TV & Film-Inspired Men’s Formal Wear Looks You Can Recreate

In recent years, the influence of on-screen style has become a powerful force in shaping modern fashion. Whether it’s the razor-sharp tailoring of Suits, the vintage grit of Peaky Blinders, or the regal elegance of The Crown, men’s formal wear in pop culture has inspired wardrobes across generations.

Today’s fashion-conscious man isn’t just following trends he’s channeling the sophistication of his favorite characters into real-life looks that are equal parts cinematic and wearable. If you’ve ever watched a scene and thought, “I want to wear that,” this guide is for you.

Let’s break down some of the most iconic formal wear moments from TV and film and how to recreate them effortlessly for business, weddings, or smart events.

1. The Suits Look: Tailored Power Dressing

Harvey Specter from Suits remains the gold standard for boardroom-ready dressing. His formal wear staples include sharply cut three-piece suits, crisp white shirts, silk ties, and polished Oxfords. The key here isn’t loud style it’s precision fit.

How to recreate the look:

• Go for structured shoulders and slim lapels.
• Choose charcoal, navy, or midnight black for versatility.
• Always tailor your trousers with a slight break at the shoe.

This isn’t just office wear it’s a masterclass in powerful simplicity. The influence of tailored mens suits tuxedos seen on-screen particularly in shows like Suits—has become a blueprint for how power dressing works in modern offices.

2. Peaky Blinders: Vintage with Edge

If your style leans rugged and bold, look to Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. His 1920s formal wear includes long overcoats, thick tweed suits, detachable collars, and of course, the flat cap.

Style elements:

• Earthy tones: brown, grey, olive.
• Textured fabrics: wool, flannel, tweed.
• Accessories: pocket watches, chain details, leather boots.

To modernize this look, mix a tweed blazer with modern trousers or pair your overcoat with a turtleneck instead of a starched shirt. It adds vintage appeal while still looking current.

This aesthetic is perfect for winter events, date nights, or artistic spaces where flair is encouraged.

3. The Crown: Royal Elegance

When it comes to ceremonial or black-tie inspiration, nothing beats The Crown. Inspired by real-life royal wardrobes, characters like Prince Philip and King Charles often wear classic tuxedos, morning suits, and tailored coats that speak to old-world etiquette.

Recreating this for today:

• Opt for slim tuxedo jackets with satin lapels.
• Black bow ties and polished dress shoes elevate the outfit.
• A double-breasted wool overcoat completes the formal silhouette.

This style is ideal for weddings, galas, or any event where dressing your best is expected. You can even find elements of this look in structured formal coats and military-style pieces available in collections from brands like Las Vegas Jacket.

4. James Bond: Formal with Danger

While not from a TV series, Bond deserves mention for his lasting impact on men’s formal wear. The modern Bond (especially as portrayed by Daniel Craig) wears everything from midnight-blue tuxedos to slim-cut suits with no-nonsense appeal.

How to get the Bond vibe:

• A tailored dinner jacket or minimalist suit.
• Clean lines, minimal accessories.
• Always well-groomed with polished black shoes.

Bond’s style works well for evening events. Swap the tuxedo shirt for a black roll-neck under your jacket if you're going semi-formal.

How to Build a TV-Inspired Formal Wardrobe

You don’t need an entire costume department to pull off these looks. Here’s how to get started:

• Invest in quality tailoring: Fit matters more than brand.
• Choose versatile colors: Navy, grey, black, and brown are safest.
• Layer with intention: Overcoats, scarves, and waistcoats can shift the vibe.
• Pay attention to footwear: Brogues, loafers, and boots all have roles depending on the era or inspiration.

You’ll find similar styles in many TV series outfits, and they translate surprisingly well into everyday life with a few tweaks.

The Modern Take on Iconic Dressing

Fashion is cyclical, but storytelling is eternal. That’s why men continue to look to the screen for style cues. Today’s take on formal wear blends nostalgia with utility, creating pieces that are statement-making without being costume-like.

This trend isn’t about dressing like a character it’s about drawing from their confidence, class, and control. Every man can walk into a room like he owns it if he’s dressed in pieces that fit, flatter, and feel right.

You don’t need to be on set to make an impression you just need the right blazer, a sharp coat, or the perfect pair of brogues.

Even celebrity outfits are echoing this shift, blending cinematic influence with streetwise tailoring.