My Style: Sue Cubitt
Occupation Psychotherapist. Age Ungallant to ask. Personal style Efficiency chic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Sherwood: Marlene Dietrich, Jean Muir, Catherine Deneuve: few women can wear tailored trousers with utter conviction, but I would add your name to the list, Sue. How did you find your style?
Sue Cubitt: I inherited my mother's love of fashion. She was an opera singer and rather flamboyant. I moved to London aged 16 and studied to be a nurse. Being in uniform all day made me long for the excitement and freedom of 1960s fashion. I spent every penny I earned at Biba and Mary Quant.
JS: Your career since then has been heroic: nursing Lady Lucan (before the scandal), working with alcoholics on Bermuda, being therapist-in-residence at the liberal boarding school Bedales and building a prestigious private practice. You must be the most glamorous psychotherapist in the business. What do your clothes say to your clients?
SC: I hope they say I am quite strong. I have to look credible, so my clients can believe in me, communicate with me and respect me.
JS: When I saw the insouciant jacket and languid trousers I thought you were in the fashion business. Talk me through the look.
SC: The jacket is MaxMara, the trousers are Boden, the T-shirt is from TopShop. The Russell & Bromley shoes are favourites, as it's difficult to find navy shoes. What did you think a psychotherapist would look like?
JS: Socks and sandals? Lumpy cardigans? I was one of those "stiff-upper-lip" Englishmen who thought therapy was for weak people. I've since seen a therapist who put me right.
SC: That stiff upper lip's interesting, isn't it? When I began, very few men came for therapy. Now 55 per cent of my clients are male. That is progress.
JS: What do you think about the "because I'm worth it" generation?
SC: There is a tendency with young men and women who want it all but don't want to put the time or effort in. That is a bit weak.
Get the 'I'm listening' look
Navy striped jacket £220, by Juicy Couture, at www.net-a-porter.com
Striped trousers £27, by Et Vous, at www.my-wardrobe.com
Silver cocktail watch £130, by Tissot, at www.ernestjones.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments