TV characters are always a great source of inspiration when it comes to hairstyles and wardrobes. With a strong team that focuses on styling and grooming, it’s not hard to understand why TV characters are always so put-together, wearing amazing outfits episode after episode. While it is impossible for many of us to get a stylist to dress us on the daily, we can always get tips and influences by observing what the style teams have created through our favorite characters.
There are hundreds of personalities out there, but we tried to narrow down our choices to some of the most stylish and eye-catching characters from TV. We hope that this list will help you keep your eyes peeled for their style the next time you binge-watch their shows.
Patrick Melrose (Patrick Melrose)
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the titular role of Patrick Melrose in this five-part drama series set in the 1980s. His character is an addicted member of the British upper class, making his wardrobe extra stylish with all the perfect-fitting overcoats and scarves.
Elijah Mikaelson (The Originals)
Sleek-looking vampire Elijah Mikaelson definitely knows how to rock a three-piece suit and smart casual looks. We must say, for a pretty old vampire, he knows how to look good and blend in with the young people. He definitely took “dressed to kill” to heart.
Raylan Givens (Justified)
With his swagger and undeniable machismo, Raylan Givens rocks his accent signature hat perfectly with that Midwest style going on. He may sport supposedly mismatched outfits sometimes like jeans and a blazer, but for some reason, he still looks great overall. Sometimes, you just have to try things out and own it as you mean it.
Don Draper (Mad Men)
Portrayed by Jon Hamm, Don Draper is one of the most iconic people on television, to the point that some people will easily use his name as an adjective for the way he dresses. “Mad Men,” set in the 1950s, brings out all the classic and handsome suits, and Don Draper just plays that part perfectly. Time to bring out a slim back suit, a crisp white pocket square, and a whole lot of attitude.
Ben Wyatt (Parks and Recreation)
Sure, the show is set in a government building, but that doesn’t mean that someone will not have a good sense of style. Hip-looking Ben Wyatt, played by Adam Scott, is usually seen wearing something simple, but he looks like he’s well-put-together. What he wears are mostly plaid shirts, some skinny tie in a solid color, and a simple jacket or blazer, but he definitely looks great and looks like someone we’d like to talk to in the busy halls of Pawnee.
Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)
This show may not be everyone’s favorite, but we can’t deny that Barney definitely knows how to suit up. Portrayed by Niel Patrick Harris, this character cannot be caught not wearing a fashionable suit no matter where he is, or what he is doing. Fun fact: Project Runway’s Tim Gunn made a cameo on the show portraying Barney’s tailor. Talk about fashionable.
Dr. Spencer Reid (Criminal Minds)
With all his PhDs, Dr. Spencer Reid still did not forget to put in some time to cop a good looking outfit. He always looks smart and professional, with his cardigans, blazers, and plaid ties looking like something a person in the forensic team would wear — not that that’s bad. It’s actually pretty stylish with a little bit of a geeky feel, to be honest.
Damon Salvatore (Vampire Diaries)
Another vampire on the list, Damon is the perfect epitome of a brooding heartthrob with tendencies to suck some blood. Using a lot of blacks and never really incorporating other colors aside from the hues that one can find during midnight, Ian Somerhalder played the part of being the mysterious and mischievous vampire just right. Also, we are digging those black denim and leather jackets.
Ike Evans (Magic City)
Set in the late 1950s, “Magic City” has Ike Evans donning white on black tux like no other. It’s part of the abundantly stylish era and we’re more than glad to put Ike’s sharp looks on this list.
Neal Caffrey (White Collar)
Played by Matt Bomer, Neal Caffrey flawlessly wears three-piece suits and a fedora like they were always meant to be together. He’s usually seen wearing slim-fit suits, skinny ties, slim lapels, and pocket squares along with his signature hat. He may be busy working as an FBI informant, but he sure as heck makes time to visit his amazing tailor.
Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)
He wears double-breasted suits like it’s nothing. Although it’s a little bit of a throwback to the early 2000s, we can still learn a thing or two from Chuck Bass’s confidence and swagger and how he can pull off something extravagant on the daily. Sure, not many of us will be as rich, but we can definitely figure out how we can pull off wearing good suits.
Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Boardwalk Empire)
Sure, Nucky’s character is not the most pleasant, being a corrupt Atlantic City politician, but his wardrobe definitely catches our attention. From pinstripe suits to bowler hats, Nucky loves a high-flying lifestyle. While a little over the top if you look at it today, his style is just right in its period (the show is set in the 1920s), and you can definitely learn a thing or two from how he puts himself together.
Monroe Stahr (The Last Tycoon)
Yet another character played by the charming Matt Bomer, Monroe Stahr is a filmmaker from the 1930s who dresses impeccably well. He looks romantic and pulls of suits effortlessly. And yes, he also wears pleated pants and looks great in them.
Hakeem Lyon (Empire)
In “Empire’s” busy world that’s full of glitz and glamour, Hakeem breaks the usual suits with something fashion-forward, wearing statement jackets and playing with more eccentric-looking pieces. He looks a little cartoonish, but it doesn’t look so bad. We suppose that the biggest takeaway from his style is this: Don’t be afraid to go bold sometimes.
