He is a man who personifies the embodied notion of an individual who is completely at home and comfortable in his own skin, a gent who has rightfully earned his commendable distinction as a man of refined class and cultivated character.
He is simply an unpretentious cavalier of exemplary style and effortless grace.
A classic Brit with chiseled features seemingly pilfered from that of a Greek god, looking equally prim, primp, and proper has always come to Mr. Law with relative ease irrespective of what any social calling at hand stylishly dictate he wear — whether dressing up in his Sunday bests for date night or dressing down to take the dog for a daily stroll. On Jude, clothing has an almost mystical ability to actively adapt to his every need and whimsical desire no matter the circumstance.
And yet, one needs to venture beyond his boyish good looks to find what is the true lasting testament of his style: the chameleon-esque characteristic nature that underscores his innate ability to harmoniously adapt and strip off the wardrobing deadweight as he tastefully ages with grace and style in tact.
Case in point: his embracing of a receding hairline that would send nearly any other man into a worrisome frenzy.
That said, it was not always a cakewalk for Mr. Law as his early years can attest to just such a fact. They were indeed very touch-and-go, with plenty a tabloid stumble here and style blunder there, but it is these very experiences that have set him upon the path of becoming the consummate modern day English gentleman (and father) that he is today.
From stage plays to cinematic blockbusters, social commentaries and philanthropic advocacy to simply enjoying the company of his ever-growing contingent of children, Mr. Law has finally embraced life to its fullest. And as a man entering the second act of his life, he has accepted the inevitable natural decay of his once gilded and near-impeachable handsomeness whilst likewise becoming more in tune with not only his style and fatherly duties but also more at home with himself then he ever was before as consequence.
Gone is the purported vanity and in its place stands a renewed personal doctrine that entails embracing every change and challenge that presents itself with an adventurous spirit in hand…and always doing it in style.
Age brings wisdom, and Mr. Law has put that resource to good use in the last decade in order to craft a more polished and refined aesthetic that can stand as a fine example for any young impressionable mind out there looking for a stylish muse of sorts.
Now, as for that style…
He is a veritable Mr. Versatile, a man who can wear virtually any article of clothing with ease but prefers to keep it toned down and reflectively honest to what speaks to him on an individual level — which is definitively a wardrobe (and aesthetic) that leans towards casually-inclined sartorial elegance.
Both on and off-camera — the latter being where the true measure of a man’s style lies —Mr. Law always manages to cut a dashing figure, being a man who wears his clothes with confidence and not a man who is a slave to them (or to any label for that matter).
But, it is off camera where his ornate stylish aesthetics have truly blossomed in recent years.
Fundamentally speaking, his signature personal style is now something may men marvel at — whereas in the past it was often a rudderless vessel that stopped at various trending ports without purpose or intent — and is something that can be succinctly summarized as follows:
Predominantly monochromatic in tonal thematic essence (near exclusive blacks, whites, greys, and blues with little to no colour strewn about) and carried by an essentialists approach to wardrobing that sees him relying upon a few signature pieces that are not only seasonally transitional and versatile but also easy rotated and a cinch to mix-and-match in a multitude of flattering effects and variations.
As such, one could say that Law likes to lean upon proven looks and timeless staple menswear pieces that are always clean, coordinated, comfortable, and fitted properly to best accentuate his lithe physique.
Not so much a peacock as a timeless essentialist, Law has a considered ability to tastefully marry the contemporary with the classical with charismatic élan and an a dependable consistency. The proof? His well documented natural penchant for the smart-casual pairing of a blazer + t-shirt alongside denim or some sort of dress trouser.
To that tune, here is two inspirational outfit dossiers that detail looks that Jude relies upon year-in-year out. One smart, the other casual, both are reflective of his versatile, yet streamlined essentialist style…
Channel Your Inner Jude
:| SPORT IT LIKE JUDE |:
: Casual Monochromatic Essentialism : While on furlough or just simply enjoying his leisure time — walking the dog, heading out for a spot of java/tea — Jude likes to keep it simple and aesthetically monochromatic. Which is precisely why infallible classic essentials like slim-fitting grey (or white) t-shirts, black skinny jeans, and black suede Chelsea boots seemingly dominate his casual wardrobe. Worn alone or as a flatteringly unifying team alongside a black leather bomber (or moto jacket), these pieces create a look that is both comfortable and stylishly understated. Top the off with a black felt fedora (or grey beanie if you prefer) and grey silk scarf (both go-to’s for Law) to truly emanate Jude’s laid back, yet considered style and vibe. :Regal Charm: Mr. Law has a sartorial affinity for double-breasted garments (whose natural formality he commonly plays down with fitted t-shirts) and is consequently often snapped by casual bystanders and street/professional photographers alike while sporting any number of variations — routinely a navy or grey blazer —of this signature personal style staple essential. Which is why the linchpin of this particular look (worn while attending Wimbledon) is a sharp and undeniably chic (subtly) checked navy blazer. As for the coordinated supporting pieces, they are buoyed by a coalescent mixture of both classic French Riviera style (linen trousers, light-weight Egyptian cotton-linen blend white dress shirt, colourfully juxtaposed pocket square) and and aesthetically harmonious refined British sensibility (penny loafers, dot tie). Clean and polished whilst being both charmingly sophisticated and elegantly regal, it is a look that is just as at home in Britain come summer as it is on the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean (nearly) year -round. Mr. Law is a testament to the fact. |
Having said that, he has a distinct manner about his character that allows him to carry himself — and his choice attire — off with an effortless grace and a tasteful elegance that comes off as being very modest and devoid of any of that most unbecoming playboy pretentiousness that is commonly attributed to men of his means and aesthetic (as some would say "pretty boy") gifts.
