By Rifan Muazin 
The transition from October to November marks a pivotal shift in the male and female wardrobes. We are seeing a move away from the lightweight linens of late summer toward the heavy, tactile textures of corduroy, the rugged durability of selvedge denim, and the sophisticated layering of trench coats. This month, the trendsetters aren’t just wearing clothes; they are telling stories through their garments—mixing vintage film memorabilia with modern streetwear and defying long-standing fashion taboos, such as the supposed illegitimacy of pairing black with brown. If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe for the colder months, look no further than these seven icons who are currently doing the heavy lifting for your stylistic inspiration.
Ethan Hawke: The Master of "Professor-Slacker" Chic
Ethan Hawke, or "The Hawkester" as he is affectionately known in style circles, has long been a proponent of the "unkempt academic" look. Recently, while attending a SAG screening, Hawke leaned heavily into the corduroy trend, a fabric that has seen a massive resurgence in 2024. His ensemble immediately conjures images of Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, yet Hawke manages to subvert the "adjunct professor" trope by injecting a healthy dose of "stoner student" energy.
The centerpiece of his look is an acorn-colored corduroy suit, likely a nod to the Levi’s Blue Tab collection, which offers a rugged yet tailored silhouette. Hawke’s genius lies in his refusal to play it safe; instead of a crisp button-down, he opts for a well-loved, slightly ratty graphic tee and a pair of tinted shades that suggest he just rolled off a tour bus rather than out of a library. To ground the look, he swaps traditional dress shoes for dark brown Adidas Sambas. This choice is a masterclass in tonal dressing—the deep brown of the sneakers provides a subtle contrast to the warm tan of the corduroy, proving that comfort and cohesion can exist in the same frame.
Julia Garner: Monochromatic Burgundy and the New Trench
Julia Garner, the star of Netflix’s upcoming series The Altruists, is currently demonstrating how to navigate the monochromatic trend without falling into the trap of boredom. As the fashion world obsesses over "Black Cherry" and "Oxblood" hues this season, Garner’s choice of a deep burgundy trench coat serves as the ultimate statement piece.
The trench coat, specifically the waxed cotton variety from brands like Toast, is a perennial autumn staple, but Garner’s styling breathes new life into it. By keeping the rest of her outfit in a similar color family and leaving the coat open, she avoids the "Inspector Gadget" silhouette that often plagues belted outerwear. The addition of tinted sunglasses adds a layer of "cool-girl" mystery, reinforcing the idea that a single, bold color can be more impactful than a chaotic mix of patterns. This look is a reminder that in the world of high fashion, minimalism is rarely about having less—it is about making what you have count for more.
Harry Styles: The Analog Icon in a Digital Age
As Harry Styles wraps up his highly successful Together, Together tour, his street style has become a focal point for fashion archivists. Styles has recently been spotted in New York City embracing a look that feels like a love letter to 1990s-era skater culture. The core of this aesthetic is the "T-shirt over long-sleeve" layering technique—a hallmark of Gen X rebellion that Styles has modernized for the 2020s.
His choice of light-wash, straight-leg denim—specifically pieces that mirror the quality of RRL (Ralph Lauren’s heritage line)—pairs perfectly with all-white Saint Laurent sneakers. What makes this outfit truly resonate is its "analog" feel. In an era of flashy wearable tech, Styles is often seen with classic Apple wired earbuds and a simple tote bag. It is a look that prioritizes texture and silhouette over brand logos, utilizing basic items from Los Angeles Apparel to create a fit that is both timeless and intensely of-the-moment.
Glenn Close: The Power of the Grail Piece
One of the most talked-about style moments this month came from the legendary Glenn Close, who pulled off a feat few can replicate: wearing a genuine piece of cinema history. Close was spotted wearing a varsity jacket from the 1984 film The Natural, in which she starred alongside Robert Redford. This is the ultimate "grail" piece—an item that carries immense sentimental and cultural value.
Close demonstrates how to build an entire outfit around a single, loud statement item. By pairing the vintage wool-and-leather varsity jacket with classic navy slacks, a crisp white Oxford shirt, and leather loafers, she balances the athletic energy of the jacket with the sophistication of "Old Money" prep. While most people don’t have access to their own film archives, the look can be emulated with high-quality reproductions from heritage brands like Ebbets Field Flannels, proving that the "varsity" look is a lifelong style investment.
Nicholas Hoult: The Denim-on-Denim Travel Blueprint
Nicholas Hoult has emerged as a champion of the "travel fit," specifically the charcoal-hued Canadian tuxedo. Denim-on-denim has long been a polarizing choice, but Hoult’s version—using dark, muted tones—makes a compelling case for its utility. Traveling between planes and press junkets requires clothing that can withstand the rigors of transit, and denim is famously resilient.
Hoult’s ensemble, featuring a Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket and matching straight-leg jeans, offers a rugged alternative to the typical "airport jogger" look. The charcoal colorway provides a more sophisticated edge than traditional blue denim, while black boots and a simple dad cap keep the look grounded in workwear functionality. It is a practical, warm, and stylish solution for anyone who finds themselves frequently navigating the bone-dry, chilly cabins of international flights.
Alexander Skarsgård: Scandi-Minimalism Meets Streetwear
Alexander Skarsgård, the eldest brother of Sweden’s most famous acting dynasty, possesses the rare ability to make the most basic items look like high fashion. His recent appearance in a graphic tee, Chuck Taylors, and a loose-fitting trench coat is a lesson in effortless Scandi-style.
The "louche" trench coat, particularly a cotton-gabardine version from a brand like Neighborhood, adds a layer of intentionality to an otherwise casual outfit. Skarsgård’s look works because of the proportions; the oversized nature of the coat contrasts with the slim silhouette of the Converse sneakers and straight-leg jeans. While it helps to have a "chiseled ice-luge" chin, the takeaway for the average man is that a well-chosen coat can elevate even the most basic "t-shirt and jeans" combo to something worthy of a magazine cover.
Austin Abrams: Breaking the Black-and-Brown Taboo
Finally, Austin Abrams is challenging one of the oldest rules in the fashion handbook: that black and brown should never be worn together. Abrams successfully pairs a black shirt and blazer with khaki-colored, pleated chinos, creating a look that flirts with "Y2K corporate-core" while remaining firmly in the realm of high-fashion experimentation.
The key to this outfit’s success is the footwear. Abrams opts for the "jazz shoe," a trend that has been bubbling under the surface of menswear for the past year. These daintier, slim-profile leather shoes—reminiscent of styles from Celine—add a touch of artistic attitude to the ensemble. By choosing baggy, pleated trousers from Polo Ralph Lauren, he ensures that the "corporate" elements of the outfit feel intentional and subversive rather than stuffy. It is a bold, rule-breaking look that signals a new direction for young Hollywood style.
In conclusion, the celebrity style circuit this month is not just about expensive labels; it is about the thoughtful curation of textures, colors, and histories. From Ethan Hawke’s academic corduroy to Nicholas Hoult’s travel-ready denim, the message is clear: the best outfits are those that reflect the wearer’s personality while adapting to the practicalities of the season. Whether you are dipping your toes into the jazz shoe craze or finally investing in a grail-worthy varsity jacket, let these seven icons be your guide to navigating the sartorial landscape of late autumn.
