CHECKMATE IS CALLING

Looking to emulate the a sixties approach to pattern? Turn to Nico, who favoured a monochrome palette in her wardrobe and used it for a simple approach to print: stark black and white squares. Checkmate? Yes – topping off a billowing, floor-length dress, it’s ticking all of our boxes.

WHITE JEAN CHIC

As far as Nico was concerned, fashion was simple: continually white and continually chic. Her wardobe essential in the purest colour? Jeans. A straight cut was favoured by the singer, who styled them casually with a cropped suede jacket, finished with fur. And so a staple uniform proved a swinging success. Warhol was an admirer, so we are too. Day-to-night, this is your winter winner.

EMBRACE YOUR THEATRICALITY

Halloween’s fast approaching, all. Stuck for ideas? Nico’s got you covered. Her theatricality shone next to Andy Warhol as together, the pair emulated Batman and Robin. Not so much a serious sartorial note, but still a tip to always have fun with fashion. Like her costume, Nico was always flying through it.

ACCESSORISE WITH A MOTORCYCLE

Who says members of the motorcycle club need to be male only? Not Nico, who mixed a stylish, sixties babydoll look with a stylish, two-wheeled companion. Ready for the ride? Certainly, thanks to her layered top half: a turtleneck and belted jacket. As for her accompanying tartan skirt? For riders sake, her tip would be simple: don’t opt for an overly fitted piece. It’s time to let your travelling accessories do the talking here – aka your purring, bike boyfriend. Ready and rearing!

MAKE A STRIPED SUIT STATEMENT

Suited and booted? It’s a nod from Nico, who frequently styled two-pieces of the striped sort. And as per sixties style, her suited statement was to be finished in black and white. The accompanying accessories? A blouse beneath – with a pussy-bow pulled atop her length blazer. A fashion guide towards the geometric? Indeed – and one that continues to stand the test of time.

EXPOSE THE COLLAR

OK – so a fringe takeover was imminent in the sixties, with Nico in particular paving the way for feathered bangs to accompany a short, face-framing length. So what was her favoured way to fashion her chic haircut? Through an over-exposed collar. As Nico evidenced, one was to pave the way for a pointed neckband – layered with sophistication over a dark, knitted cardigan. A formal fantasy!

MAGIC IN METALLIC

Midi skirts are a hit this season, but according to Nico, they have been a statement since the sixties. Enter her metallic makeover – fabricated through a turquoise, knee- length number. As for her accompanying pieces? A striking black jacket and block white boots. All in all? A tasteful amount of shine for her singing statement. Much like her tv performance here, her metallic makeover was ready, steady, go.

LAYER YOUR MUSICIAN UNIFORM

A serious sartorial tip from a serious musician? Layer your uniform. Specifically – top off a billowing blouse with a fitted, sleeveless waistcoat. Nothing perfects a piano player more than her attire. As Warhol’s polaroid photo proved, Nico did much to marry her standout singer status with standout style. Contrast print with colour and skirt with shirt, and your material complexities will marry well to your music. Encore!

SHADE YOURSELF WITH SQUARES

You can almost hear Nico’s advice here: “don’t be a square, just shade yourself with them”. And so entered her sunglasses statement – black and bold. As for the squared structure, Nico used the striking shape to highlight her blunt bangs, to be followed by a black polo neck sweater and silver jewellery. With a nonchalant attitude and Warhol by her side, countless shades of cool were emitted. Their cult was calling!

HEAD TO TOE BLACK

One of her standout hits, ‘Rêve Réveiller’ communicated Nico’s need to wake up from a dream. So how did she communicate that sensuality? Through the most stark and sensual colour – black. Styled through a simple jumper, mini suede skirt, and long leather boots – Päffgen proved the hue to be far from boring. Rather, cladding oneself in the colour – head-to-toe – proved to materialise the uniform of a true artist. Black is a winner any winter – it’s a calling of one’s creativity. Cheers, Nico!