I Love Zadie Smith's Style, Beauty and Books

 

Written by Safa Alhassan 

I love Zadie Smith’s style, beauty and books. As vain as it may sound, what first drew me to Zadie Smith wasn’t just her writing but it was her style and impeccable beauty. I remember coming across a picture of her, poised and graceful, wearing bold colors that seemed to reflect her personality. Her unique mix of turbans, thick glasses, Miu Miu dresses, and Marni graphic-print outfits gives her an intellectual and mysterious vibe. I loved her instantly. 

Then I came across an article on Vogue Magazine and that was where I realized that she doesn't even know she's stylish. That made me smile and I said to myself "typical". I read further about how the author is incredibly beautiful but not into fashion in the typical way.

You won’t find her sitting front row at Fashion Week or being a muse to any designer. Still, she's very in tune with pop culture, which shows in her writing. Her style is a mix of modern and old-school, with a real talent for picking out vintage dresses and also pulling off cool, creative looks today.

There was something about the way she looked; effortless yet intentional. This I must say piqued my curiosity. I thought to myself, What would someone so bold and composed write about? I picked up two of her books, On Beauty and White Teeth, eager to see if her writing matched her striking sense of style.

I am a lover of bold literature and rebellious writing, so Zadie Smith feels like a natural match. There’s a power in her appearance. When you see her, you see her bright outfits, the deep red lipstick she often wears, and the turbans. 

This resonates with me in a way because, like Smith, I appreciate an approach to life (and style) that's unique and meaningful. It's not about being at the center of fashion or constantly seeking validation through what’s popular. Instead, it's about being true to yourself. You can do that through writing, ideas, or even the way you dress.

Her style isn’t just clothes; it’s like a reflection of her worldview, and I see parallels in how I value being intentional in my own choices. Even when I read or express myself, there’s a personal depth that goes beyond what’s surface-level. Sometimes I love how subtle yet very noticeable it could be.

To me, her style tells a story long before you even read a word she’s written. It’s not just about fashion; it’s a form of expression, a glimpse into the creative mind behind the words.

I’ve always believed that writers should have a style, not just in their writing but in their appearance too. In many ways, how you present yourself is a reflection of your creativity. The outfits you put together, the colors, the textures, the cuts, they all tell a story.

For Zadie Smith, her style is effortless, a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. It reminds me of Frida Kahlo’s boldness. You know, the kind of woman who isn’t afraid to stand out, to be noticed, to be unapologetically herself.

In interviews, Zadie speaks with the same confidence that her style exudes. One interview in particular stood out to me where she spoke about writing fiction and how a story dies when you start worrying too much about what others think. I couldn’t agree more.

Originality is what makes creative work so powerful, and Zadie embraces that in everything she does. It’s what drew me to her as a writer, and it’s what keeps me interested in her work.

A Brief Biography of Zadie Smith

Born in North West London in 1975 to a Jamaican mother and an English father, Zadie Smith was always destined for a life of intellectual curiosity. She studied English literature at King’s College, Cambridge, where her talent for writing was quickly recognized.

Her first book, White Teeth, was published in 2000 when she was just 24 years old. The book became an instant success, earning her widespread acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.

Zadie Smith’s writing has themes of identity, multiculturalism, and also touches on how complex modern life can be. Her writing like most is often drawing from her own experiences as a woman of mixed race in Britain.

She’s written several other novels since White Teeth, including On Beauty, Swing Time, and NW. Her essays are also highly regarded, and she continues to be an influential voice in contemporary literature.

About the Books I'm About to Read

White Teeth is arguably Zadie Smith’s most famous work. It’s a multigenerational story that spans decades, bringing together the lives of two families in London.

The book deals with issues of immigration, identity, and cultural clashes in post-war Britain. It’s sharp, funny, and very insightful, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world. I’m excited to start reading this book, especially knowing the praise it has received and the fact that she wrote it at 24. I'm eager to detect her young voice and check for how it has changed over time.

On Beauty is another book that caught my eye. It’s a loose homage to E.M. Forster’s Howards End, but it’s set in contemporary America, focusing on a mixed-race family living in a university town.

The book is about family dynamics, academia, race and class. From the reviews I've seen, i noticed that it is intelligent and thought-provoking, with moments of humor. I can't wait to read. I have a lot of books on my to-read list this moment. Sometimes I wish I could just gulp them all down in one go.

Other Titles by Zadie Smith

In addition to White Teeth and On Beauty, Zadie Smith has written several other notable books. Swing Time (2016) is a fascinating exploration of friendship, identity, and ambition, while NW (2012) is about her native North West London, focusing on the lives of four characters and how they survive their urban environment.

Zadie Smith’s non-fiction work is also very compelling. Two of her essay collections titled Changing My Mind and Feel Free, showcase her sharp intellect and how she is able to dissect everything from pop culture to politics. I am impressed and in awe at her versatility. She is very intelligent I must say.

In Conclusion

Zadie Smith is more than just a writer. To me, she is an artist who uses both her words and her appearance to make a statement. She reminds us that creativity isn’t limited to the page.

Creativity is in the way we carry ourselves, the clothes we wear, the stories we tell, and the boldness with which we express our individuality. 

As I begin reading her work, I know I’ll discover even more about the woman behind the books. What Zadie Smith book do you recommend I read next?