Somehow, SNL has emerged as an incubator of good style
Before streaming services and DVR reigned supreme, Saturday night at 11:30 pm (Eastern Standard Time) was appointment television at its finest. In 1975, Saturday Night Live debuted and after some bumps, bruises and full-scale makeovers, the sketch show grew into the institution we know today. Naturally, the cast followed the style trends of the decades, from wide-lapeled blazers to acid washed jeans. But amid all the forgettable style choices were some exceptions: guys like Chevy Chase and Eddie Murphy who dressed for Studio 8H's spotlight.
More recently, we've seen a select number of featured players lock in their look for the long run. Whether it's an everyday shirt, or streetwear that almost anybody can pull off, these cast members have found a uniform that works for them and stuck to the script. Here are some of our favorite SNL style staples you'll want to try.
Hailing from the home state of basketball, it's no surprise that Jason Sudeikis has some basketball in his DNA. He can hold his own on the court (as proven in celebrity games), but off it his love for sneakers spills over. So much so that he walked the 2016 Golden Globes red carpet in Jordan 11 Concords. Maybe not suitable for your next black-tie event, but probably could would work on casual Friday.
Air Jordan 1 Mid SE,
$120 by Nike
When Andy Samberg broke onto the scene he was mostly the guy with the moptop from these new things called "digital shorts." Samberg's sketches meant choosing his own wardrobe: usually shirts that looked like the softest cotton tee you'd find at a thrift store. Now, when Samberg does the late-night circuit to promote Brooklyn 99, the uniform is still casual but grown up, with the type of button down you can get away with anywhere.
Washed checked button-down,
$98 / $58 by Bonobos
Pete Davidson is one of the more polarizing recent SNL figures, and already a seasoned veteran as a 25-year-old in his 4th season. The "resident millennial" wears what any rich kid born in the '90s would, with an off-screen closet consisting of hard-to-score streetwear gems. When Davidson is spotted by paparazzi or simply drops by Weekend Update, it's usually in a hoodie—just what you're looking for your weekend brunch run.
Team Williams hoodie,
$200 by KITH
Advertisement
Seth Meyers' best accessory might be a desk. The former Update host turned late-night orator does his best work seated and dressed up. Of course, a late-night talk show gig typically means a suit is standard, but Meyers still keeps it from being too stiff with a modern-cut and a range of rich blue shades. He's even been known to break up one up and wear just the jacket on occasion. If you don't already have this in your arsenal, it's time.
Napoli Italian wool suit,
$399 by Suitsupply
Colin Jost has been working at SNL since 2005, steadily rising from script supervisor to head writer. The former Harvard Lampoon president looks the part—so much so he even booked an IZOD campaign this winter alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While his Update job might not lend itself to groundbreaking style choices, his hair style is as timeless as a Crimson degree. Capture the same mane with this "matt mud," which leaves hair soft enough to be touched while still maintaining its shape.
Matt mud,
$25 by Vitaman
Kenan Thompson is the longest-tenured cast member in the show's history, with 16 seasons under his belt.
Advertisement
