The Most Stylish Actors on Screen

The history of cinema is inextricably linked to the evolution of men’s fashion, with leading men often serving as the ultimate templates for style. From the structured tailoring of the Golden Age to the experimental silhouettes of the modern era, certain actors have defined their careers through their visual impact. These individuals possess a unique ability to carry a costume with an ease that blurs the line between character and personal identity. This list examines the actors whose on-screen presence has most significantly influenced global sartorial trends.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant is frequently cited as the definitive example of classic Hollywood elegance, most notably for his appearance in ‘North by Northwest’. The grey ventless suit he wore in the film remains one of the most celebrated garments in cinematic history. His style was characterized by clean lines and a preference for tailored perfection that complemented his athletic frame. Throughout his career, Grant maintained a wardrobe that defined the mid-century standard for the modern gentleman. His influence continues to serve as a primary reference point for timeless menswear.

Steve McQueen

Dubbed the “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen popularized a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic in films such as ‘Bullitt’. His use of the Baracuta G9 jacket and Persol sunglasses became iconic elements of his on-screen persona. In ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’, he demonstrated a masterclass in formal three-piece tailoring, proving his versatility across different styles. McQueen’s ability to look effortless in both casual knitwear and formal suits solidified his status as a fashion icon. His legacy persists through the continued popularity of the specific items he favored on camera.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman brought a sense of casual, Ivy League sophistication to the screen in films like ‘The Sting’ and ‘Cool Hand Luke’. He was known for making simple items, such as the white button-down shirt and denim, look incredibly refined. His style was often functional, reflecting the grit of his characters while maintaining a sharp visual edge. Newman’s choice of accessories, particularly his preference for certain chronographs, influenced watch culture as much as clothing. He remains a symbol of understated masculinity and enduring sartorial relevance.

James Dean

James Dean became the face of youthful rebellion through his minimalist but impactful wardrobe in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. The red Harrington jacket and plain white T-shirt he wore in the film became a uniform for generations of young men. His style was defined by a certain calculated dishevelment that felt authentic to the characters he portrayed. Despite a brief career, his visual identity in ‘East of Eden’ and ‘Giant’ left a permanent mark on American fashion. Dean’s ability to elevate basic workwear into a cultural statement is still studied by designers today.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier brought a refined and dignified presence to the screen, often utilizing wardrobe to emphasize the integrity of his characters. In ‘In the Heat of the Night’, his sharp, conservative suits served as a visual counterpoint to the sweltering, chaotic environment of the story. His clothing choices in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ reflected the changing social landscape of the 1960s with polished professionalism. Poitier’s style was always precise, favoring well-cut blazers and crisp shirts that projected authority. He is remembered for his role in breaking barriers while maintaining an impeccable sartorial standard.

Alain Delon

Alain Delon epitomized the “Le Look” aesthetic of French cinema, particularly in the crime thriller ‘Le Samouraï’. His use of the trench coat and fedora in the film created a silhouette that became synonymous with the cinematic hitman. In ‘La Piscine’, he showcased a relaxed, Mediterranean style that influenced resort wear for decades. Delon’s screen presence was defined by a cold, sharp elegance that relied on minimal ornamentation. He remains one of the most influential figures in European men’s fashion.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford became a symbol of American heritage style, particularly through his roles in ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Three Days of the Condor’. In the former, he donned pink suits and ornate formal wear that captured the decadence of the 1920s. In the latter, his use of peacoats and denim shirts defined the rugged, intellectual look of the 1970s. Redford’s ability to transition between high-fashion glamour and outdoorsy utility made him a versatile style icon. His on-screen wardrobe often reflected a quintessentially American sense of adventure.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine defined the “Mod” era of British style in films like ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Alfie’. His use of thick-rimmed glasses and slim-fitting suits became a signature look that represented the shifting cultural tides of London in the 1960s. In ‘Get Carter’, his long coats and somber tailoring reflected a harder, more cynical version of British masculinity. Caine’s style was always grounded in a sense of working-class upward mobility. He remains a key figure in the history of British sartorial excellence.

Marcello Mastroianni

Marcello Mastroianni was the face of Italian “Dolce Vita” style, most famously in the film ‘8 1/2’. His black suits, white shirts, and dark sunglasses created a look that was both intellectual and deeply stylish. He possessed a natural nonchalance, or “sprezzatura,” that made even the most formal attire appear relaxed. Throughout his collaborations with Federico Fellini, his wardrobe was essential to the dreamlike atmosphere of the films. Mastroianni is consistently cited as the primary inspiration for modern Italian tailoring.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford’s style on screen is defined by its functional and rugged nature, particularly in the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise. The combination of the brown leather jacket and fedora created one of the most recognizable silhouettes in film history. In ‘Blade Runner’, his character’s oversized, textured overcoat influenced the cyberpunk and futuristic fashion movements. Even in more traditional roles, such as ‘Sabrina’, Ford showcased a talent for wearing classic American tailoring. His on-screen wardrobe focuses on durability and character-driven practicality.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere’s role in ‘American Gigolo’ is credited with introducing the world to the deconstructed tailoring of Giorgio Armani. The film’s focus on the act of dressing established a new relationship between cinema and high fashion. Gere’s character moved with a fluid elegance that was mirrored by the soft shoulders and muted tones of his wardrobe. This collaboration transformed how men approached luxury clothing in the 1980s. The film remains a primary reference for the intersection of costume design and retail fashion.

