Austin Butler’s Elvis Press Tour Style Is Menswear Minimalism Done Right

Considering Austin Butler is portraying one of the greatest (and best dressed) rock and roll icons in music history, the pressure was on for the actor to deliver some stellar red carpet looks during the Elvis press tour this past month. Butler has exceeded expectations without having to slip into a rhinestone Nudie suit. Instead, Butler has leaned into minimalism, all the while incorporating more subtle details that nod back to the 1950s—the decade that made Presley a worldwide household name.

Now, it’s not easy to pull off pared-back dressing without it being a total snoozefest, but with the assist of his stylists Tom Eerebout and Sandra Amador, Butler has proved that a simple ensemble can still make a major statement. He’s channeled Elvis in a more modern way, looking to the singer’s penchant for sleek suiting and big-collared ’50s shirts. At the Elvis screening in London just last night, Butler wore a sharp white blazer by Alexander McQueen, paired with a white ribbed tank and black trousers. A thin, barely-there gold chain necklace—with a matching gold-chain brooch—elevated the look, as did his black cuban-heeled boots.

Some of Butler’s best Elvis looks happened at the Cannes Film Festival last week. At the Elvis photo call, for one, Butler wore a white large-collared shirt and black high-waisted trousers by The Row. Talk about chic. Again, it was all about the small details. His wayfarer shades and a small Cartier watch, with a brown leather wristband, felt polished and classic. For the film’s Cannes premiere, Butler also wore a double-breasted Celine tuxedo, complete with a black bow tie, pointy patent dress shoes, and a purple flower brooch that added the right amount of pop.

Whether he’s been in dressy-casual for day, or full-on evening wear for night, Butler has infused each look during his marathon of Elvis looks with a bit of individuality and flair—and that’s exactly what the musician was a true pioneer of. We’d say he nailed it. With a few more weeks before the film releases to the world, however, can we expect Butler to turn things around and emerge in a bejeweled, red-lined cape as a grand finale? Only time will tell—but we’re hoping for more stealthy-chic outfits in the meantime.

Below, more of Butler’s best looks from the Elvis press tour.