Let’s be honest: Halloween is usually a time of year that women’s fashion becomes the focus of everyone’s attention. Sadly there are sexy, slutty costumes versions of just about everything, while men’s costumes are relegated to something reminiscent of the stereotypical, blood-soaked madman. And fashionable costumes? Forget it. Store-bought versions of men’s costumes are nearly non-existent, and not everyone has the talent to go DIY. This got us thinking about the scary style mavens of the horror cinema universe. Who are the best dressed men, and who has the most unique fashion sense? Hit the jump to find out, and let us know who gets your vote below.
Christian Bale in American Psycho
American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is the epitome of 1980’s hedonism and egocentrism, right down to his yuppie chic. (He collects the style section of the Times after all.) Aside from Bateman’s penchant for serial murder, he’s a professionally polished, well-dressed guy who favors a sharp suit (Ferragamo and Valentino preferably), brand names, and nothing but the finest accessories. Those business cards are indeed to die for. Bateman’s attractive exterior is also complemented by his obsessive morning routine, diet, and exercise rituals.
David Bowie in The Hunger
David Bowie’s vampire killer John in The Hunger is impeccably dressed and tailored, in a retro 1940s-cum-80’s style. Even when his body starts to deteriorate due to a deadly virus that his paramour has passed on to him, he still manages to look his best and accessorize with the best hats ever. When you’re David Bowie, it’s hard to look anything but amazing.
Chris Sarandon in Fright Night
Let’s forget about this year’s remake of the horror-comedy classic Fright Night, and look back to the 1985 version — where Chris Sarandon’s Jerry Dandrige took vampire couture and made it homespun. Not many people could pull off a Cosby sweater and still manage to look sexy, but Sarandon is dark and debonair in knitted raglan sleeves. His ’80s-cut gray suit and red scarf ensemble also wins thumbs up for its casual reference to classic Drac.
Christopher Lee in The Wicker Man
Don’t let the merry pagan rituals and musical numbers confuse you — Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man is every bit a horror film. Community Cult leader Lord Summerisle (Lee) boasts a functional — but handsomely 70’s — wardrobe that is complete with tweeds, turtlenecks, and some killer shaggy hair. Things get blustery off the coast of Scotland, but Lee proves you can still look like a suave gent while enacting your ominous schemes.
Doug Bradley in Hellraiser
Black leather lover Pinhead is like a walking advertisement for Jean Paul Gaultier in the Hellraiser film series. Pinhead and the other Cenobites were cast into hell after their insatiable appetites for dark delights caught up with them. The sadistic skin hooks and pins seem like appropriate accessories for demons from hell. And don’t dismiss Pinhead as a Hot Topic reject. All that leather costs money, honey.
John Saxon in Tenebrae
Can we all just agree that veteran character actor John Saxon is pretty much a badass in everything he does? Whether starring as the father in A Nightmare on Elm Street or a gambler in the classic Enter the Dragon, the man is always a standout. His black fedora is the centerpiece in Dario Argento’s Italo-horror Tenebrae. Sure, his suits are fun and vintage and very literary agent, but the little head-twirling demo he gives to show off his stylish hat is a winner.
Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker’s Dracula
In Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula a young, handsome, well-coiffed vamp (Gary Oldman) follows his beloved Mina on the streets of 19th century London in charming, gentlemanly garb. His gray Victorian suit, fancy top hat, and cane are lush and charmingly old timey.
Udo Kier in Flesh for Frankenstein
A very hammy, but sexy, Udo Kier stars in the raunchy horror parody, Flesh for Frankenstein (AKA Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein), as Baron Frankenstein — the demented doctor who is obsessed with creating a master race. His over the top demeanor is matched by his strange constructivist suits and minimalist mad scientist getup.
Russell Streiner in Night of the Living Dead
The eerily taunting Johnny in George Romero’s zombie opus, 1968’s Night of the Living Dead, is a smartly dressed hipster with nerd glasses and driving gloves. Even though his fateful encounter with a zombie made certain that he’d never be able to shop for fancy duds again, he stands out from the ravenous pack of fleshmunchers with his 60’s-style suit and tie.
Stephen Forsyth in Hatchet for the Honeymoon
Singer Adam Ant’s style was probably inspired in part by Stephen Forsyth’s glammed-out John Harrington in Mario Bava’s Hatchet for the Honeymoon. The actor plays a wealthy weirdo who gets stabby around women in wedding dresses. Harrington has a collection of 60’s jumpsuits, belts, ascots, blazers, and robes that would make the cast of Dynasty very jealous. Did we mention the eyeliner?
