11 times Benedict Cumberbatch nailed quintessentially British style
LONDON -- Benedict Cumberbatch celebrated a rather special birthday on Tuesday. The thespian and all-round national treasure turned 40.
The actor has brought many fine performances to screen and stage; from his sociopathic Sherlock to his stunning portrayal of Alan Turing.
While Cumberbatch is up there with some of Britain's finest acting talent, he also happens to be an exemplary dresser. Indeed, some might venture that the actor is also one of the most stylish Brits around.
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Here are 11 times Cumberbatch nailed the quirkiness and drama of British fashion.
1. Tennis chic
In July 2015, Cumberbatch nailed the sporty gent look with a grey-blue suit as he attended the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with his dad.
2. Monochromatic drama
When it comes to formal attire, you simply can't go wrong with a bow tie.
Cumberbatch is also not averse to matching his outfit to his partner Sophie Hunter's. Here they both are in all their monochromatic finery at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in February 2015 in London just days before they got married.
3. Royal attire
It's not often one gets to meet the Queen. But, this was no ordinary meeting for our much beloved actor. In November 2015, Cumberbatch received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the performing arts and to charity.
That's why -- in true Cumberbatch fashion -- he donned a bespoke morning suit and silver tie as he was bestowed his award at Buckingham Palace.
4. Flat cap cool
Don't be fooled, Cumberbatch isn't always dressed to the nines in formalwear. He also likes to work a strong casual look. Here he is in Los Angeles rocking a v. v. v. British flat cap with a tartan-lined leather jacket.
5. Quirky socks
Cumberbatch is something of a fan when it comes to jazzy socks. At a Times Talks event with Keira Knightley, the star wore a simple sports jacket and open-collar shirt; nothing to write home about. But the addition of the claret polka dot socks made for subtle-yet-quirky detail. Oh so British.
6. Hats off
Ever the tennis fan, Cumberbatch cut a fine figure in a classic cream fedora and a blue and white striped sports jacket as he attended day 11 at Wimbledon in 2015.
7. Oscar suave
When you're attending the Academy Awards -- as so many of us do -- high glamour is what it's all about. Cumberbatch hit the red carpet wearing a bold white tuxedo jacket over black trousers and a bow tie.
8. Fashion week swag
During London Fashion Week, Burberry is ~the~ show to attend. Which is why Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter attended Burberry's Womenswear Spring/Summer 2016 show in September 2015, they showed up in some badass style.
And let's face it, nothing says badass Brit like an upturned collar and vintage battered leather bag.
9. The man in blue
Cumberbatch is fond of a classic look with a modern twist. At the 2015 Laureus World Sports Awards, he wore an elegant navy suit with contrasting black lapels. And he looked classy af.
10. Teal is the new black
A teal tweed suit might not be an obvious choice for a July afternoon, but that didn't stop Cumberbatch. On July 10, the actor cheered on Andy Murray at the men's final of Wimbledon wearing a bold teal tweed ensemble with a clashing blue shirt and tie.
11. Double navy
Benedict has a bit of a thing for navy suits. OK, a ~lot~ of a thing. At the Virgin Atlantic Gala screening of Black Mass in October 2015, Cumberbatch doubled up on his usual dose of navy with a navy suit and matching navy tie. We get it, Ben, you love navy.
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Rachel Thompson is the Features Editor at Mashable. Rachel's second non-fiction book The Love Fix: Reclaiming Intimacy in a Disconnected World is out now, published by Penguin Random House in Jan. 2025. The Love Fix explores why dating feels so hard right now, why we experience difficult emotions in the realm of love, and how we can change our dating culture for the better.
A leading sex and dating writer in the UK, Rachel has written for GQ, The Guardian, The Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Stylist, ELLE, The i Paper, Refinery29, and many more.
Rachel's first book Rough: How Violence Has Found Its Way Into the Bedroom And What We Can Do About It, a non-fiction investigation into sexual violence was published by Penguin Random House in 2021.