George Clooney

George Clooney has built a career on a revival of the “Old Hollywood” aesthetic, characterized by classic tuxedoes and open-collar shirts. His appearance in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ showcased a modern take on the Rat Pack style, emphasizing sharp suits and a relaxed demeanor. Clooney’s on-screen wardrobe rarely follows fleeting trends, opting instead for timeless proportions. In films like ‘Up in the Air’, his attire reflects a polished, professional minimalist style. He is widely considered the modern successor to the elegant leading men of the 1950s.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is known for his ability to pull off eclectic and often daring wardrobes, from the gritty neon of ‘Fight Club’ to the retro cool of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. In ‘Snatch’, his character’s layered, rugged look showcased a different side of his sartorial range. He often uses clothing to deeply inform his characters, such as the colorful, patterned shirts in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’. Pitt’s style is characterized by a willingness to experiment with textures and eras. He remains a consistent trendsetter in both contemporary and period-piece fashion.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba’s portrayal of ‘Luther’ on the small screen transitioned into a larger-than-life style persona in films like ‘The Dark Tower’. He is often celebrated for his ability to wear structured, heavy overcoats and sharp British tailoring with great presence. His characters often project a sense of power and reliability through their clothing. Elba’s on-screen style is frequently a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern utility. He has become a global ambassador for sophisticated, masculine fashion.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling became a contemporary style icon following the release of ‘Drive’, where the quilted satin scorpion jacket became a viral fashion phenomenon. In ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’, his character served as a literal guide to modern men’s tailoring, emphasizing fit and color. He showcased a vibrant, retro-inspired palette in ‘La La Land’ that helped popularize slim-cut trousers and knit polos. Gosling’s on-screen choices are often meticulous and highly influential on high-street trends. He is known for a style that balances vintage aesthetics with a modern sensibility.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond redefined the secret agent’s wardrobe for a new generation, starting with ‘Casino Royale’. His suits, designed by Tom Ford, emphasized a muscular, tactical silhouette that moved away from the looser fits of previous eras. In ‘Skyfall’, his use of the Barbour jacket and knitwear showcased a more rugged, British heritage side of the character. Craig’s on-screen style is noted for its precision and the way it complements his physical performance. He has significantly influenced the modern trend toward closer-fitting, athletic tailoring.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy often brings a visceral, textured approach to his on-screen style, seen in the heavy shearling coats of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. In ‘Legend’, he portrayed the Kray twins, showcasing 1960s East End London tailoring with sharp, aggressive cuts. His characters often wear clothing that feels lived-in and functional, yet visually striking. Whether in the post-apocalyptic rags of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ or the classic suits of ‘Inception’, Hardy carries his wardrobe with a distinct intensity. He is celebrated for his ability to inhabit vastly different aesthetic worlds.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby in ‘Peaky Blinders’ sparked a global resurgence in early 20th-century British menswear. The combination of the detachable collar shirt, heavy wool overcoat, and newsboy cap became a cultural staple. In ‘Oppenheimer’, his silhouette was defined by wide-brimmed hats and high-waisted trousers that captured the 1940s academic aesthetic. Murphy’s slender frame allows for sharp, dramatic tailoring that emphasizes the stoic nature of his characters. His on-screen roles are often synonymous with distinct, era-defining headwear.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has become a leader in the “new masculinity” movement, often seen in experimental and gender-fluid costumes in films like ‘Dune’. His on-screen wardrobe in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ popularized a 1980s Italian summer aesthetic consisting of short shorts and linen shirts. He frequently collaborates with high-fashion designers to create looks that challenge traditional red-carpet and on-screen norms. Chalamet’s style is defined by its lean proportions and a willingness to embrace ornate fabrics. He is a primary influence on the fashion choices of the younger generation.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali is known for the quiet sophistication of his on-screen wardrobe, particularly in ‘Green Book’. His characters often wear clothing that reflects a high level of discipline and poise, using color and texture to convey emotion. In ‘Moonlight’, his style was more grounded and contemporary, yet still possessed a distinct visual authority. Ali’s ability to wear a tuxedo with impeccable grace has made him a favorite for costume designers. He represents a modern approach to classic, dignified dressing.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman brought a regal and futuristic sense of style to the screen in ‘Black Panther’. His costumes blended traditional African motifs with cutting-edge, high-tech silhouettes, creating a new visual language for superhero cinema. In ’21 Bridges’, he showcased a more traditional, sharp detective look that emphasized his commanding presence. Boseman’s on-screen style was often about representing power and heritage through fabric and form. His legacy includes a significant impact on how cultural identity is expressed through film fashion.