Wearing suede is never an easy ride. First, there’s the innate Western vibe, which when done wrong – think rhinestones or major fringing – can have you looking like an extra from a dodgy B movie. (To be fair, not necessarily a bad thing.) And you can't get suede wet, not even a little bit, and it's not exactly breathable, so if you're likely to sweat, do yourself a favour and go for cotton instead. Suede is actually a nightmare, really. But if you can get it right, nothing looks better, as Chris Pine recently demonstrated at the SXSW premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.
The actor, wearing a full suit of dusty green suede, by Bally, is known for his blue-chip hippy style, but even someone of his sartorial chutzpa might struggle. And yet, he's nailed it with aplomb. The trick to wearing suede is to make it seem like it's no big deal; like you're popping to the shops for pack of biscuits – a talent that comes a lot easier when you’re slim, handsome and inherently charismatic – and in this instance Chris Pine falls straight into that category.
Paired with a silk shirt – partially unbuttoned to expose a pendant necklace – black Wayfarers and boots, the suit has an off-duty tuxedo vibe thanks to its broad lapels and one-button front. It was picked from Bally’s spring/summer ’23 collection, the first designed by Rhuigi Villaseñor, and the Don’t Worry Darling star demonstrated that suede can look good in a tailored silhouette – even in 24-degree Austin weather. (The man must be employing industrial levels of antiperspirant.)
As discussed, it's not the first time the actor has been noticed for his dashing sartorial sensibility, but 2023 feels a little different. He’s gone back to a more boardroom-appropriate hairstyle in salt and pepper tones. And this look, in particular, feels a touch more white-collar than wavy. But it’s the suede that keeps it filled with free-spirited cool – who knows, you may give off that aura if you give this material a chance, too.
