TV stars have influenced clothing trends for decades. Since the days when Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) captured viewers’ hearts in the mid-1950s, styles have been swayed by celebrity fashions. From ‘Rat Pack’ suits to ‘Dr Huxtable’ and ‘Mr Rogers’ sweaters, these fashion icons have inspired menswear.

‘White Collar’ Fashions

Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), the star of the hit FBI show ‘White Collar’ (USA Network) is amongst the best-dressed men on TV. His impeccable outfits are tailored to perfection. Much like the styles available at Connor, Caffrey’s slim suits, classic ties, and metallic cufflinks are tasteful and refined. His wardrobe is reminiscent of the traditional ‘Rat Pack’ days of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. “White Collar’ fashions have a strong influence on today’s menswear… with an occasional pink collar and pastel tie thrown in for effect.

‘Dr Huxtable’ and ‘Mr Rogers’ Knitwear

What do the two have in common? ‘Dr Huxtable’ and ‘Mr Rogers’ have inspired men’s knitwear designs for the past few decades.  These nostalgic knits never seem to go out of style. They’re as cosy as the TV stars who have inspired cold weather style.

‘American Idol’s’ Ryan Seacrest

Although the television host’s style sense is somewhat sedate, he never seems to have a bad (outfit) day. Ryan Seacrest generally sports a plain shirt and sophisticated suit with understated details, yet his look is perpetually fashionable.

Lane Pryce – ‘Mad Men’

Lane Pryce, played by Jared Harris in the AMC hit ‘Mad Men,’ is another celeb who rocks traditional style. His flair for fashion includes suits complete with English-style waistcoats. As with the other characters on the show, Pryce’s wardrobe is picture perfect!

‘Gossip Girl’

Although the show focused on women and the NYC fashion scene, ‘Gossip Girl’ included exclusive men’s fashion. The show aired for six seasons on the CW Television Network (CW). During that time, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Edward Westwick, and Jeffrey Matthew Settle lit up the screen leading privileged lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Once again, classic white collars and sophisticated suits captured the spotlight.

Downton Abbey

The actors in ‘Downton Abbey’ remind viewers that classic looks never go out of style. While the PBS drama is set in Downton Abbey, a fictitious Yorkshire estate, the characters come to life in Edwardian attire. The Crawley family, along with their household servants, butlers, and footmen are ‘dressed to the nines.’ Hugh Bonneville, as Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, is one of several stars who have inspired men’s formalwear.

From Matt Bomer to Downton Abbey there are countless fashion icons and TV shows that have inspired contemporary menswear.