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of ‘Sherlock’ modernized the classic detective’s wardrobe, making the Belstaff long coat a highly sought-after item. His on-screen style often emphasizes his tall frame with slim, structured silhouettes and rich textures. In ‘The Power of the Dog’, he successfully transitioned into a rugged, Western aesthetic that felt both authentic and stylistically considered. Cumberbatch often plays characters whose intelligence is reflected in their precise, often traditional wardrobe choices. He remains a key figure in modern British screen style.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles has transitioned from music to film while maintaining a reputation for bold, subversive style in movies like ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. His on-screen wardrobe in the film utilized 1950s Americana to create a polished, almost eerie perfection. He is known for embracing vintage aesthetics, often incorporating soft colors and patterns that deviate from standard masculine tropes. Styles’ influence on screen is a continuation of his personal brand of flamboyant, retro-inspired fashion. He is a key figure in the mainstreaming of eclectic, expressive menswear.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi has quickly established himself as a style icon through his roles in ‘Saltburn’ and ‘Priscilla’. In ‘Saltburn’, his character’s wardrobe reflected a casual, aristocratic ease that felt both modern and timeless. Playing Elvis Presley in ‘Priscilla’, he captured the evolution of 1950s and 60s rock-and-roll style with great accuracy. Elordi’s height and classic features allow him to carry vintage silhouettes with a natural grace. He is often cited as a modern example of the traditional leading man with a contemporary fashion edge.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler’s transformation in ‘Elvis’ required a massive range of costumes that charted the history of American music fashion. He moved seamlessly from pink lace shirts and wide-legged trousers to the iconic leather suits of the ’68 Comeback Special. His ability to inhabit these flamboyant costumes without being overshadowed by them earned him significant praise from the fashion community. In ‘The Bikeriders’, he shifted to a classic, gritty mid-century motorcycle aesthetic. Butler is recognized for his commitment to the visual storytelling of his characters through their attire.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, uses style to enhance the surreal and satirical elements of his work in ‘Atlanta’. His on-screen wardrobe often features a mix of high-fashion labels and thrift-store finds, creating a unique, “lo-fi” aesthetic. In ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, he brought a flamboyant, dandy-like elegance to the character of Lando Calrissian through a variety of capes and bold colors. Glover’s style is characterized by its unpredictability and its deep connection to contemporary culture. He is a prominent figure in the intersection of streetwear and high fashion on screen.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac often portrays characters with a rugged, intellectual style, seen in the heavy textures and knits of ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. In ‘A Most Violent Year’, his wardrobe was a masterclass in 1980s power dressing, featuring camel coats and Armani-inspired tailoring. He often uses clothing to project a sense of world-weariness or quiet intensity. In the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, his pilot uniform became a modern icon of heroic, functional sci-fi attire. Isaac’s screen style is defined by its versatility and masculine grit.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel has evolved from the casual style of ‘Skins’ to a sophisticated, bohemian aesthetic in ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’. His character in the film wore vibrant, layered Victorian garments that felt fresh and modern. He is known for embracing textured fabrics and unconventional colors that complement his features. In ‘Lion’, his more contemporary, relaxed wardrobe reflected a sense of globalized, modern identity. Patel’s on-screen style is often characterized by a sense of warmth and artistic flair.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ showcased some of the most iconic stage and screen costumes in recent years. He navigated the transition from 1970s glam rock to 1980s athletic minimalism with remarkable ease. In ‘No Time to Die’, his character’s minimalist, structured wardrobe provided a stark, modern contrast to the traditional Bond aesthetic. Malek is known for a personal and on-screen style that favors lean, precise tailoring and bold silhouettes. He continues to be a favorite for designers looking for a unique, modern muse.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield has demonstrated a talent for a variety of styles, from the academic “adorkable” look of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ to the theatrical costumes of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. His on-screen wardrobe often feels accessible and character-driven, emphasizing comfort and authenticity. In ‘Under the Silver Lake’, he embodied a specific type of Los Angeles slacker-chic that resonated with contemporary trends. Garfield’s style is marked by a certain lightness and an ability to make classic pieces feel youthful. He remains a prominent figure in the world of modern, relatable screen fashion.

Share your favorite on-screen style icons and your thoughts on their most memorable outfits in the comments.