Chase Stokes Shares His Southern Style and Disdain for an ‘Overbearing’ Trend (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/chase-stokes-american-eagle-denim-deli-pop-up-032425-tout-ec7f4a2d7ed94d6d9e7675764c3cf08e.jpg)
Chase Stokes, popularly known for his role in the hit series “Outer Banks,” recently opened up about his evolving personal style and his thoughts on current fashion trends. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the American Eagle Denim Deli pop-up event in Nashville, Stokes, 32, revealed that his Southern upbringing and time spent in Nashville have profoundly influenced his fashion choices.
Growing up in the South, Stokes was surrounded by the world of country music and its distinct style. However, he initially avoided embracing this aesthetic while pursuing his career in Los Angeles. Stokes admitted, “You go to L.A. and you get caught up in the scene of that whole experience and it’s like, OK, what designer here? This brand here. This is the new trend and whatnot.”
Returning to the South has been a transformative experience for Stokes, describing it as a “version of a homecoming.” The actor credits his time in Nashville for reconnecting him with his roots, allowing him to rediscover his authentic self and personal style. Stokes emphasised that Nashville hasn’t shaped his style but rather reignited his sense of truth in fashion, providing him with a sense of peace and authenticity.
Stokes highlighted his fashion philosophy as one where he doesn’t want the clothes to overshadow his personality. He prefers a minimalistic style without loud branding, aiming for a look that feels genuine and unique to him. While he appreciates vintage pieces, he expressed his dislike for clothing with “overbearing graphics,” calling for a departure from such trends in 2025.
Despite his laid-back persona, Stokes enjoys dressing up for red carpet events, aiming for a balance between sleek formal wear and relaxed attire. He often attends these events with his girlfriend, Kelsea Ballerini, creating stylish yet approachable looks that reflect his personality. Stokes candidly shared that red carpets can be intimidating due to the cameras and aggressive atmosphere but finds solace in the company of fellow artists.
Looking ahead, Stokes is focused on staying comfortable and cosy in his outfits while exploring new career opportunities. Inspired by industry veterans like Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood, he is determined to take control of his career by actively seeking out projects that resonate with him. Stokes expressed his desire to create meaningful work rather than waiting for opportunities to come his way, echoing the career trajectories of influential actors like Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
In conclusion, Chase Stokes’ journey in embracing his Southern roots and refining his personal style serves as a testament to his growth as an individual and artist. His commitment to authenticity and creative autonomy sets him apart in the entertainment industry, positioning him for a bold and inspiring future.
The journey of self-discovery and style evolution for Chase Stokes reflects a commitment to authenticity and a desire to shape his career on his terms, resonating with fans and industry peers alike.
Follow Us
Newsletter Sign Up
We Care About Your Privacy
At PEOPLE, we value your privacy. Our team, along with our partners, store and access information on your device to provide personalised content and ads. You have the right to manage your preferences and data usage according to your comfort level. Your choices are important to us.