Embracing a wardrobe of technical tailoring, bright block colours and big black stomper boots, Timothée Chalamet’s fierce approach to fashion has redefined formal dressing for the modern age. And there's no sign of him slowing down.
As Jo Ellison, editor of Financial Times How To Spend It, put it, “Chalamet doesn’t flinch from wearing tricky fashion choices. He has the gift of sartorial insouciance and is never overwhelmed by his clothes.”
With that in mind, we thought it was high time we pulled together his most iconic style-centric moments. If you’re looking for a spot of style inspiration, there’s really no better point of call...
When: 13 October 2018
Why it works: Hear the words “flower power” and some the worse looks of the seventies probably spring to mind. Thanks to Chalamet, however, the term has been given a whole new meaning. Rocking this romantic floral suit by Alexander McQueen, the actor based his two-piece with some serious footwear: black leather Chelsea boots. Stomper boy meets regal tailoring? It’s an unlikely (but winning) combination.
When: 6 January 2019
Why it works: If you’re going for head-to-toe black, there’s only one accessory to top off your tailoring and it’s not a double-breasted blazer. Quite the opposite: a harness. Yes. A harness. Sounds bizarre, we know, but when Chalamet arrived at the Golden Globes, he looked totally bedazzling thanks to the deconstructed Louis Vuitton piece over his black shirt and trousers. Half armour-like, half elegant, this is how to finish your formalwear in 2019.
When: 27 January 2019
Why it works: Ross Geller wasn’t wrong with the whole leather pants thing. Done right (and without the risk of needing talc and lotion), a slim-cut pair can look incredibly cool. The secret to pulling them off? Style them with basics à la Chalamet: a buttoned, polka-dot shirt, single-breasted blazer and pointed boots. Zooming in on that shoe style especially; the pointed design is a good little trick for making the legs look longer. A lower half in leather? Works for us.
When: 4 March 2019
Why it works: If a black-tie event sits on your upcoming calendar (quite likely considering New Year’s Eve is just around the corner), Chalamet’s got a styling tip for you: reverse the colours of the code. White tie is the new black tie, so rock up to your event in a single-breasted cream suit (shawl lapels only) and you’ll be redefining the code with pure elegance. Chunky leather boots are a must (obvs) too.
When: 2 September 2019
Why it works: Wearing Haider Ackermann to The King photo call during the 76th Venice International Film Festival in 2019, Chalamet served a lesson in casual formalwear. His kimono-style asymmetric jacket allowed him to inject some fun into his look, which he left untucked, and instantly cemented him as one of the best-dressed men at the fest.
When: 2 September 2019
Why it works: This is the outfit that earned Chalamet the No1 spot on our 2020 Best-Dressed Men list. Why? Because every detail is well considered. Sharp tailoring? Check (he’s got Haider Ackermann to thank for that). Stylish materials? Also check (an ivory satin panel was attached to his blazer to complement his asymmetrical suit). And as for the finishing touch? A cinching waistband worn over his tailoring, shaking up the style game while also giving a real gown-like quality to his outfit. Put simply: this is modern elegance.
When: 1 October 2019
Why it works: Sure, the single breasted black suit is the most obvious option for a formal event, but Chalamet still knows how to keep it interesting. It's all in the styling, and in this case specifically, through injecting a pop of colour. He's done it here with the help of a lemon turtleneck which, worn underneath some classic tailoring and black leather boots, looked unbelievably cool.
When: 3 October 2019
Why it works: Who says you can't bring loungewear to the red carpet? Certainly not Chalamet who, attending the premiere of The King, opted to wear a Swarovski crystal-embellished hoodie from Louis Vuitton. Styled with some simple straight cut trousers (semi tucked into some seriously good lace up boots), this was an entirely new ballpark for formal wear. And it worked.
When: 4 October 2019
Why it works: As much a stalwart of style on the red carpet, Timothée Chalamet has perfected interesting downtime dressing. Case in point: he has perfected the tucked-in sweatpants and it has become his signature off-duty style move.
When: 8 October 2019
Why it works: In case you hadn't yet concluded, Chalamet can pull off pretty much anything on the red carpet. Even artistic overalls, which he styled with some chunky white boots (to say the least). Crafted in acid wash denim and topped with a colourful, splattered design, his ensemble was created by American artist Sterling Ruby, who began his venture into fashion design just last year. Looking to switch up your formal game? Trade in your tailoring for workwear like Chalamet.
When: 8 October 2019
Why it works: Chalamet is one of the more playful dressers on the red carpet circuit and here he has added a youthful touch to his shiny, ash-coloured Haider Ackermann silk suit by opting for a half tuck.
When: 10 October 2019
Why it works: There are two facts to take from Chalamet’s wardrobe: first, he likes to embrace a two-piece; second, he prefers to do so in eye-popping colour. Case in point: his arrival to The King premiere, for which he sported a stellar blue shirt and slim-cut trousers. The shade speaks for itself here, so keep accessories to a minimum and bring a bit of extra wildness through your grooming. Wondering how to get those perfect locks? Our guide will help you out.
