How To Get Jamie Campbell Bower Style

Written by Benjamin Fitzgerald

The ultimate triple-threat, Jamie Campbell Bower models, sings and acts, and knows how to rock the meanest street looks on his local London streets. Starting things out in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, he then cast spells in Harry Potter before getting vampy in Twilight and even more fantastical in the book-turned-film epic, The Mortal Instruments.

Attracting interest from both the movie and fashion elite, Bower then faced Burberry’s SS14 campaign and launched himself as band-lead for music group, The Darling Buds. In 2015, he is a prominent member of today’s British brat-pack (think Oliver Cheshire, Cara Delevigne and Douglas Booth), claiming his reign on an outlandish yet simple style. All hail, Jamie Campbell Bower.

Breaking It Down: Jamie Campbell Bower Best Looks

Where do I begin? Bower’s style is eclectic and thrown-together – just like the hunter-gatherer bird that bears the same name. A fan of the classic camel coat, his rebel side shines through with his modernising of classic things: burgundy patent shoes, skull print scarves, metallic chains as neckwear, and coats just that half-size too big.

With a penchant for black and leather, Bower also has a sartorial side: basking in the opportunity to wear a coloured suits and slick back his long-ish hair. Somewhat refined, the star never wears a tie, but always dotes on leather shoes. Bending the rules to meet his needs, here are Bower’s key style looks.

Biker Black

Whether he’s strolling the streets of East London with Burberry-model-girlfriend Mathilda Lowther, or attending an insider fashion event in Dalston, monochrome creates Bower’s signature look – biker black. The expense is in the leather jacket; cut severely sharp for nights with slim-fit tee or a slightly more relaxed, softer shape during the day with longline, scoop neck shirt.

Both leathers are not without eye-catching hardware in metal and power shoulders that a hold superior line and shape. Denim is skinny and personalised with slits in the knee; distressing kept minimal but essential in breaking up the all-over black.

Varsity Blues

Having never attended an American university, Bower makes up for lost time now. Maintaining his rock-star edge, Bower perverts the cleanliness of Varsity prep, pairing the jacket over clashing prints including punk-Tartan. Never phased, Bower likes controversy, and facilitates just the one rhetorical question to onlookers: “What are you looking at?”

In confidence, pattern mismatch works, but only if you follow Bower’s lead in eliminating all other subversions. Stick to shades of black, grey and white to balance the clash. Need help looking poised and in control? A backwards cap and killer shades (aviator or wayfarer are best) create instant celebrity confidence.

Tonal Suiting

Not only is Bower a huge fan of coloured tailoring, he more-often-than-not goes all-out in wearing a matching shirt and pocket square to boot. Notice the details, however. While his red carpet efforts appear monotone, the oneness of the hue is accented with micro-prints on the collar of button downs and the fabric of the shirt itself, creating a buffer against looking like a blood clot when dressed in all-red.

Not sure about a one-colour look? Follow the actors electric blue concoction: no tie (silver chain for the jewelry-brave) but colour-matching the waist coast with suit separates. The brightness of the outfit pops on a stark white shirt. Note: going tonal requires dulled-down colour. If electric and bright, change the coloured shirt for a white one).

Outlandish & Oversized Outerwear

When you’re practically sponsored by Burberry, you can’t help but sport the luxury coat in interesting ways. Bower isn’t a huge fan of button shirts (outside of suits) and chooses tees and sweaters to layer under winter coats.

And he doesn’t fall in line with traditional slim-fits; opting for slightly oversized camel mac coats and fluid-hanging trenches in emerald green.

He is a master of scarves and protects against the elements with silk, printed neckwear, usually kept untied. Outerwear is out-of-the-box and effortless with Bower, appearing tussled and thrown on, much like his rugged hair.

Retro Headwear

Felt, wool and denim hats in retro shapes are key for Jamie Campbell Bower. From relaxed farmers and snap backs, to fedoras and panamas, to pork pie and flat caps – the hat adds a crowning touch to the Bower ensemble. They change depending on his mood, occasion and the condition of his blunt-chopped locks. But the quality of the fabric is unwavering, providing a old-time luxury to his off-duty, artsy style.

Key Bower Fashion Items

Outerwear

Burberry mac coats in camel are key, as well as the legendary British label’s trench, but in emerald green. Scandinavian simplicity in the form of parkas from Acne Studios are in line with Bower’s minimalist approach to coats.

Jackets

For leather crop biker jackets, go Allsaints or Topman Design, who both offer younger, fresher vibes. For super luxe, the French maisons call: Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Balenciaga. For Varsity prep, the only way is Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger for US classics.

Denim

For subtle rips and slits, go roughed-up J Brand, Yohji Yamamoto or Australian newcomer, The People Vs. For luxury, hit Philip Plein, Burberry or skinny jeans maître, Saint Laurent.

Shirts

Bower rocks slim and short cut tees reminiscent of James Dean. Go for signature classics like Calvin Klein Jeans and Club Monaco. For Bower’s rebellion against tee-niceties, go for longline, sporty fits from COS and APC or scoop neck from Allsaints in organic cotton. A fan of printed shirting, Paul Smith and Etro are super options for button downs – patterned, yes – but not over the top.

Shoes

A rocker for days, Jamie Campbell Bower would be lost without his Dr Martens. For a more subtle version of the punk-ish shoe, Henson offers a stellar-cut leather boot, next to derby brilliance from Alexander McQueen and once again, Allsaints.

Accessories

Printed silk scarves fall well in the way of Alexander McQueen. Sunglasses – go to Gucci for aviators or Ray Ban for the classic wayfarer. Jewelry looks like Diesel for silver chains and Vivienne Westwood for standout silver rings. For hats, Burberry’s rabbit-felt hat is versatile and stately, as well as the Loro Piana panama in summery straw.