Hollywood loves a good coat. And if you happen to need some coat-buying inspiration when fall rolls around, the big screen isn't a bad place to start. From Margot Tenenbaum 's distinctive mink coat in The Royal Tenenbaums to Zhora 's clear vinyl mac in Blade Runner , you could be forgiven for thinking that women have the most fun when it comes to movie characters and their outerwear. However, a few men have worn iconic (and often overlooked) jackets on screen over the past few decades. We've compiled them below to give you some winter wardrobe inspiration.
Withnail and I (1987)
01. Paul McGann and Richard E Grant
Paul McGann and Richard E Grant in Withnail and Me (1987). Photograph by M. Murray Close/Getty Images
Swapping their squalid Camden apartment for a country break, two actors with a taste for wine and melancholy embark on a misadventure-filled adventure in Cumbria. The dark comedy, set in the late 1960s, is now over 30 years old, but we think the coats worn by Mr. Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant would be entirely relevant today. Both resting just above the ankles, their billowing shapes are entirely of the moment. Extra style points for the thick, checked scarf Mr. Grant has slung over his shoulder.
Quadrophenia (1979)
02. Phil Daniels
M. Phil Daniels in Quadrophenia (1979). Photo: Universal Pictures/Mr Frank Connor/Kobal/Shutterstock
Inspired by The Who 's eponymous rock opera, Quadrophenia doesn't just reference 1960s fashion style, but also follows in the footsteps of the revival that was taking place in the late 1970s when the film was released—think tailored suits, skinny ties, and plaid shirts worn with bravado. The star of the show, however, is Mr. Phil Daniels 's scooter-boy waxed parka coat, worn oversized over a white polo shirt and suede desert boots.
Shaft (1971)
03. Richard Roundtree
Mr. Richard Roundtree in Shaft (1971). Photograph by MGM/The Moviestore Collection
"Who's the man who'd risk his neck for his brother, man?" asks Mr. Isaac Hayes in his theme song to the 1971 blaxploitation film that set the standard. Luckily, PI John Shaft 's neck was well protected by a turtleneck, not to mention the wide lapel of his leather coat, appropriately turned up. The centerpiece, Mr. Richard Roundtree 's long brown trench coat, joins the harmonious mix of autumnal tones in a wardrobe that really sings. We like it.
American Gigolo (1980)
04. Richard Gere
Mr. Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980). Photograph by Paramount Pictures/Photofest
Often cited but nonetheless worthy of inclusion in our cohort, Richard Gere's camel cashmere trench coat in American Gigolo is the most recognizable thing from the film after Gere himself. The film's coat (along with the rest of Gere's elegant onscreen wardrobe) was designed by Giorgio Armani, and its distinctly Italian style has made the fashion brand a venerable supplier for several other Hollywood productions.
Spectre (2015)
05. Daniel Craig
Mr. Daniel Craig in Specter (2015). Photo Sony Pictures/Landmark Media
Even by Bond standards, Daniel Craig 's fourth outing as the MI6 field agent racks up the air miles, taking in Mexico City, Rome, Altaussee in Austria, and Tangier, before inevitably ending up in London. Traveling to so many locations requires versatile clothing, and the double-breasted Tom Ford overcoat the secret agent is contractually obligated to wear more than delivers. What should be a dark, understated piece, worn in this case for a funeral, is typically elevated above the standard jacket.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
06. Robert Redford
Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor (1975). Photograph by Paramount Pictures/Ronald Grant Archive/Mary Evans Picture Library
In Three Days of the Condor , Robert Redford plays Joseph Turner , a bookworm turned amateur spy who finds himself on the run after his CIA colleagues are assassinated. If all this sounds a bit theatrical, there's nothing theatrical about the double-breasted navy wool peacoat Mr. Redford wears in the film; utilitarian and traditional, the collar is always turned up to face winter.
Carnal Knowledge (1971)
07. Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel
Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel in Carnal Knowledge (1971). Photograph by Embassy Pictures/Photo12/Alamy
Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel 's characters in Carnal Knowledge demonstrate two antithetical facets of heterosexual masculinity: the latter idolizes women, the former objectifies them. Unsurprisingly, neither can maintain a relationship, but both men manage to pull off a rather nice duffle coat; we particularly like the contrasting clothing in Mr. Nicholson 's navy number.
Text by Mr Ashley Clarke and Mr Jim Merrett
