Looking Back at Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts’ Timelessly Sharp Personal Style

As the world remembers Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones‘ drummer who died yesterday at 80 years old in the United Kingdom, and his influence on music, there’s also plenty to be said about his impeccable style.

As a member of one of the world’s most famous rock bands of all time, Watts was frequently in the spotlight for over 50 years. However, unlike the rock star stereotype, the musician didn’t dress in dramatic, edgy or flashy outfits. Instead, Watts preferred to keep his looks clean and simple, incorporating sharp coats and tailoring, minimalist patterns and tonal colors across sweaters, shirts and ties. This understated and classic style directly translated to his ethos about fame, as he previously told NME in a 2018 interview that he was “not really a rockstar.” “I don’t have all the trappings of that. Having said that, I do have four vintage cars and can’t drive the bloody things. I’ve never been interested in doing interviews or being seen,” Watts said at the time.

Similarly, Watts’ shoe style was equally versatile. While touring or onstage with the band, the musician was frequently seen wearing brown leather loafers in driver-on and lace-up styles. When completing press visits or attending events, he often wore shiny black wingtip or penny loafers. His approach to dressing was both sharp and timeless, and a testament to the enduring nature of sharp style.

Below, we looked back on some of Charlie Watts’ best looks over the years.

While arriving at London Airport in April 1967 after the end of the Stones’ European tour in Greece, Watts is seen alongside fellow musicians Brian Jones and Mick Jagger in a classic peacoat, printed button-up shirt and jeans. The star’s shoes of choice were a timeless pair of penny loafers.

While attending the New York City premiere of the Rolling Stones’ “Shine A Light” documentary in March 2008, Watts wore a classic three-piece black suit with a white collared shirt and black-and-white striped tie. The musician stepped onto the red carpet alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Manhattan.