Honestly, if you walked past Paul Mescal in North London tomorrow, you might not even realize he’s an Oscar nominee. He’d probably be wearing a pair of beat-up Adidas Sambas, some suspiciously short gym shorts, and a hoodie that looks like it’s been through the wash about four hundred times. But that’s the magic.
Paul Mescal street style isn't about trying hard. It's the literal opposite.
While every other A-lister is out here looking like they were dressed by a committee of fifteen stylists for a simple coffee run, Mescal looks like he just rolled out of bed and found some clean-ish clothes on the floor. It’s "Normal People" in more ways than one.
He’s basically the patron saint of the "I just threw this on" aesthetic.
The Short Short Revolution (and the GAA of it all)
Let’s talk about the legs. Specifically, the thighs. Before Paul Mescal, most guys wouldn't be caught dead in shorts with a five-inch inseam, let alone three. Then he stepped out in those O’Neills Mourne GAA shorts—classic Irish sportswear—and everything changed.
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Suddenly, the "Paul Mescal effect" was a real thing. O'Neills reported a 20% spike in sales.
Think about that. A guy goes for a run in London wearing his old Gaelic football kit from Kildare, and suddenly it’s a global fashion trend. It’s wild. Even high-fashion giants like Gucci took notice, releasing their own versions of the short-short that looked suspiciously like the Irish originals.
He’s still doing it in 2026. Whether it’s actual sportswear or those striped Gucci boxer shorts he wore to the SS25 show in Milan, the message is clear: the thigh is the limit.
Why the "Ordinary Guy" Vibe Actually Works
Most celebrity style feels unattainable. You see a photo of Timothée Chalamet and think, "Cool, but I can't wear a backless red jumpsuit to the grocery store." Mescal is different. He wears stuff you probably already own, just... better.
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- The White Tee: It’s never just a shirt. It’s tucked in, maybe slightly oversized, often layered under a tailored vest or a vintage-looking cardigan.
- The Footwear: He’s been a loyalist to the Adidas Samba and Gazelle long before they were on every TikTok feed.
- The Accessories: It started with "the chain" (the one from Normal People that literally got its own Instagram account), but now it’s about Cartier brooches and Petit Santos watches.
It’s a mix of high and low that feels genuine. He’s not a billboard. He’s a guy who likes clothes but doesn’t let them wear him.
He recently teamed up with Vinted to sell pieces from his personal wardrobe—stuff he actually wore on the Gladiator II press tour. We’re talking about custom cardigans from Av Vattev and Jimmy Choo boots. He’s putting his money where his mouth is regarding sustainability.
The Gucci Connection: Polished but Never Stiff
Even though he’s a global ambassador for Gucci, he doesn't look like a mannequin. Look at his appearance at the Gucci Cruise 2026 show. He showed up in a white T-shirt, a sweater vest, and loafers. It was minimalist, let his arm tattoos show, and felt completely "him."
He’s been working with stylist Felicity Kay for years now. They’ve perfected this "unbuttoned" look. At the 2026 Golden Globes, he wore Gucci, but it had that signature Mescal ease—sharp silhouette, but somehow relaxed.
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He often leans into gender-fluid touches, too. Think Simone Rocha shirts with pearl embellishments or carrying a "women's" Ada cardigan from the London brand &Daughter. It doesn't feel like a "statement." It just looks like he thought the sweater was nice.
How to Get the Look Without an Oscar Budget
You don't need a Gucci contract to pull this off. Honestly, the "Mescalification" of your wardrobe is mostly about confidence and fit.
First, get comfortable with shorter shorts. If you're nervous, start with a 5-inch inseam. Pair them with a classic white crewneck and some white socks. The socks are key—keep them pulled up, maybe a bit scrunched.
Second, embrace the mullet. Or at least the "intentional wonkiness" of his hair. His stylist at Blue Tit salon in London says everyone is asking for the "Mescal mullet" because it looks tidy even when it's messy.
Third, shop vintage. Mescal is often spotted in second-hand pieces, from band tees to old workpants. He’s a fan of E.L.V. Denim (upcycled jeans) and sustainable knitwear brands like Hades and Herd.
Actionable Style Steps:
- Invest in a "hero" cardigan: Look for something slightly slouchy from a brand like &Daughter or even a local thrift store.
- Master the "Tuck": Whether it’s a T-shirt or an Oxford, a messy tuck into trousers or shorts instantly elevates the silhouette.
- The Loafer Swap: Swap your sneakers for a pair of black leather loafers (with white socks) to turn a casual outfit into something "street style" worthy.
- Keep it authentic: If you don't like it, don't wear it. The reason Paul Mescal looks so good is that he actually looks comfortable in his own skin.
Stop overthinking the "rules." Put on the shorts. Wear the chain. Let the hair do its own thing. That’s the real secret to Paul Mescal street style.