Over the course of three series tied to The Vampire Diaries universe, Alaric Saltzman stole the hearts of many fans. He died and came back to life goodness knows how many times. But each iteration of Alaric brought with it a new role for him to play.
He has worn many hats, from vampire hunter to father of twin girls Josie and Lizzie. Not all the roles have fit him well, though. Some of the parts he played came with questionable fashion choices. And yet others he wore with such grace he pulled off the outfits.
BEST: Ghost Chic
The first time Ric died and looked like he wouldn't come back, he appeared to Jeremy in this sleek and chic all-black ensemble. Even when saying goodbye and parting ways with the kids he grew to love as his own, the man managed to look fabulous doing it.
It was hard to grieve his loss when he looked so trendy as he crossed to the other side. Still, a tear was shed for that coat.
WORST: Klaus the Body Snatcher
Klaus made his first appearance on the show disguised as a friend, wearing Alaric's body like a meat suit. Of all the times to make his debut, he chose the school's decade dance for the 1960s.
Even though it was a themed dance, Elena and the gang should have known Alaric would never wear something so heinous as a faux turtleneck. The fashion choice alone should have been a dead give away.
BEST: Heaster
Alaric has aged like a fine wine, and so has his clothing choice. As a mature heaster of a boarding school, he dresses the part well.
In this dapper ensemble, he sports a gray jacket over a navy blue polo shirt and black slacks. But the choice in practical clothing shouldn't fool anyone. Ric is still an expert in holding his own in the supernatural world, and he can prove it. That jacket is ready to go if needed.
WORST: Coach Ric
Ric's involvement with the Salvatore Boarding School means he sometimes has to pick up the odd job when they are short-staffed. But the sports coach outfit is not a good look on him.
The dark gray polo wouldn't be so bad if it weren't paired with those awful red shorts and a baseball cap. Someone should have blown the whistle on Alaric's fashion choices here. Although, he might not have had any other options.
BEST: The Bad Boy
Alaric channeled his inner Winchester with this ensemble. With a black leather jacket over a deep red plaid pattern shirt and a pair of blue jeans, he looks like he could fit right in with Sam and Dean from Supernatural.
Of course, that only makes sense as he is also a hunter like them. It's also rather adorable that he and his best friend Damon are wearing matching leather jackets.
WORST: Mr. Rogers Lookalike
There is a fine line between a mature professor and a Mr. Rogers lookalike. Alaric misses the mark on this one. The brown jacket that looks like corduroy (which no one should ever wear) over a charcoal gray shirt is not a great color combination.
If Ric is trying to veer more toward boring teacher to disguise himself, then the ensemble succeeds. But even for a more mature Ric, it feels out of line for his character.
BEST: The Groom
This is a bittersweet outfit, as Alaric looks great for his and Josie's special day. But it's also the day he loses the love of his life. However, before that happens, he wears a classic black and white suit to get married.
The boutonnière white rose in his lapel creates a handsome effect that is perfect for the occasion, especially as it matches his wife's dress. It's a shame the outfit is marred by the memory.
WORST: Denim Ric
The shirt might not actually be made of denim material, but it looks close enough to the fabric that it can be considered a fashion faux pas. Denim on denim is never a good look on anyone. Adding the leather jacket over this ensemble just makes it look downright awkward.
Leather jackets are the accepted uniform across the TVD universe, but here it does Alaric no favors. Perhaps a different colored shirt would have worked better.
BEST: Indy Ric
Alaric's character has always channeled a bit of Indiana Jones, but in this ensemble, he finally embraces it totally. The white linen shirt with rolled-up sleeves, khaki pants, and a brown satchel over the shoulder is a pure Indy look.
He's only missing the brown leather jacket, hat, and whip. But perhaps he made a practical choice to forego the leather jacket in the tropical environment. Still, it's nice to see age hasn't taken away his sense of adventure.
WORST: Professor Alaric
Once more, Alaric takes the role of the academic too far with this boring outfit. The gray on gray sweater over collared shirt makes him look like an average, everyday school professor, and Ric is anything but that.
It could be argued that the sweater's texture adds some character to the ensemble, but a pop of color wouldn't have hurt. With this clothing choice, it looks like Ric is trying to camouflage with a concrete wall.