Men of Style: Paul Newman

One of the best: Newman as Cool Hand Luke in 1967

Paul Newman was at one time (for a long time) the ultimate guy's guy. Sure you can make the argument that Steve McQueen had that title locked since 1960's The Magnificent Seven, but what McQueen did with fierceness, Newman did with his piercing eyes, his transcendence of character and his subtle disposition.

From the early days of Newman's career he has achieved a otherworldly status. Men wanted to be him, women wanted to be with him. His iconic roles in Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid alongside lifelong friend Robert Redford solidified his place in the cannon of American filmmaking.

How stylish was he? This Academy Award-winner, who later turned to car racing in his life, decided to become a philanthropist in the early 80s with his Newman's Own company, donating all the profits to charity. A younger generation today may not have seen his early work, but they most definitely have felt his impact.

Called a minimalist in acting and men's style, he used traditional means to get across his characters, rarely sporting facial hair or bizarre hairstyles, yet allowing his characters to come through movement and style.

I have lost a real friend, said Robert Redford.  My life — and this country — is better for his being in it.

Off screen, Newman was a stud. From well-fit suits to the casual wear that defined an all-American. His effortlessness in his everyday life made him accessible. You never saw Newman with cigarette hanging out of his mouth, ballcap on, clutching a morning Starbucks and sporting three-day stubble á la Ben Affleck. Hardly. Where he went, he went with dignity. Mostly because his wife, Joanne Wordward, of fifty-plus years was never far behind, but also because it was in him. He recognized his fame and instead of being transformed by it, he transcended it. With over $200 million in charitable donations, one can quickly realize he did.

With so may iconic ad stylish looks to choose from, you could pick any number of Paul Newman's style. Here are a few:

From The Hustler:
Slim-cut charcoal suit with skinny lapels
Dark tie and cuff links

From Cat On a Hot Tin Roof:
Crisp Oxford button-downs

From Cool Hand Luke:
Denim Oxford in a pale blue (Stile E. recommends Ralph Lauren's Denim Western Shirt; $89)
Cream henley
Chinos

Selected Filmography:
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
The Huslter (1961)
Hud (1963)
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
BUtch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
The Sting (1973)
Slap Shot (1977)
The Color of Money (1986)
Nobody's Fool (1994)
Road to Perdition (2002)
Cars (voice only, 2006)