THEGen Z rediscovers the charm of Bob Dylan thanks to Timothée Chalamet, the symbolic actor of his generation who was able to bring to light the myth of the rock minstrel. The wait for the biopic A Complete Unknowndirected by James Mangold, in which Chalamet will bring the legendary singer-songwriter to life, has ended: the film has finally made its theatrical debut.
Beyond the dream castwhich includes Elle Fanning and Edward Norton, what captured attention was the extraordinary aesthetic reconstruction that immerses the viewer in the vibrant atmosphere of 60s. There is already talk on TikTok Bob Dylan core and the trend takes hold in men’s wardrobes with suede jackets, Levi’s jeans and long scarves wrapped around the neck.
Timothée Chalamet and method dressing
For A Complete UnknownTimothée Chalamet embraced the Bob Dylan core with the same intensity that saw him transform into a decadent aristocrat in Bones and All or in the rebellious prodigy of Call me by your name. The most significant and beloved actor among Gen Z knows very well the power of the wardrobeon and off the screen, and exploits its narrative capacity by rendering each garment an extension of its character.
Timothée Chalamet at the 2025 Golden Globes. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
It’s no different than that Zendaya he did for Challengers or Margot Robbie with Barbie: in technical jargon method dressing, that is, in everyday life showing off outfits inspired by the characters of the films they are representing. Thus Chalamet, between cinema, Red Carpet and Street Style brought back Dylan’s laid-back charm, with lived-in leather jackets, dark glasses that hide a complex inner world and sartorial details that seem to scream against conformity.
Timothee Chalamet on the set of The Complete Unknown.
Bob Dylan core: the distinctive features of the singer-songwriter’s style
Bob Dylan’s style, already pigeonholed by the TikTok public into a specific aesthetic called “Bob Dylan core”, is characterized by a combination of elements that reflect his personality rebel and his free spirit. Among the iconic garments, the leather jacketssymbol of his nonconformist attitude, and the dark sunglasses (obligatory Ray-Ban Wayfarer), which add an aura of mystery. The checkered shirtshe striped sweaters they represent its connection with the roots folk, while slim-fit jeans and ankle boots complete a simple but distinctive look.
Bob Dylan recording the album ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ in 1965. (Getty Images)
Bob Dylan’s style has crossed over different phasesreflecting not only his artistic evolution but also the cultural influences of the period. In the 60shis initial look was characterized by typical elements of the American working class: worn jackets, worn scarves, Levi’s jeans – often customized by his partner Suze Rotolo with inserts to adapt them to the ankle boots – and disheveled hair. Then a fortuitous meeting with the Beatles marked both a musical and stylistic turning point for Dylan. Influenced by theirs mod styleadopted more tailored suits, with skinny jeans, ankle boots and dark sunglasses, adding a touch of mystery to his public persona. Even today a source of inspiration for Maison as Celine And Saint Laurent, who reinterpret his iconic 60s look in a modern way on the catwalks.
The 2025 men’s fashion trends, copying Timothée Chalamet’s recent looks
The Times They Are A-Changin‘ also in the men’s wardrobe of 2025. Men’s trends for the new year dance in perfect harmony with the recent looks shown off by Timothée Chalamet during the promotion of A Complete Unknown. 2025 celebrates the return of the workwearwith work overalls, raw denim and utility details such as large pockets and cargo pants, but with a sartorial twist. Alongside these, the revival of the 60s: velvet jackets in warm shades, like the one worn by Chalamet at the photocall of the Roman premiere, combined with Texan boots that reinvent tradition with square toes and colored leathers.
Timothee Chalamet at the ‘A Complete Unknown’ photocall in Rome. ANSA/ETTORE FERRARI
They do not go unnoticed thin and long scarvesprotagonists both in a casual key and on red carpets, such as Golden Globeswhere Chalamet elevated them to a symbol of sophisticated nonchalance. The reference to impact accessories completes the picture: wide-brimmed hats and vintage sunglasses, small pins and wool caps.
And while Dylan’s songs are already starting to resonate in Gen Z’s playlists, Timothée Chalamet’s looks influence their wardrobe.
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