Style Inspiration Movies
Style is a finicky thing. It’s as constantly changing as the seasons. One day, you might reach for a pair of men’s shorts for summer and a polo shirt, and the next, you’re pulling on a puffer vest over a Henley shirt to match the weather. Even without the changing seasons, men’s style changes as they mature and age. While your favorite look might have been a varsity jacket, bamboo socks, jeans, and sunglasses a few years back, you might now find yourself leaning toward a pair of slacks with a turtleneck or sweater as your new style norm.
But even as we age and the seasons change, some styles are timeless. A well-fitted suit will always be an elegant choice. Collarless shirts, suede jackets, and driving gloves are some staples for casual elegance. Shorts, polo shirts, and sunglasses are part of a more laid back style. And if you ever wondered where style ideas and trends originate, look no further than the movies.
On the big screen, some actors’ and actresses’ styles have become as iconic as their characters. James Bond’s debonair suits are just as famous as his ability to solve the crime, save the world, and get the girl. Some parts of a character’s style may surpass the impact of the character. After the movie “Knives Out”, fans flocked to the store to buy the perfect cable knit sweater like Chris Evans’s character Ransom. And while some characters are fixed as style icons, sometimes new characters pop up and inspire a new, unexpected fashion trend. From Cary Grant to Ryan Gosling, men in films have exuded and influenced style throughout the years. If you’re looking for some inspiration, be sure to check out these movies for some amazing displays of impactful style.
1. A Single Man (2009)
Colin Firth’s character had an understated business classic style—none of his clothing was overly loud or attention-seeking. For most of the movie, his character wears an understated but well-tailored brown suit with a white oxford shirt. He sometimes dressed the suit up with a tie and tie bar and Tom Ford glasses. His outfit showed how a well-fitting suit can be used for everyday use. If you are looking for the style inspiration for classic business attire, look no further than “A Single Man.”
2. Bullitt (1968)
Steve McQueen was a style icon. The characters he played were always known for looking effortlessly cool. His character in “Bullitt” is probably one of his most stylish roles. He wore everything from a three-piece suit to a turtleneck showing the audience how to be effortlessly masculine while trying to get the bad guy. The iconic style in“Bullitt” shows that some outfits and items are timeless and classic. Whether you’re just looking to try a new style or you need to dress up for an event, look to this movie to see what outfits and items of clothing have lasted through the years.
3. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer were the epitomai of summer style in “Call Me By Your Name.” Both actors show how style changes as you age. In the movie, Chalamet wears a lot of summer shorts and bold patterns, and Hammer wears a lot of short-sleeved oxford shirts with shorts and loafers. This movie is a great guide for the best fashion looks for staying cool while the temperatures soar.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
In “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” Ryan Gosling taught us that confidence is key. He demonstrated how to mix and match patterns and textures along with the importance of a great fit. Whether you’re wearing tennis shoes or a three-piece suit, just remember, confidence is your best accessory.
5. James Bond series (1962-2020)
Agent 007 will always be known for his style. Even as we have seen new movies with new actors revise the iconic role of an international spy, James Bond, the character’s style is a mainstay. Over the years, 007 has worn everything from tuxes, scarves, and peacoats to turtleneck sweaters, suits, and gloves. Like Bond, your style should adapt to each situation and remember to always come prepared.
6. Shaft (1971–73, 2000, 2019)
The character, Shaft, was played by Richard Roundtree and later by Samuel L. Jackson. Both actors effortlessly wore a leather trench coat and made the character’s style their own with the layers under the coat. Roundtree paired his coat with a brown plaid flannel suit, and Jackson matched his jacket with a black mock turtleneck sweater. You can show your versatility and mix fabrics and textures, for an effortless cool like Shaft.
7. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Though the movie is set in the 1950s, its summer elegance is timeless. Matt Damon and Jude Law are effortlessly chic with their casual summer style. From loose shirts and polos to suits and ties, both characters exude a simple but sophisticated style. Don’t be afraid to go monochromatic or mix up your colors like Dickie and Tom.
8. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 and 1999)
Both Steve McQueen and Pierce Brosnan are stylish in their own way. In their respective movies, they both wear everything from a three-piece suit to a sweater under a Harrington jacket. Every outfit they wore was classic and elegant. McQueen’s sunglass game was on point with his Persol 714 model sunglasses. Try finding a signature accessory, and make it a mainstay of your wardrobe.
9. Trainspotting (1996)
This British movie showed how grunge could still be stylish. Usually, the grunge style consists of torn and baggy clothes — basically think of early 1990s rock bands. But the characters in this movie helped expand this style by incorporating more traditional clothes into the look. They wore anything from bomber jackets to comfortable suits and made these pieces fit the image. They helped remind us that you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time. Remember, in fashion, comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand. You can be daring and try out new styles or you can find something you like and stick with it. The new grunge style as seen in “Trainspotting” is still popular, and this movie can show you how to rock the same look.
