Call it genetics or the result of some Scientology magic. The fact is that the most famous star in the world will blow out 60 candles on July 3rd. Hypnotic smile, undisputed king of the 2022 box office, has delivered classic and perfect looks to flashes, casual or formal, since the beginning, continuing to give style lessons that many should apply to their wardrobes. Without forgetting, however, that being like him is a Mission impossibleJuly 3, 2022

Tom Cruise. Getty photo David M. Benett

Not exactly Born on the 4th of July, to take the title of one of his many successful films, but almost. To be precise, in Syracuse NY, he came into the world the day before, the 3rd, of 1962. And if the numbers don’t add up for you either, we must surrender to the evidence. Tom Cruise is 60 years old. (Almost) Eight Mission Impossibles , two Top Guns , a War of the Worlds , a Rain Man , an Eyes Wide Shut , an Interview with the Vampire and countless other successes later, the actor has succeeded where others have failed: to remain the poster boy hung in 500 thousand bedrooms between the 80s and 90s. 

That boy, who seemed to be looking straight in the eye from the wall, dressed in a leather jacket, a white T-shirt, a pair of stone washed Levi’s jeans and Ray-Ban Aviators, the essentials of the American style that never fades ( like him, after all), he grew up without losing his charm, style and fame. And, wow, youth.

Currently the super star has pulled off his final blow. Top Gun: Maverick (in which he appears in very good shape), the second chapter of the 1986 cult, literally hit the box office worldwide, becoming his most successful film, having been able to skilfully combine the nostalgia effect (the scene with Val Kilmer is touching) to breathtaking aerobatics on modern fighter jets. 

Not only success on the big screen but also an apotheosis in terms of style : on the occasion of the long press tour that is taking him around the world, Tom Cruise has always been able to show himself at his best while keeping his wardrobe simple (but never boring) , paying particular attention to the quality and wearability of the impeccable suits designed by Giorgio Armani (the maison who also dressed him in 2006 for his wedding to Katie Holmes), Ermenegildo Zegna or Brioni in classic shades of blue, black and grey.

Tom, moreover, never bats an eyelid in his shoes, perfectly at ease in the tuxedos made up of two or three pieces, made to measure (always very calibrated and cut to best suit his figure), with refined details, such as a tie clip or a pair of precious cufflinks, and leather and patent lace-up shoes. Looks that James Bond would also like. An inspiration for those looking for a formal and refined type of clothing, but also for those who want to dress more casually without giving up class. 

Because years pass but Tom Cruise retains his action DNA (he often doesn’t use stunt doubles in his action films) and off the set he often appears wearing motorbike jackets, jeans and boots. As his stylists, Wendi & Nicole Ferreira, underlined: «We have always focused on his most iconic key pieces and to respect his identity in the photocalls we have outlined two strands, one tailored and one biker chic».

In short, the actor’s secret is to maintain a youthful style without ever looking like he’s dressing too young. Perennial only by birth, he still regularly appears in the best dressed lists . After all, he is one of the most attractive stars in Hollywood whose success story inspires every aspiring actor in the world. Such is his charisma that he has established himself as a fashion icon effortlessly thanks to everything he flaunts, from formal attire to casual pieces.

And don’t be fooled if he’s wearing what might appear to be a simple employee sweater. Maybe it’s because he arrives surrounded by the golden allure of the Hollywood myth, maybe it’s because he has a disarming kindness (which frankly you don’t expect from a divine like him but which makes him even more iconic) but he manages to live up to it, despite his stature not too high, even with the most ordinary of looks (and the writer assures this, because he met him live). 

«Sei incinta?» (sì, lo ero), mi ha chiesto quando, nel 2014, su una terrazza romana mi sono stati concessi cinque minuti con lui per un’intervista. Poi mi ha sfiorato la pancia facendomi le congratulazioni. Oggi mio figlio di quasi otto anni segue un corso di teatro e sogna di fare l’attore. Chiamatelo come volete, per me è il Tom’s Power. Quello, per dire, capace di consegnarlo alla storia figo per sempre.

In onore del suo 60esimo compleanno, nella gallery, ripercorriamo come in un film le mosse di stile di Tom Cruise durante quattro decenni di carriera. 

Altre storie di Vanity Fair che ti possono interessare: 

– Kate la diva: stile da star sul red carpet con Tom Cruise per la prima di Top Gun: Maverick 
-Top Gun: Maverick, tutti i look alla prima
– Top Gun: Maverick: perché, oggi come ieri, i look del film prendono il volo\