Dapper Dans: 10 Stylish Characters in Film & Television

It’s been a minute, I decided to take the last couple weeks off to recharge and enjoy the Summer. But with Summer winding down a lot of men will use this time to switch up their look for Fall. Some will find inspiration in the pages of latest issue of GQ or Esquire, and others will look to the “gram” to see what influencers, musicians and actors are gravitating towards. Then there are others who take their style cues from characters on T.V. and movies. 

I gather inspiration from a variety of places. I take note of trends emerging from the runways, looks picking up traction on social media and yes even characters even in film. There’s number of shows and movies that have been influential in how most men view style and fashion. From dressing dapper, to dressing down and building a bold closet. I’d even go as far as saying that film and tv have serve as a more impactful outlet than any magazine, runway, or Instagram post.  

So, I’ve decided to give you a list of fictional characters who truly made a mark (at least to me) or gave us looks that are still emulated today.  I chose characters whose style could be considered timeless. I curated my choices based on the following criteria: 

-   Each character should have an identifiable style

-   Elements of the character’s style are still being replicated by consumers and designers today

-  The character’s style must either embody the look of the era or reflect classic timeless style.

-  Flawless execution and be memorable  

Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling’s character in Crazy Stupid Love)

Self-styled, confident, and well-tailored. Jacob Palmer kicks off this list, with his impeccable high-end closet and effortless swag. Stylish clothes are a huge part of Gosling’s character, who is supposed to be a pseudo life coach in the movie. Everything about Jacob Palmer’s appearance is meticulously curated to stand out from the crowd.  This character is a straight talker who knows his fashion and how to make a statement. It’s his attention to detail and tailoring that counts, coupled with the subtle use of accessories.

The Cast of Juice (Omar Epps, Tupac Shakur, Jermaine Hopkins and Khalil Kain)

If I was asked to pick a visual reference that capsulated the style of African-American youth and urban street style in the ‘90s it would be Juice. The haircuts, bright colours and plethora of combat boots are only the beginning. One of the first scenes of the movie highlights Q (Omar Epps) is deciding what shoes to wear for the day. He goes through several pairs of Reebok Pumps (Shoutout to my sneaker heads), and finally goes with a pair of Nike Baltoro boots. I had to SEARCH for the names of these one!

Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in The Great Gatsby, 2013)

Before there was a Chuck Bass or Don Draper, there was Jay Gatsby. The roaring 20’s is an era I would have loved to visit except for the rampant racism, classism and the Great Migration – sh*t I guess the 20’s weren’t that great. Jay Gatsby, in my opinion was the blueprint for suited style. This character is the embodiment of opulence, from silver shirts, gold ties ornate lapel pins and diamond tie clips. I encourage any guy interested in preppy fashion or trying to step up his suit game to watch the 2013 version of the Great Gatsby.   

Nigel (Stanley Tucci’s character in The Devil Wears Prada)

I want be this fly when I am in my 40’s. I know plenty of guys won’t admit it but since it comes on t.v. every other weekend I’m sure many of you have seen The Devil Wears Prada. Nigel’s style is what most men who don’t work in Wall Street should be aspiring too. It’s formal when it needs to be, laid back at the right times and easy to put together. It’s a style that’s achievable at any price point but when done right can look like you only shop at high-end department stores. 

Chalky White (Michael K. Williams character in Boardwalk Empire)

Let me start off by saying if you never seen Boardwalk Empire, it was an amazing show. Chalky White was the unofficial leader of the Atlantic City’s African American community and was portrayed beautifully Michael K. Williams. Although the show is set during the Jim Crow society of the 1920’s Chalky presence was felt not just as a powerful presence on the show but also in his flamboyant fashion for the time. From a red checked double breasted suit, peaked lapels and salmon pink shirts with a white contrasting collar and vividly colored bow ties are a small number of ways he stood out from his cohorts. 

Jeff Colby (Sam Adegoke’s character in Dynasty, 2017)

When the CW decided to reboot the 1980’s nighttime soap Dynasty 4 years ago, two things they promised viewers were inclusivity and amazing fashion.  They kept their promise! Jeff Colby’s a charismatic, cunning, playboy with a closet most men would kill for. Mixing sharp silhouettes, bold colour choices, and statement-making suits, this character’s look has an incredible effect.  The show’s costume designer, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, has incorporated several African brands on the show. Brands like Ozwald Boateng, MOGÖ by Tongoro and Orange Culture have all been featured in several episodes of the reboot. 

Nino Brown (Westley Snips Character in New Jack City)  

If you didn’t see this coming, then I’m seriously questioning your style knowledge. Nino Brown has single handily become the archetype for the 21st Century, from ruthless attitude, commanding presence, and signature one-liners.

But the thing he doesn’t get enough credit for is HOW HE SERVED LOOKS IN ALMOST EVERY SCENE! 

Every time I watch this movie, I notice another element of Nino Brown style that’s being done in fashion today. Nino’s closet is a thing of beauty, from his accessories, suits, casual wear and even his haircut. Nino Brown wore bright colour suits with elements still replicated by designers today.

Bold pastel hues is a massive trend in fashion that continues to cycle in and out every other year and Nino Brown was one of the first characters to do it unapologetically. 

Now, let’s get into his street style. New Jack City resurrected the all-black look and elevated it in a modern way. Costume designer, Bernard Johnson opted to do away with the traditional gangster aesthetic and introduce a modern look incorporating the latest designer fashions, big rope chains, large and aggressive rings, and athleisure.  

That’s my list and I dare you to disagree with it!  I am open to additional suggestions on who should be included to this list. As always, let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.