Let Arnold Schwarzenegger Be Your Unlikely 2022 Style North Star

Photo credit: Backgrid
Photo credit: Backgrid

Welcome to Heat Check, a (semi)regular dose of much-needed style inspiration culled from the very best celebrity fit pics around.


Arnold Schwarzenegger has had many titles: Terminator, Governator, Mr. Universe, father-in-law to Chris Pratt, and grandpa (not a diss, just a fact). Style setter has never been one of them. And that’s regrettable.

The man, throughout his many careers—first as a bodybuilder, then a movie star, then, very strangely, as the holder of the highest office in the state of California—never faltered with his preferred look. Schwarzenegger was partial to suits, seemingly understanding the true meaning of cut, fit, and proportions. He loved his tailor, and that is clear. And now that he’s somewhat retired, taking a break from public life and adopting a more relaxed attitude with what he wears, the lion in winter has kept up appearances—literally.

On December 23, Schwarzenegger was snapped outside RD Kitchen in Brentwood, California with his sons, Christopher and Patrick. There he was in skinny black jeans and a fitted moss green tee, accessorized with a large pilot watch and white sneakers. But the pièce de résistance was a tan shearling-lined leather vest with a pronounced cream collar. Standing alongside two 20-somethings, it was the 74-year-old that stood out. And it was Schwarzenegger’s sleeveless topper that scored him the winning point. From the patina of the leather to the length of the hem, it just tied his whole look together. It also showed the world that his guns are still locked and fully loaded. We found a similar style by Overland below.

Shearling coats and jackets have long been a winter staple, beloved by cowboys, the glitterati, James Bond, and any man that values great, everlasting style. But a vest? Now that’s something unexpected. And thanks to Schwarzenegger, we know a great way to wear the admittedly uncommon style and have it look ageless. It takes a style setter to, well, set the standard, and Arnie definitely did that.

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