Eddie Redmayne's Keys to a CONFIDENT LOOK - PHOTOS

The Oscar-winning best Actor 2015 and 'Theory of Everything' star explains how to look as good as you feel

 

Eddie Redmayne approaches a rack of suits with a knowing eye, aware that some cuts are just better than others. "Let's have a look," he says as he starts to sort through all the options and envision the fits in his mind.

The British actor, an Oscar winner for his performance in The Theory of Everything, arrives at his photo shoot in jeans, an oversize cashmere sweater, and Converse high-tops—his preferred uniform for days off. "I'll take comfort over style any day," he says. And he means it.

(Learn the 4 Secrets to Success from Eddie Redmayne, like how fear and anxiety should be used as tools to motivate you.)

Z Zegna Jacket, $1,095
Rag & Bone Sweater, $395
7 For All Mankind Jeans, $198
Banana Republic Shoes, $128
Tag Heuer Watch, $5,700
Persol Glasses, $330

But Redmayne, 33, is also blessed with an uncanny ability to make even the most sharply tailored suits look as comfortable as his day-off uniform. He slips into formal wear with ease; over the next few hours he'll knot perfectly dimpled ties faster than most men tie their shoelaces, and he'll adeptly adjust his own pocket square to keep himself on point.

In spite of his role as a twisted villain in the space epic Jupiter Ascending, Redmayne is nothing short of charming—easy smile, warm affability—as he examines fabrics and suggests tailoring tricks to improve fit. The man doesn't have a stylist. He just knows what looks good on him. Todd Snyder Leather Jacket, $1,695
Thomas Pink Shirt, $195
Prada Pants, $1,000
Banana Republic Shoes, $128
Hook + Albert Tie, $95

 

 

To be fair, he's had practice. As a teen at Eton College, Redmayne was required to wear starched collars and tailcoats. "I've always worn suits, so I've always felt at ease in them," he explains with a broad smile. The other men in his family donned traditional tailored clothing as well, and that had an impact on him. "My dad is a dapper man. He wears suits for work, so maybe wearing them makes me feel subconsciously like I have a proper job."

On the red carpet this year, razor-sharp attire emboldened him. "A well-cut suit feels like armor," he says. "If it's tailored to fit, you feel strong." It also improves your posture and adds heft to a slim frame. "I don't slouch as much," he says. "My shoulders look stronger." That helps him face the scrum of photographers vying for the best shot, and it can help you too, with whatever puts you in the spotlight.

Redmayne's other trick: He's always prepared for a wardrobe change. For an event with an ambiguous dress code, he wears a soft cardigan beneath his suit. If he turns out to be overdressed, the jacket comes off. Just like that, he's casual. His ideal mode of existence. "Comfort is confidence," he says, finally sitting down after seven hours of mugging for the camera in slim suits.

And with that, Redmayne exposes a provision in his idea of comfort: It's not about old sneakers and threadbare jeans. It's about fitting into your environment, keeping yourself on point, and controlling your life by always casting yourself as the star. If that means looking good, then so be it.

(Vacations, custom furniture, vibrators(!)—find out exactly what those Oscar nominees take home in their $160,000 gift bags.) Gucci Suit, $2,890
7 For All Mankind Sweater, $158
Banana Republic Shoes, $128
Marwood Pocket Square, $85