Anyone who has seen an episode of the crime drama Peaky Blinders will remember its protagonist, Thomas Shelby, for his calm, cunning, and conniving ways. But most will find one more thing about him memorable—his sophisticated, well-dressed sense of style that encapsulates men’s fashion in the prohibition era.
Thomas Shelby dresses the way any intelligent, dashing man in Britain does. He’s known for his signature long wool suit, dress shirt, vest, and tie. This look was standard back in the first half of the 1900s, but today it’s incredibly chic and elegant.
Want to dress like Thomas Shelby in the modern age? You don’t need to wear a full suit and long wool trench coat to emit the same energy as him.
Here are 15 outfits inspired by Thomas Shelby character to help you conjure up the best get-up.
Newspaper Boy Hat and Wool Jacket
Apart from his coat, vest suit, and tie, Thomas Shelby is also recognizable by his newspaper boy hat, which was popular back in the day. Give your winter outfit that vintage look by accessorizing with this hat on top of a black wool coat. For a casual look, ditch the tie and go for a smart, striped undershirt. Pair this ensemble with some black slacks, and you’re ready for the day ahead.
Long, Beige Wool Coat and Striped Suit
While Thomas Shelby usually wore dark colors like black and blue, you can modernize his look a bit by adding lighter, earthy tones to make it more snazzy.
This long, beige wool jacket might not make the cut on the show, but it looks wonderful in this day and age. It will look dashing with a striped suit, a crisp undershirt, and a red tie. An expensive watch and a smooth-shaven face are just the cherries on top of this sophisticated outfit.
Dark Mink Coat and Suit Underneath
When it’s chilly out, you might need more than a regular wool jacket. Go for something warmer, like this mink coat that’s perfect for winter. Get it in a deep color, like gray or navy blue. Wear a smart suit underneath, a dark tie, some slacks, and a statement piece like a Louis Vuitton belt.
Gray and Blue Striped Suit
You don’t have to wear a long trench coat to emulate the spirit of Thomas Shelby. You can go for a sleek version that’s more appropriate in today’s age, like a well-fitted suit.
To give that air of prestige and honor the same way the Peaky Blinders cast does, go for industrial colors like gray, gold, and blue. Vertical stripes are an awesome way to slim down, so look for a suit in that pattern if you want to accentuate a lean, slender frame.
Blue Wool Coat and Black Turtleneck
A suit and tie aren’t the be-all and end-all of looking like Thomas Shelby. You can wear casual attire and still look as fashionable and worldly as him.
If you’re not feeling like wearing something so formal, pair your wool coat with an essential top, like a black turtleneck. This would look excellent with a navy blue wool coat like this one.
Khaki Vest Suit
Thomas Shelby wasn’t covered up in every single episode of the show. Sometimes, he would ditch the thick wool jacket and sport just the vest suit. This is something you can mimic if you need to wear formal attire in a place that isn’t so cold, like at a beach wedding.
Try this flattering khaki vest suit without the tie for a more casual but still put-together ensemble. This would be excellent for daytime events with a good pair of sunglasses and a silver watch.
Kitsch Suit with Newspaper Boy Cap
Go laidback and quirky with this kitsch outfit. It may not be as formal as the one you might see on Thomas Shelby, but it has that same British vibe—just in a relaxed, free-spirited way.
The earthy tones of the jacket and slacks pair surprisingly well with the blue undershirt and tie. The scarf makes the outfit seem warm like you could wear it out on a trip to the park for a picnic. Top it off with a newspaper boy hat, and you’ll look smart and bookish.
Houndstooth Black and Gray Wool Jacket
For a designer-like feel to your outfit, look for a wool jacket with a houndstooth pattern. This one has a black and gray pattern that will look debonair over even simple basics—like a black-blue vest, white undershirt, and maroon tie.
This outfit is particularly suitable for when you want to make a good first impression at an office meeting in the city or a job interview for a big company.
Black, White, and Gold Ensemble
For something a little flashier than the usual formal suit and tie get-up, go for a striking black and white ensemble with gold accents. This classic black jacket and vest combination looks impactful and will command attention as soon as you enter the room.
But to add a little bit of extra glamour, cinch the vest at the waist with a black belt with a gold buckle. This iconic one from Gucci is sure to make heads turn in your direction. Add a few other gold accessories—like a watch or necklace—to complete the look.
Vintage Striped Suit and Fedora
What better way to mimic the spirit of the 1920s and 30s than by wearing a vintage suit tailored during the time? Consider renting out a suit that was made back in the day to get the full effect of dressing like the cool and collected Thomas Shelby.
This vintage suit has all the makings of an excellent one. It’s navy with vertical stripes, a breast pocket, and a flattering length. Pair it with your best tie and a fedora hat for that full 1930s vibe.
Beige Coat with Dark Suit
Combine a nude-toned trench coat with a navy blue suit to get a contrast between light and dark in your outfit. What’s great about this combo is that it’s great for winter, but it’s casual and light enough for everyday wear during the rest of the year. It’s also comfy enough for travel, so pair it with a leather bag and your favorite shades during your next airport affair.
Suit and Tie: Denim Version
For an Americanized take on the classic Thomas Shelby outfit, why not do a denim version? A blue wool jacket and vest would go great with a white undershirt (but you can opt for a blue one instead if you want to be decked in that shade!). Finish off the look with your best pair of straight blue jeans and a few gold accessories, and you’re ready to rock.
Gray Suit and Jacket with a Pop of Color
Give your favorite tie the spotlight with strategically chosen pieces for the rest of your outfit. A gray wool jacket, vest, and undershirt is always a safe and flattering choice. They also lay the groundwork to accentuate any colors in your accessories, such as this blue and red necktie. You can even wear some black or gray gloves to really give the limelight to the pop of color in your tie!
Dark Green Trench Coat
Sick of those blue, grays, and blacks? Go for a different approach and wear a long, dark green wool trench coat. This goes on well even with the most casual outfits underneath, like a simple vest and shirt with jeans. Wear this outfit with brown boots and a leather bag for a smart touch.
Blue Satin Suit and Loose Tie
Another way to make the classic suit and tie look less staunch is by making it a bit more playful. Instead of Thomas Shelby’s favorite wool, try a jacket and suit that are made of sturdy satin, like this one on BTS RM. For a free-spirited touch, make sure your necktie isn’t too tight—a loose knot is both sexy and stylish.
