Austin Butler Keeps Dressing Like a Surly Mechanic—and It’s Working For Him

If Austin Butler ever gets tired of acting, he already has his side hustle sorted: fixing up carburetors somewhere off Interstate 80. At least, that’s what his menswear is saying. While on the Caught Stealing press tour in London, Butler pulled up in a fit that felt less Hollywood red carpet and more small-town mechanic clocking in for a shift. And we’re clocking in too, actually.

Let’s start with the work jacket. The actor wore a chocolatey brown zip-up that looks like it’s lived a real life, with a classic collar, a pair of hip pockets, and shiny gold hardware. Underneath, he swapped his usual clean shirts and neat knits for a white tee. It was on the baggier side, and the neckline was ripped—the sort of chewed-up beater that gets a lot of love in this age of grit and grot. Down below, Butler pulled on some lovingly distressed corduroy trousers—the hardy material has been a workwear staple since the 18th century.

The boots might be the realest part of the deal, though. Red Wings have always been the footwear of choice for IRL mechanics, but over the years, they’ve also caught the attention of some of Hollywood’s most famous dudes. Jeremy Allen White swears by ’em. Ryan Gosling, too. And at the end of last year, Timothée Chalamet joined the party while doing promo for A Complete Unknown. Butler’s pair looked super scuffed and worn, which only added to the authenticity. No pristine, box fresh boots here—just ones that have been through many, many things.

This is hardly Butler’s first workwear rodeo—The Bikeriders star has long been at home in a Carhartt Detroit jacket. The only thing missing now, though? An “Austin” name patch stitched to his chest.

SuperSole

8-inch Safety Toe Boot

This story originally appeared on British GQ.