Even the most stylish of us aren’t immune to a bout of tailoring tedium from time to time. Thankfully, finding inspiration is as easy as parking yourself on the sofa, streaming a movie and taking a few mental notes from the Hollywood elite.
But we’re not talking heroes here. Movie bad guys might have some questionable morals, but man, do they know how to make a suit look sharp.
Here, four stylish villains – from four equally slick movies – show how to take your tailoring game to the next level.
1. Get Earthy
AMI Coat, £540, Mr Porter; Boglioli Jacket, £650, Mr Porter; Shirt, £55, Arket; Chinos, £34.90, Uniqlo
The inspiration: August Walker (Henry Cavill) in Mission Impossible: Fallout
You know him as the rogue CIA assassin trying to create a new world order in the latest Mission Impossible instalment. We know him as a guy who really understands how to nail the new neutrals.
When he’s not taking on Tom Cruise, Walker’s earthy ensemble is a great example of how ditching blues, black and greys in favour of greens, browns and beige can subtly elevate your transitional tailoring options.
To bring it all together, choose a contrasting shirt to offset the jacket. Pale blue or white are your best options.
2. Go Tonal
Jacket, £275, Reiss; Shirt, £200, Emma Willis; Trousers, £129, Hugo Boss; RM Williams Boots, £350, Mr Porter
The inspiration: Frank Zariakas (Jason Clarke) in Serenity
As the main antagonist in this neo-noir thriller (co-starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway), suffice to say Frank’s a rather nasty piece of work. But we can still glean some suit-jacket styling tips from this champagne-swilling villain.
Here is a man who understands the impact a statement jacket can make and how to deploy tonal colour matching to maximum effect.
With the jacket as your hero piece, pick something bold and vibrant, like burgundy or teal, then choose a shirt in a lighter shade of the same colour to add some freshness. Apply the same rule to your tie and pocket square, too.
3. Embrace The Air Tie
Blazer, £250, Reiss; Shirt, £55, Arket; Trousers, £115, Reiss; APC Shoes, £345, Matches Fashion
The inspiration: Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) in American Gangster
Ridley Scott’s 2007 movie is based on the escapades of real-life hustler Frank Lucas, a notorious crime lord in 1970s New York and, it would appear, an early adopter of the ‘air tie’ trend.
It’s a simple but transformative trick. Ditch the necktie and button your shirt right to the top. It may not sound like a powerful style move, but it lends any suit a contemporary edge, while still looking sharp. The air tie is a favourite on the red carpet among the likes of Ryan Gosling and Timothée Chalamet.
4. Add Textured Outerwear
Polo Ralph Lauren Coat, £1,095, Mr Porter; Thom Sweeney Jacket, £1,395, Matches Fashion; Shirt, £215, Turnbull & Asser; Tie, £45, Reiss
The inspiration: Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp) in Murder On The Orient Express
Often, an overcoat is just an afterthought. Something to be thrown on and forgotten about during those chillier nights, and certainly not an integral element of an outfit. But Depp’s mustachioed villain in this lavish reboot of the classic Poirot murder mystery thinks differently: his weathered leather overcoat is the linchpin of his entire ensemble.
Opting for an overcoat with a contrasting texture (leather, herringbone wool, jacquard) to your suit jacket adds depth and a sense of sophistication, bringing even the simplest of suits to life.
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