes. Her wardrobe keeps up: slinky slip dresses with cowl necklines, sequined minis, voluminous skirts paired with cropped tops. Nothing restricts movement.
The through line is Diana Ross energy filtered through Old Hollywood glamour Jewel tones and metallics dominate. Textures that matter, satin that catches light, sequins that shimmer, fabrics that flow rather than cling.
Her aesthetic bridges several worlds: the drama of Romantic Maximalism, the free-spirited femininity of Boho Romantic dressing, and the theatrical edge of 70s disco performance wear.
The Olivia Dean Wardrobe Formula
Dean's aesthetic works at multiple price points. The core principles:
- Movement over stiffness — Fabrics with weight and flow: silk, satin, chiffon, crepe.
- Romantic details, used sparingly — Embroidery, lace, ruffles, puff sleeves. One statement piece per outfit.
- Old Hollywood + 70s Soul — Where vintage glamour meets disco energy. Sequins with soul.
- Volume — A voluminous skirt. A dramatic sleeve. Let one piece make the statement.
Your entry point: a vintage-inspired slip dress in a jewel tone, an embroidered blouse channeling bohemian femininity, or a sequined mini bringing retro maximalism into your rotation.
The Brands: From Burberry to Under-the-Radar Gems
Dean's wardrobe spans luxury houses and emerging designers with equal conviction. Burberry chose her for their Burberry Her fragrance campaign. She's worn Chanel, Miu Miu, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, and Rabanne.
But the real story is Simone and Olivia's eye for emerging talent:
Chopova Lowena created her most meaningful look: a custom Glastonbury 2024 dress featuring a photo of her grandmother Carmen. Hardware-adorned Bulgarian design meets deeply personal storytelling.
Feben, founded by CSM graduate Feben Vemmenby, specializes in sculptural draping. Dean wore the Jersey Fringe Dress for her Tonight Show appearance—pieces that move like she does.
Shushu/Tong, the Shanghai label doing "bows with rebellion," appeared in a lime-green embellished co-ord for Color x Studios. Sugar-sweet with an edge.
David Koma, former Mugler creative director, dressed Dean in a feathered baby-blue maxi for Sydney. Pure glamour, pure movement.
16Arlington provided the feathered midi skirt for her sultry Carole King cover. Late-night glamour specialists.
Conner Ives created the pale blue floral-embellished dress with fringe for "Man I Need"—styled with Manolo Blahniks, naturally.
KNWLS, South London brand, gave us an unexpected moment: mini dress with knee-high fuzzy boots at Lollapalooza. Perfectly kitsch.
Bec + Bridge and Aprés Studios—Australian labels she championed during Laneway Festival. Dean spotlights local designers wherever she tours.
The Contemporary Labels
Dean doesn't just wear runway. She mixes in contemporary brands at accessible price points—not fast fashion, but thoughtfully designed pieces that last.
The Own Studio (London) — Dean wore their Curve Between the Lines halter dress to the Bridget Jones premiere. Handmade bridal and evening wear designed for rewearing, not one-time events. "Sartorially sustainable" is their whole thing.
AYM Studio (UK) — The butter-yellow Wimbledon dress. Double-layered pieces made in the UK, King's Award winner. Ethical production, built for versatility.
Rachel Gilbert (Australian) — Sequined mini in Sydney. Contemporary luxury with intricate hand embellishment. Worn by Nicole Kidman and Taylor Swift, stocked at THE ICONIC and David Jones.
Peachy Den (East London) — Airport leather bomber moment. Streetwear meets vintage kitsch, community-focused with pop-ups and Peachy FC.
What matters: Dean mixes them all. Peachy Den leather jacket with Citizens of Humanity jeans and a Burberry scarf. The Own Studio evening wear with Cartier jewelry. No brand hierarchies, just good pieces styled with intention.
Building the Look
Slip Dresses
Dean's are never basic. Cowl necklines that drape, sequined embellishments, fringe trim. Vintage-inspired pieces in jewel tones or metallics with weight and movement.
Romantic Tops
Victorian details—puff sleeves, embroidered florals, lace trim, ruffles—but styled modern. A heavily embroidered blouse with simple trousers. Sheer lace layered over structure. Romantic bohemian peasant blouses that work within a contemporary wardrobe.
Statement Skirts
Tiered maxis with volume. Pleated midis that swish. High-waisted styles that allow movement. 70s disco energy—skirts made for dancing.
Olivia Dean is rewriting pop star fashion by choosing joy over minimalism. The swish of a vintage skirt, sequins under stage lights, the confidence of knowing you look hot while singing your heart out.
Whether you're tracking every look on @oliviadeanscloset or just casually obsessed, the takeaway is simple: the best style makes you feel something.
