Brandon Flynn on Personal Style, Pride, and What's Next

As you know, we’re a fashion publication, so we have to dive a little into your relationship with style and clothing. Would you say personal style is important to you?Â

Honestly, I was never aware of it until I started working. But that being said, as a kid, now looking back and seeing how I used clothes to fit in or to fit out, separate myself or present myself, I remember in high school I very clearly made the decision to start wearing button-up long-sleeve shirts rolled up at the sleeves to show off my tattoos and wear jeans and boots to look professional. That is where I utilize clothes, which, I mean, same thing with acting. How do we inform with clothing and style?

I get so stressed out by options. My closet is a lot of black and white T-shirts and jeans. I like certain brands, and I like certain fits.Â

So is being on set overwhelming to you when it comes to clothes? Are you pickier because you’re overwhelmed by the options? Or do you like somebody to just do what they want?

Being on set is cool because it’s not me, it’s the character, and I kind of always loved that conversation. It’s hair, and it’s wardrobe. It informs so much of the character and really helps me do my job a lot better. With Justin [ed. note: Brandon’s character from 13 Reasons Why], it was really cool to see the nuance when he started living on the streets and when he was back at the Jensens’ versus when he lived at his mom’s house—the evolution of his style.

So in that, I don’t really get overwhelmed, but in my own closet when it’s on a date or if I have to go meet friends, I’m always like, What am I going to wear? It’s just easier to put on a black T-shirt and jeans.

Do you have any style icons or individuals you look up to in that space right now?Â

I’m kind of obsessed with Harry Styles. His fashion in so many ways is really… It’s quite special, but I really just wish I could pull it off or care. I don’t know if he cares that much, but it looks like he doesn’t care, and that’s what I love.

In terms of more experimental fashion, it’s not something I really look up to. I mean, I can tell when a suit looks really good on someone, and I love watching the Met Ball, but I haven’t really developed my relationship or opinion on fashion as strongly as others in the industry.