Nicholas Hoult’s fashion evolution took center stage during the summer of 2025, as the British actor became as well known for his style choices as for his roles. While promoting his turn as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman film, Hoult drew as much attention on the streets of New York as he did on the silver screen, rapidly acquiring a devoted following for his daring and memorable looks.
From Child Star to Established Fashion Figure
Having acted nearly his entire life, Hoult’s journey began at age 11 with a notable role in About a Boy alongside Hugh Grant. He later captivated audiences in television’s Skins and went on to critical acclaim with performances in The Great, The Favourite, and The Menu. It was his collaboration with renowned designer Tom Ford for 2009’s film A Single Man that sparked Hoult’s deeper interest in fashion, setting the stage for his current style prominence. That relationship will see a new chapter as the two work together again on Ford’s opera drama Cry to Heaven, joined by Adele and Colin Firth.
Stylistic Partnerships and Viral Outfits
One of the defining moments in Hoult’s fashion ascent came during his Superman press tour. Working closely with stylist Jason Bolden, Hoult curated an array of statement outfits from labels such as Tom Ford and Prada. Among these, a combination of white Celine jeans with a coordinating tank top and a beige sweater, accentuated by a Prada bag and his striking bleached blonde hair, resonated strongly with fans and caused a stir online. The new hair color, transformed specifically for a role in the upcoming heist thriller How to Rob a Bank, became the standout feature of his ensemble. Hoult explained his philosophy towards dressing:
We’re always taking on bits of the people we spend time with, or books we read, art, what we listen to. Those things become part of our personality. For me, it’s important not to chase trends, because that becomes a little cringey.
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
Insight from Collaborator Jason Bolden
Reflecting on their work together, Hoult praised Bolden’s approach, which introduced a sense of play and flexibility to his wardrobe, encouraging Hoult to experiment with new designs and embrace variety. This partnership allowed Hoult to find greater confidence in his style, solidifying his transformation into a bona fide fashion icon, as noted during his press appearances.
Signature Labels and Everyday Style
When it comes to preferred designers and silhouettes, Hoult is particularly fond of Tom Ford’s tailoring and appreciates the contemporary aesthetics of Prada and The Row. He balances high fashion with comfort, often opting for Levi’s jeans or cozy pieces from friends, such as Duke & Dexter sweatshirts, for daily routines like school runs with his children. Hoult also takes notice of emerging and international designers including Tony Wack, Studio Nicholson, Lemaire, Dunst, and Wooyoungmi, broadening his sartorial repertoire beyond luxury staples.
Drawing Inspiration from Fashion Icons
Hoult identifies figures like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen as sources of enduring style inspiration, citing their effortless and approachable aesthetics. He admires Newman for an easy, classic elegance, and McQueen for a sense of cool that goes beyond deliberate fashion choices, reflecting an attitude as much as an outfit.
The Role of Timepieces in Hoult’s Fashion Statement
Watches serve as another cornerstone in Hoult’s evolving style, influenced by his father’s passion for horology. His association with Jaeger-LeCoultre deepened after attending the Venice Film Festival, where he became acquainted with the brand’s heritage and precision at the Vallé de Joux manufacture. Hoult’s go-to timepiece is a Reverso steel-faced watch adorned with his eldest son’s initials and a brown leather strap, a piece he describes as versatile and unobtrusively stylish.
Navigating Changing Trends and Past Regrets
Looking back, Hoult acknowledges past fashion missteps, particularly the prevalence of ultra-skinny jeans during his Skins era. Combined with his slender build, these choices left him with some regrettable photographic evidence, as he recalls: the indie band-inspired long fringe and tight jeans provided a sharp contrast to his more refined current image. Despite these fashion experiments, Hoult believes in not blindly following trends, emphasizing personal identity over transient popularity.
Embracing Hair Transformations for Roles
Hoult’s willingness to experiment with his look extends to his hair, with a major transformation for How to Rob a Bank that saw him bleach his hair blonde at director David Leach’s suggestion. The change felt natural for the role and became a key element of his on-screen persona. Hoult is open to further changes to facilitate immersing himself in characters, and he has already planned to shave his head for his recurring role as Lex Luthor.
How do you feel about this character potentially being blonde?
—David Leach, Director
Nicholas Hoult’s Lasting Mark on Fashion and Film
Nicholas Hoult’s fashion evolution demonstrates how a deepening awareness of personal style can intersect meaningfully with a dynamic screen career. His thoughtful choices, spanning collaborations with stylists, engagement with top designers, and an openness to transformation, have secured his place as a contemporary style icon. As Hoult continues to blend comfort, craftsmanship, and individuality, his journey will likely inspire fans and further influence both red carpet and everyday fashion landscapes.
