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We believe that good style is a lifelong mission. After all, there are a lot of factors involved in truly nailing a classic look: confidence, accessories, really good tailoring. If you’re currently undergoing your own style apprenticeship, you’re likely to learn a lot from people who generally get it right.
One of those people is actor Idris Elba. He’s best known for his roles in The Wire, Luther and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Fittingly, Elba is also rumoured to be in the running to take over as the next James Bond.
In addition to five Golden Globe nominations, four Emmy Award nominations, a MOBO Inspiration award and an OBE, Elba has also been honoured in the fashion world. He was named by GQ magazine as one of the 50 best dressed British men in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
And why should we be surprised? Christian Louboutin has described Elba as “the perfect combination of traditional and stylish.” While Imran Amed, founder and editor of The Business of Fashion, says “equipped with the kind of natural machismo that makes dressing seem effortless, Idris Elba wears clothes that casually challenge conformity with verve and confidence.”
Though Elba seems more than qualified to carry off a range of looks both formal and informal, we, of course, think he looks his best in more traditional tailoring. That’s not to say, however, that Elba wears a suit just like anyone else.
In fact, the main reason Elba has become something of a style icon is thanks to his slightly offbeat take on tailoring. Style apprentices, take note.
We’re impressed by:
- His popped collar look
- His bespoke suit and flat cap look
- His black tie, black shirt, black collar look
- His knitwear under tailoring look
- His statement glasses and bow tie look
- His bold pinstripes and pocket square look
Want more Idris Elba inspiration? Here are eight style rules you could learn from him.