The Most Stylish Films of All Time

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

In our interview with Thom Sweeney co-founder Thom Whiddett this week, he calls Anthony Minghella’s ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ “the most stylish film I’ve ever seen.” The costumes of con artist Tom Ripley, played by Matt Damon, are central to his subterfuge. Classic horn-rimmed spectacles, perfect polo shirts, strong striped ties, louche loafers, and statement suits are all part of his arsenal as he impersonates the wealthy heir Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). Costume designers Gary Jones and Ann Roth captured the highlights of 1950s fashion, mixing styles from America and Mediterranean Europe, to create a beautiful feast for the eyes.

A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford’s directorial debut, ‘A Single Man’, brought his immaculate eye for style to the silver screen. Colin Firth plays deeply depressed but perfectly-tailored professor George Falconer in this stunning film, with no detail overlooked as Ford recreates 1960s Southern California on screen. From the dress shoes to the tie bars, every style choice is perfect and precise. Ford even insisted that Firth should wear Creed’s Bois du Portugal aftershave throughout the shoot – believing the rich scent would help the actor connect with George’s character.

Black Panther (2018)

Ruth E Carter became the first Black person to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for creating the style of Wakanda, the futuristic African country in Ryan Coogler’s smash-hit superhero movie ‘Black Panther’. Carter chose a vivid green suit by Ozwald Boateng, the British designer of Ghanaian descent, to dress the River Tribe Elder played by Isaach de Bankolé in one of the film’s most memorable looks.

Phantom Thread (2017)

Earning a deserved Best Costume Design Oscar for Mark Bridges, ‘Phantom Thread’ offers a window into the world of renowned couturier Reynolds Woodcock (Sir Daniel Day-Lewis). Set in 1950s London, Paul Thomas Anderson’s film lingers on details of Woodcock’s work and personal style; which is elegant and unmistakably British. Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard were involved in creating bespoke looks for the film, under the watchful eye of its notoriously fastidious star, Day-Lewis.

North By Northwest (1959)

This Alfred Hitchcock classic stars Cary Grant as advertising executive Roger Thornhill, wearing one of the most iconic suits ever seen on screen. Thornhill’s famous mid-century monochrome look was reportedly sourced by Grant himself, with the two-piece suit made by Arthur Lyons at Kilgour, French and Stanbury of Savile Row.