Jacob Elordi’s Preppy Style: Valentino at the Oscars & Boarding School Vibes

Jacob Elordi is rapidly becoming known for more than just his on-screen talent. The actor, currently riding a wave of critical acclaim, is making a significant statement with his evolving style – a style that’s drawing comparisons to characters he portrays and evoking a very specific, privileged aesthetic. At yesterday’s February 10 Oscar Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Elordi presented a look that felt less Hollywood leading man and more… boarding school royalty.

The ensemble, entirely from Valentino under Alessandro Michele’s direction, was a masterclass in understated prep. A navy blazer, cut with lower-than-usual lapels, anchored the look, paired with a pristine white dress shirt and a skinny repp-stripe tie. It’s a silhouette that conjures images of Kennedy scions summering in Martha’s Vineyard, or perhaps the protagonists of psychological thrillers set in the Scottish Highlands. The overall effect wasn’t flashy, but undeniably impactful – a subtle flex of wealth and good taste.

The attention to detail extended to the lower half of the outfit. Brown pleated trousers, cut with a slight kick, completed the ensemble. Notably, Elordi eschewed a belt, a deliberate choice that subtly subverts the traditional private school uniform code. He finished the look with a pair of brown loafers – a sensible, versatile choice that grounded the overall aesthetic.

This isn’t a new direction for Elordi, but a continuation of a pattern. He’s demonstrated a remarkable ability to embody different styles, shifting effortlessly from ‘90s politician to, as one observer noted, a “boarding school bully who uses a signet ring to indent his family crest on your forehead.” This latest look feels particularly aligned with the energy he brought to his recent role in Saltburn, where his character exuded a similar air of privileged entitlement.

The aesthetic resonates beyond his on-screen work. A meme circulating online a few years ago, featuring Elordi in a plaid Ralph Lauren shirt and a sweater draped over his shoulder, perfectly captured this image – captioned with the observation that he resembled “one of my evil second cousins who grew up in Madrid.” It’s a testament to his ability to project a specific, instantly recognizable persona through his clothing choices.

Elordi has a busy year ahead, with upcoming roles in Wuthering Heights and The Dog Stars. But given his knack for embodying a character both on and off-screen, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him tackling a British boarding school drama soon. For now, however, he’s proving that his style choices are just as compelling as his acting roles, solidifying his status as a rising style icon with a distinctly aristocratic edge.