Say what you like about the new Superman movie, which landed in cinemas this weekend (and critics certainly did) — it’s given us one of this summer’s greatest gifts: Nicholas Hoult, fashion boy.
Hoult stars as villain Lex Luthor, alongside David Corenswet as the titular Superman, and during the promo tour for the James Gunn movie he has emerged as an unexpected style icon.
There’s been Prada, Bottega, Burberry, Saint Laurent, plenty of on-point accessories — and he even braved leather pants in an LA heatwave.
The cherry on top? All the while Hoult has been pulling off blonde hair. No doubt inspiring a legion of men to reach for the bleach.
It’s thought the new hair colour is for forthcoming movie How To Rob A Bank, which he’ll star in with Zoe Kravitz.
Now there’s been nothing wrong with Hoult’s style up to now, per se. Though we imagine his About A Boy alter-ego Marcus would certainly be impressed with the latest stage of his glow-up. But the looks he’s been wearing during the press tour have earned him serious fashion clout, not just from fashion media but in endless social media comments under his stylist Jason Bolden’s pictures.
Deservedly so. Many of the ‘fits are a mix of styles by multiple of-the-moment designers, combined to create fashion-forward silhouettes. And all of them skim Hoult’s taller than average frame perfectly (he’s a stately 6”3 if you’re wondering).
As London-based stylist and fashion writer Peter Bevan posits: “Hoult’s looks are a great example of good, solid menswear with a fashion-y twist. They feel considered, but it’s not super trendy or try-hard, just well put together and the fit is just right.”
“Then you’ve got all the little styling details — the way the Celine jumper was tied across his front, for instance — as well as the balanced, cohesive colour palette for every look,” he adds.
So who is the man behind the makeover? As most of us know, few celebrities are sourcing or putting together their own premiere and junket interview looks, they’re leaning on a stylist heavyweight. And Hoult has recently begun working with Jason Bolden after collaborating with Wendi and Nicole Ferreira for several years.
This is far from Bolden’s first rodeo when it comes to press tour style. He’s recently worked with Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Nicole Kidman for Babygirl and Michael B. Jordan during the promo for Sinners.
Though as he told Esquire magazine, Hoult doesn’t need much help to look the part: “I think fashion is supposed to be something in his life, because it’s just so natural. He puts the clothes on — he turns into ‘a fashion boy’ very quickly. So, it was pretty easy. He was the perfect muse in that sense.”
Bolden hails from St Louis and is known for elevated takes on tailoring and clean-cut off-duty looks. He’s worked at Oscar de la Renta and Gucci, and ran a vintage store in New York before pivoting to styling in 2011.
He began working with Hoult just three months ago, so let’s take a look at how the pair have got his style so right in this time.
A modern take on black tailoring
Leather for summer? Groundbreaking as it turns out. Earlier this week Hoult stepped out at the Los Angeles premiere of Superman wearing a fall 2025 Saint Laurent blazer and straight-leg leather pants, which were accessorised with David Yurman rings.
It was classic look with a twist which gave a nod to his dark alter-ego Luther.
As Hoult himself attested: “It’s summertime in Los Angeles, so the leather pants are a commitment, that’s for sure.”
Hoult’s London looks
The 35-year-old was arguably at his most fashion-forward on home soil. For the London premiere of Superman, he wore a Bottega striped grey suit which was just the right amount of oversized. A contrast stripe shirt added a cool contrast.
Then as he made his way around town, a Prada top (which he wore rolled up at the sleeves) and matching tailored trousers were accessorised with an XL Bottega bag and black dress shoes. A sleek daytime outfit with the added bonus of showing off Hoult’s hard work in the gym.
The white tank ensemble
As Bevan notes, this look from New York is the one that sealed the deal among style critics: “The white Celine tank top and jeans with the Prada bag is such a low-key outfit which he just wears so well. For me, that’s the look that launched his hot boy summer.”
Wearing a watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso also adds clout, as the timepiece is having a major moment, yet isn’t flashy like some styles. An intentional ‘if you know, you know’ choice.
Of course, Hoult’s toned arms also do some of the heavy lifting in making this outfit look elevated.
If you need further proof that this has became a signature Hoult outfit, it was provided by his co-star Corenswet when he stepped out in similar pieces on Wednesday in New York, and after the internet pointing it out, it led him to poke fun at the copycat moment. “Dude’s been jacking my style since 1998” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Keep up the good work Bolden.
