Taking style cues from Tom Hardy, the unconventional style chameleon

The actor is also known as a chameleon for his ability to drastically transform his look for the required roles, be it the conman Eames in Inception (2010) or classy bootlegger Forrest Bondurant in Lawless (2012).

Unconventional choices of films as well as style picks, his ‘I don’t care’ attitude, clubbed with his rugged charm and masculinity–– these are some of the reasons that make British actor Tom Hardy popular. The man is also known as a chameleon for his ability to drastically transform his look for the required roles, be it the conman Eames in Inception (2010) or classy bootlegger Forrest Bondurant in Lawless (2012). Hardy is also one of the most stylish and elegant men around, who can pull off the trickiest looks with ease. You don’t usually relate the actor with men’s fashion as he hardly walks the ramp or endorses any fashion brand. But that’s precisely the reason why he is so uber-cool.

His transformation for the role of James Keziah Delaney, in his new hit TV show Taboo, has left his fans awestruck. We decided to take some style cues from him. Check out his best looks over the years that have several fashion lessons for you.

Regally masculine

In the latest period TV show Taboo, Hardy plays the role of James Keziah Delaney, where he looks regal and masculine. The look consists of long coat, vest coat and cargo pants, all dark in colour. However, it’s the top hat and his van-dyke beard that steals the show. To get this look right, stick to a dark uniform colour.

Post apocalyptic cool

Rugged sand coloured leather jacket, a Henley and a pair of cargo pants and cargo boots— his post apocalyptic desert warrior look in the movie Mad Max (2015) was quite the rage among cosplayers. Our advice? Go for a military jacket and opt for dark shades of brown. For the perfect look, distress the jacket and the cargo pants. The key to acing this look is to distress the jacket and the cargo pants. It’s perfect for a summer safari.

Slick and suave

You can’t forget him as Eames, the cunning conman from Inception. Apart from the smart-casual combo of open collar shirts and blazer, it was the added touch of pocket squares and vintage watches which made the look perfect. We suggest, opt for a wool blazer with an open neck shirt and pair it with straight-leg linen-blend trousers and penny loafers.

Gatsby-esque swag

In Lawless (2012), Hardy played a classy bootlegger. Set in 1930’s, he wore open-ended V-neck cardigans paired with mandarin collar shirts and striped pants. Hardy’s cardigan became so popular that the fans coined a new term for the cardigan, ‘Hardigan’. To get the look right, layer your cardigan with mandarin collar shirts and pair with flannel trousers and a pair of sleek brown shoes. Stick with subtle colours such as grey and finish the look with a fedora hat.

Suit it up

In 2015, Hardy played a double role in the gangster runaway hit Legends. Set in the 1960’s, he wore two outfits for his roles. One look consisted of classic dark coloured three piece suits with double breasted jackets. His other look consisted of single breasted jackets, worn either open or fastened. This look was more casual and relaxed compared to other look, and exposed more of the white shirt. The key to acing the classic 60’s suit and tie is to not go for a slim fit look, but a little loose fitted look made in a heavier fabric with a visible texture.