40 Photos That Prove Sylvester Stallone Is the Ultimate Style Icon
A look back at the Rocky star’s knockout style from the ‘70s to today.
Before Michael B Jordan shocked us in a leather harness, Shawn Mendes dared to bare in sheer shirting, and Jason Momoa committed to think pink, Sylvester Stallone broke all the red carpet rules, opting for bold modern style over the traditional garb worn by Hollywood’s leading men. Like any Stallone film, his style was far from boring. Standout gold accessories, unconventional textural mash ups, lots o’ skin, and seriously fresh kicks—the Rambo star could, and did, wear it all. Stallone even mastered casual layering equations in a time where men couldn’t have been more confused about how to dress themselves outside of the standard penguin suit. Stallone’s unapologetic bravado and calm-and-cool exterior made the perfection combination for him to become a style icon of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Today, every male celebrity has a stylist to shape their style and provide direction for their red carpet ensembles, but not Stallone. The Rocky actor’s display of authenticity was inspiring and admirable. So maybe you didn’t share his same taste for out-there fashions of the time, but you still had to respect the man. Even one of the most influential fashion designers of the time, Gianni Versace, took notice and booked Stallone to star in a campaign opposite supermodel Claudia Schiffer in ’95.
Looking back at Stallone’s style evolution throughout the years, it’s easy to see how The Italian Stallion’s style flexes could have inspired today’s menswear style stars. Even for the average Joe, there’s plenty to take away from Stallone’s style moves. To highlight Sly's impressive red carpet looks, here are 40 images of Sylvester Stallone’s style evolution from the ‘70s to today. Take notes, guys.
1976
The thick creme turtleneck, the unexpected leather trench—what’s not to love?
1978
Sly made silky bomber jackets look cool before Gosling made it big in Drive. The modern look of the bomber paired with a cool graphic tee and western belt still feels fresh for today.
1978
Print mixing isn’t easy, but Stallone wins this match.
1979
Before BDE, there was BSE: Big Stallone Energy. Every guy could use this no-pants-don’t-care attitude when grabbing their morning paper before taking on the day like a champ.
1979
Sly dresses up a pair of jeans like no other.
1979
A three-piece suit, folks. The action star cleans up nicely with precise tailoring.
1980
The wear-and-tear on Stallone’s hat adds some cool factor to his unique style. Many will try, but few can pull off a hat like this.
1980
Show us someone who can pull off a gigantic fur coat like this, we’ll wait.
1981
Stallone might have been in character promoting his ’81 film Victory, but there’s nothing costumey about this stylish long-sleeve polo shirt that’s a major menswear trend today.
1982
Chris Evans’ might look good in a cable-knit sweater, but The Italian Stallion does it best.
1982
One of Stallone’s most iconic fits that cemented his style-icon status. Do try this one at home, kids.
1983
The Rambo actor takes on the varsity look with a one-two punch of style.
1983
Now, this is how you dress like a total boss.
1984
Somehow the man can go out to eat at one of LA’s trendiest restaurants in two layers of jackets and still look damn cool.
1984
Never afraid to show some skin, Stallone knows showing off some muscle—even in a formal suit—is never a bad thing.
1985
Are you man enough to rock the banana hammock? Stallone shows some serious confidence while showing off his ripped muscles. Hey, if you worked hard on your sculpted physique, why not show it off?
1986
The not-so-mellow yellow color of this jacket is the perfect pop of color for cool style.
1986
Accessorizing your suit with an elegant brooch might be a standard style move for the A-List today, but Stallone stood out in '86 rocking some lapel jewelry before it was cool.
1986
Rugby shirts made a comeback a few years ago and by looking at this outfit, it’s easy to see why.
1986
Pinstripes have never looked cooler—try to change our minds.
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