Conclusively never appearing inaptly disheveled or unkempt, Law is decidedly as well groomed, sharply attired, and charismatically charming individual as one will ever cross paths with, a man who has become so comfortable in his own skin that his "look" on any given day is never a fashion statement but just an artistic extension of his very being.
In a purely stylish essence, he simply makes every piece he wears his own — which is something most men can only dream of doing.
Dr. Watson (Sherlock Holmes, 2009), Dickie Greenleaf (The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999), Alfie (Alfie, 2004), Bradley Fine (Spy, 2015), Jack Burden (All The King's Men, 2006)
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From Dickie Greenleaf to Alfie Elkins and Bradley Fine, Law has admirably portrayed some of the most stylish renowned fictional characters in cinematic history.
Accordingly, what follows is a trident of inspirational style guides that highlight the signature styles of his most revered character portrayals.
Mr. Dickie Greenleaf
And to say that Law — who made a seminal turn as the carefree, epicurean playboy and sartorial bon-vivant Dickie Greenleaf — left but a simple, non effectual style impression upon the mind’s of many young men would be but a gross injustice to all parties involved.
For you see, Greenleaf's iconic style throughout the film has come to formatively represent what is deemed by some as a thematically coalescent textbook (menswear) masterclass in refined 50’s Ivy league prep and timelessly effortless (and chic) Riviera aesthetics. From his fitted swim shorts (5"inch seam) to his full contingent of finely tailored Italian suits, cotton chinos and knit polos, canvas plimsolls and espadrilles, and his signature pork pie hat (reflective of his love of jazz) hat, Dickie’s clothing choices speak deeply to who he is as a man, what creatively sparks his lifestyle pursuits and hobbies, and to what he ultimately values in life…whilst always looking like they belong on him alone and on the backs of no other.
And as the plot thickens and the inevitable drama ensues, so does Dickie's selective wardrobing as it takes a more mature and purposefully dark turn, transitioning from being predominantly warm-weather resort exclusive (natural + nautical palette) in tone to a more serious and decidedly formal stance which is dominated by rich sartorial hues (navy, black) in just such a manner as to act as a sort of stylish harbinger as his character study veers to its untimely demise as the film builds to its suspenseful, cloak-and-dagger tinged climax.
Nevertheless, Dickie stays true to himself through the film as a man who unabashedly enjoys the finer things in life — always living in the lap of luxury without nary an outside influence to effect his purposeless permanent vacation — and his effortlessly chic personal style is echoed in that nonchalant approach to living life. And nothing speaks more definitely of this reckless — yet inviting — intent then his signature gold signet ring (in which its importance is utilized to great effect in the overarching plot of the film).
All-in-all, it’s a film that provides a social study (of sorts) on the powerful draw that lies within a man's signature style and individuality, demonstrating just how far (and to what deplorable extent) an envious man (Ripley) would go to capture the essence of another man’s style (and life) in order to fully embody his idolized lifestyle. On a less dramatic plane, it celebrates the endurance of two of the most renowned and timeless menswear aesthetics: American east-coast prep and the charmingly effortless Italian penchant of sartorial sprezzatura.
Mr. Alfie Elkins
Fashionably speaking, this is a remake of the classic Michael Caine original that appropriately checks off all the transitionally faithful style boxes, from Alfie’s aesthetically definitive 60's minimalist approach to tailoring and accentuated detailing — skinny ties, lapels, shirt collars — to his tasteful predisposition for retro (gentlemanly) Vespa scooters. It’s characteristically (and aesthetically) all still in tact, and one can only thank the style gods as the original was something that still stylishly inspires men to this day to live to a higher sartorial standard.
To that same effect, Law’s Alfie is a man who — in all likelihood — has quite possibly had the same effect on the style preferences of various millennial men who have stumbled upon this film. Too them (and many others), Alfie epitomizes the modern English gentleman in both his sophisticated wardrobe selection and his charming demeanour.
As for Alfie's signature look…
As…Himself
Starring an ever-stylish Jude Law alongside the iconically peerless Mr. Giancarlo Giannini, these films demonstrate precisely why Riviera aesthetics and fine tailoring will always be in vogue. Tres chic and enchantingly inviting, here’s hoping for a third film in this sartorially sharp, charming and classy series…
Key Look: Navy Blazer + Cognac Brogues + White Linen Trousers + White Cotton Dress Shirt + Striped Club Tie + Ray-Ban Wayfarers
Part I |
Part II |
Parting Words
And yet despite being in his 40’s the charmingly impressionable boyish spirit and definitive kinetic energy that he is known for still persist alongside his marked stylish nonchalance; none of which appear to be leaving his person any time soon.
Intensely charming yet disarmingly subtle in his style and sophisticated character, Jude’s approach to style echoes that of a classic english gentleman — DB suits, clean cuts, monochromatic palette— creatively mixed with a touch of contemporary casualness and cool (t-shirts under blazers/suits + leather jackets with near anything). He is a man who knows how to accentuate his physique with his wardrobe choices and is acutely aware of what does and does not work for him style wise.
The result: a signature look and style that he completely owns and pulls off so effortlessly that one would think he invented it.
Style alongside substance, Mr. Law gentlemanly manner has truly come full circle.
Cheers!
PS…be on the lookout for Mr. Law in HBO’s "The Young Pope", set to be released later this year
What do you think of Jude Law's style? And, how do you see your own style aging alongside you (what do you imagine it will it look like in your 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond)as time passes on?
Also, who stands as being an aspirational style icon in your personal book? And, are there any gentleman that you would like a style dossier on?
Comment below to spark a constructive conversation or to chime in with your opinions on said matters…
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