When: 7 December 2019
Why it works: To anyone who thought pinstripe was boring, look at this style move from Chalamet. Alongside some skinny tailored trousers and a neat little double breasted waistcoat, he kept things formal on top through a base layer of a white striped shirt. And as for his footwear? Some seriously eye catching combat boots from Alexander McQueen. Finished with a splash of silver jewellery, the outfit was full on Peaky Blinders, and we're big fans of it.
When: 12 December 2019
Why it works: Sure, we love a classic black suit, but it’s 2020, so why not shake things up a bit in the tailoring department. The answer? Fuchsia. Chalamet made a solid case for the botanical shade in this louche three-piece by Stella McCartney. Styled with leather cowboy boots (shout-out to those studded rims) and topped with silver jewellery, the simple look really does work best (especially when you master it through a burst of bright colour).
When: 16 December 2019
Why it works: Attending the Little Women premiere in 2019, Chalamet wore a Thom Browne seersucker single-breasted suit in a perfectly pretty hue of pink. Looking more like he was attending a summer daytime bash in the Hamptons, Chalamet schooled everyone on how to do smart-casual summer parties, in the depths of winter.
When: 16 December 2019
Why it works: Channeling the Beastie Boys' 1992 release Check Your Head or Kurt Cobain, Timothée Chalamet turned up to a Little Women London photocall at The Corinthia Hotel in London dressed like an extra from Nirvana. We're into it.
When: 8 January 2020
Why it works: You've probably gathered that Chalamet isn't afraid of embracing a bright cream suit. But to add to that fact, he also isn't afraid to top that off with yet another statement: striking lapels. Arriving to the National Board of Review in New York, he proved that finishing blazer touches really do count, rocking some jet black peak lapels to compliment his classic leather boots. Monochrome dressing to a whole new level.
When: 9 February 2020
Why it works: Attending the 2020 Oscars Timothée Chalamet gave us another dose of the workwear trend we got from Frank Ocean and Kanye West. Dressed in Prada the Little Women star was a cross between a bodyguard and petrol station worker, and ripped up the red carpet rule book in one satisfyingly easy move.
When: 29 February 2020
Why it works: Attending the Haider Ackermann Autumn/Winter 2020 catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week, Chalamet continued on his streak of sustainability and donned a pair of bleached organic jeans.
When: 19 March 2020
Why it works: As countries across the world were plunged into lockdown earlier thus year, Chalamet didn't let anything stop him in the style stakes. Here, he served a badass isolation 'fit, which consisted of a Prada Re-Nylon jacket, Prada brown slacks, New Balance sneaks and a Chelsea FC cap.
When: 9 April 2021
Why it works: Whether it's Jaden Smith-designed NBs or Casablanca's take on the Boston-based brand's rubber-soled treads, you can guarantee that Timothée Chalamet will be sporting New Balance. Our advice? Do the same.
When: 13 July 2021
Why it works: Attending a Louis Vuitton dinner celebrating cinema during Cannes Film Festival, Timothée Chalamet made a case for dressing down.
When: 12 July 2021
Why it works: For his first official public appearance in over a year, Chalamet went high-shine, dressing like a high fashion Tin Man, in turn stealing much of the attention on the red carpet.
When: 3 September 2021
Why it works: Attending Venice Film Festival 2021, Chalamet jazzed up a simple bomber jacket and trouser combo with a Cuban heel.
When: 13 September 2021
Why it works: Remember when Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain served high-low couple dressing at the VMAs in the Nineties, with the former in a satin gown and the latter in Converse and a pair of jeans? Well Timothée embodied that aesthetic and did it all himself for the 2021 Met Gala in a Haider Ackermann tuxedo jacket, Rick Owens sweat pants and a pair of Converse.
When: 21 October 2021
Why it works: For a London-located Dune photocall, Chalamet sported a mushroom-printed suit and matching shirt from Brit designer Stella McCartney. Author of the book upon which the film is based, Frank Herbert, was inspired to write Dune from his love of collecting mushrooms and magic mushrooms. A neat nod from Chalamet.
When: 17 October 2021
Why it works: Leaving a special screening of Dune at Leicester Square's Cineworld, Chalamet slipped into yet another sparkly number and stomper boots.
When: 18 October 2021
Why it works: Attending the Dune premiere in Leicester Square, Chalamet looked to Brit designer Alexander McQueen and its creative director Sarah Burton. He wore a single-breasted wool suit which came with slashed leg and arm detailing and metallic zips. Another futuristic serve.
When: 2 September 2022
Why it works: Attending the Bones And All premiere in Venice, Timothée Chalamet rocked one of his most daring fits to date. Designed by the thesp's go-to and friend Haider Ackermann, the satin two-piece exposed Chalamet's entire back.
When: 2 September 2022
Why it works: Attending the British Vogue Darlings At Venice Film Festival In Partnership With Cartier party, Chalamet served in Alexander McQueen black tie. True to form, he gave it a rebellious twist, turning one lapel up and out.
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