TOM BERENGER

I developed a huge crush on Tom Berenger when I saw him play action star Sam Weber in The Big Chill back in the early 80s. I could see past past his mustache to his rugged appeal. I wanted so badly to trade places with his love interest, Karen, (played by JoBeth Williams) so I could show him that we were meant to be together. Unfortunately, I don't think he was looking to date a 5th grader at the time.

I discovered only recently that Tom's mustache-clad days were preceded by some very stylish roles, where he was often cast as the young, street-savvy seducer. His style was very casual, incorporating denim, hoodies, (dare I say?) turtlenecks, and his signature mussed-up hair. Though the elements were far from groundbreaking, his sense of style made an impression on me.

Exhibit A:
I'm a firm believer that turtlenecks are reserved for a very small minority of the population. Tom made the cut.


Exhibit B:
In that same vein, I believe that very few men can (or should) wear tank tops. This guy is PP-approved. I dig the smug facial expression and newsie cap, too.


Exhibit C:
These shots are from Tom's 1977 breakout role in Looking for Mr. Goodbar with Diane Keaton. His character is actually quite tortured in this film, but his hoodie and perfectly distressed denim jacket are ultimately intact.




Exhibit D:
Sherpa! Every guy I knew in junior high had a Sherpa-lined coat, but none of them wore it this well.


Exhibit E:
You can't even see Tom's outfit in this photo, but he looks good, right? And he's looking at you. Can you feel the intensity of his gaze? It's as if he's saying, "Please go rent Platoon."