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Idris Elba exudes cool. The Emmy-nominated actor, known for roles in high-profile projects like The Wire, Thor and American Gangster, isn’t just a presence on-screen — he’s also a style god, a known Arsenal supporter and a surprisingly light-on-his-feet runway model. Did we mention that Elba has an equally successful career moonlighting as a DJ? Long story short, DJ Big Driis is knows a thing or two about how to have a good time.
With that in mind, it was little surprise when Idris recently sauntered up to the red carpet in less-than-formal formalwear for the world premiere of his newest film, Beast, at the MoMA in New York City. Wearing a custom Gucci MTO London suit, the star was a vision of elevated, pale-blue class, something straight out of an Instagram mood board that might also feature brutalist concrete architecture or a vintage Porsche 911. His two-button, peak-label jacket (by any menswear standard, a formal-leaning style) looked impossibly casual over a fitted white tee, a testament to the man’s immaculate vibes.
They say that the devil is in the details, and if so, Elba is a bad, bad man indeed. With a little help from stylist Cheryl Konteh, the actor gets everything right — an open look to showcase his brawny frame, crisp pleats that break perfectly, and sharp tasseled loafers that feel as appropriate for a Tompkins Square Park tallboy as they do for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. A more timid soul might have stuck to something unstructured or oversized, but Elba embraces the put-togetherness of his proper get-up, molding it in his own laid-back image.
Elba’s sartorial guinea pigging is much appreciated, as it also serves to confirm one of our deep-seated suspicions: the causal suit is still the hottest look you can and should rock, especially in an icy shade. After all, between the heat and impending sense of doom, we lack the patience to loop stuffy ties or track down the old cufflinks. We particularly like the frigid stone blue shade of the Beast star’s ensemble as it plays nicely with a range of shirts, from patterned button-ups to knit tee. Perhaps there’s even room to try the daring tank top — hey, all the cool kids are doing it!
Some things to remember here; a suit is still a suit, no matter how casual, so take the time to make sure it’s pressed, fresh and ready to throw down. We don’t see a single crease of Elba’s sleek look — so no wrinkles, capiche? Otherwise, cop a swanky casual suit, toss on your best (see: shiniest) loafers, and if you have your USB sticks pre-loaded, maybe bust out a house-forward set on the ones and twos. After all, life is short, and you deserve to pretend you’re as cool as Idris Elba is: start by dressing like him.
Steal Idris Elba’s Look:
Paul Smith Tailored-Fit Washed Blue Wool-Mohair Suit
Indochino Milano Stone Blue Suit
Oliver Spencer Slim-Fit Unstructured Double-Breasted Linen and Cotton-Blend Suit
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