American Fiction
is the name of his latest work, but it could also perfectly be the statement that describes a very particular success story: that of Jeffrey Wright.
The fact that he was one of the best-dressed men at the Independent Spirit Awards, at 58 years old, without meeting the standards of other stars—bald, with glasses and of average height—and dressed in a pin-striped suit with a four-piece jacket. buttons that revealed a white shirt without a tie, may certainly sound like fiction.
However, Wright's style (relaxed, but not lazy, and elegant, but not prim) is very real.
So real that that is precisely where his success lies.
Jeffrey Wright in a gray plaid suit at a party at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles last January. Matt Winkelmeyer (Getty Images)
Jeffrey Wright during an interview with Seth Meyers in early February.
On this occasion, another simple and winning combination: suit with a turtleneck sweater.
All black.NBC (Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Image)
Unlike the big stars of the moment, who monopolize the
flashes
with extravagant outfits or stale formulas not suitable for anyone who doesn't look like Cary Grant, Jeffrey Wright only needs a suit and a shirt or, sometimes, a simple t-shirt.
Such is the phenomenon that the North American edition of
GQ
dedicated an article to analyzing Wright's infallible formula to be “a god of the informal suit.”
In the British media
The Independent,
in addition to alluding to his brilliant skills as an actor (which the public remembers, perhaps, thanks to his role as an android who does not know that he is an android in
Westworld
), they pointed out that Wright was already trend.
In the report, one of
American Fiction
's public relations people claimed that Wright's style choices were simply impeccable: “Look at the high rise of his pants.
When it comes to Jeffrey, we appreciate an ankle.”
Here comes, possibly, the only controversial factor: can one wear a suit and no socks in 2024?
The suit factor
Controversies aside, the fundamental factor of the
Wright style
, in addition to poise, is the perfect execution of his suits: almost always with soft shoulders and slightly fitted lines, but far from the ravages of
slim fit
.
Among his favorite brands are Canali, Brunello Cucinelli or John Varvatos, brands that are experts in jackets and pants, oblivious to trends and that fulfill a single mission: to fit like a glove.
Jeffrey Wright at the Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills this February.VALERIE MACON (AFP via Getty Images)
Jeffrey Wright (accompanied by Cord Jefferson) poses for the press last January in a beige suit and white t-shirt. Eric Charbonneau (Getty Images for Amazon MGM Stud)
On his feet he wears, almost exclusively, Paul Smith shoes, the only somewhat extravagant license – being generous – that he allows himself.
And, perhaps from his past as a friend of James Bond, the taste for a good Omega watch has remained, which is usually the accessory that reigns alone in his outfit.
The choice of colors also plays a determining role and Jeffrey Wright demonstrates once again that originality is not an end in itself.
It is not necessary to jump on the bandwagon of the most strident trends of suits in Smurf blue or pastel pink to stand out on a red carpet.
He does it with the classics: grey, navy blue or black.
And, on some daytime events he allows himself to dress in light tones, and preferably sand-colored.
Behind his celebrated style is Monty Jackson, whom Wright always mentions in his Instagram posts.
A stylist raised in Southern California, who believes that “fashion has to be wearable, fun and capable of generating self-confidence,” as noted in the biography published on his agency's website.
His client portfolio includes Orlando Bloom and the protagonist of
The White Lotus,
Murray Bartlett.
Only for big events does Wright wear a bow tie, although it is when he dispenses with a tie that his style shines more than ever.
He is the antithesis of the Hollywood star.
He moved from Los Angeles to Brooklyn, among other reasons, because he wanted to “keep my feet on the ground and a normal person's life.”
His roles, predominantly secondary, have nevertheless allowed him to consolidate a reputation as a solid actor.
He has had to wait several decades to receive his Oscar nomination for best leading actor.
His career is turning out like his style: almost perfect.
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