Patrick Dempsey's Stylist on Picking the Right Outfit for the Sexiest Man Alive

Celeb stylist Warren Alfie Baker explains why "nothing could look bad on Patrick," taking risks with his clients and his new collection with Tie Bar

Patrick Dempsey Stylist
Warren Alfie Baker and Patrick Dempsey. Photo:

Tie Bar;Carter Smith

Warren Alfie Baker is keeping it classic.

The celebrity stylist — who works with clients like Andrew Garfield, Lewis Pullman and Patrick Dempsey — is intent on creating something timeless. Whether it be his commitment to a double-breasted blazer (which he calls the sexiest item of clothing) or his new capsule collection with Tie Bar, Baker pulls references that stand the test of time.

Baker, who just released a collection with Tie Bar, recently styled Patrick Dempsey for PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive cover story, which was shot in Malibu.

“What amazing about Patrick is he’s just like, Classic Handsome Man," Baker told PEOPLE. "If you’d go back or forward in 50 years, I feel like he would be a reference point."

People's Sexiest Man Alive 2023; Patrick Dempsey photographed at a private location (Dolphin House) in Malibu, CA on October 5, 2023.

Carter Smith

“It’s like you have been stamped into PEOPLE Magazine history,” Baker said of making sure the wardrobe was perfect for the shoot. “It was such a big one that we wanted to get it right.”

The stylist credits Paul Newman and Steve McQueen as reference points for Dempsey's Sexiest Man Alive looks, calling back to the stars' at-home photoshoots that are still loved today.

For Baker, it’s all about bringing out Dempsey’s eyes, which has allowed the British stylist to play with color. At the Venice Film Festival in August, Dempsey turned heads in a navy pinstripe blazer that complemented his blue eyes. 

Patrick Dempsey attends a photocall for the movie "Ferrari" at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2023 in Venice, Italy
Patrick Dempsey attends the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.

Stefania D'Alessandro/WireImage

But according to Baker, it's not actually his memorable baby blues that make him so easy to dress: “He’s got the most amazing hair, so nothing generally could look bad on Patrick.” (And key to keeping his hair looking so good: Dempsey's wife and go-to hairstylist and groomer Jillian!)

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In the year that the two have been working together, Baker says his favorite looks include those from the Venice Film Festival and one from a Brunello Cucinelli dinner in October. At the Los Angeles dinner, they opted for a relaxed blue shirt and cream suit.

Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Dempsey at the Brunello Cucinelli Dinner held on October 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California
Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Dempsey at the Brunello Cucinelli Dinner in Los Angeles.

Roger Kisby/WWD via Getty

Dempsey isn't Baker's only A-list client; he's also got names on his roster than include fashion risk-takers like Andrew Garfield and Finn Wolfhard. He hoped to bring that kind of fun-loving style to his new tie collection with Tie Bar, which launched Nov. 9. For the seven-tie collection, he wanted items that were classic without feeling stuffy.

For the capsule collection, Baker's going back to his British roots: “If I was gonna design a tie collection to put on the Beatles, what would that look like?”

Baker's capsule collection for Tie Bar is available starting Nov. 9 at TheTieBar.com and the brand's Chicago flagship store.

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