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J. R. R. Tolkien Could Teach Us A Thing Or Two About Style (PHOTOS)

J. R. R. Tolkien's Style Lessons
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Haywood Magee via Getty Images
2nd December 1955: British writer J R R Tolkien (1892 - 1973), enjoying a pipe in his study at Merton College, Oxford, where he is a Fellow. Original Publication: Picture Post - 8464 - Professor J R R Tolkien - unpub. (Photo by Haywood Magee/Picture Post/Getty Images)

If J. R. R. Tolkien were still alive, the poet and "The Lord of the Rings" creator would have turned 122 years old on January 3.

Although the Brit died on Sept. 2, 1973, at the ripe age of 81, there are still many valuable lessons we can learn from "The Hobbit" author.

For one, elves and dwarves can in fact co-exist in Middle Earth without killing each other and hobbits are surprisingly hardy when you least expect it (cue Samwise Gamgee carrying Frodo up Mount Doom).

But in all seriousness, we at HuffPost Style love looking into the past to see what our ancestors were wearing in their day and how we can apply their unique style into our wardrobe.

Even though Tolkien is obviously well-known for the best-selling novels which in turn have become blockbuster movies ("The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is still No. 1 at the box office), the writer was also a fabulously, if natty, dresser.

From oversized tweed suits to fashion-forward round specs, the former Oxford professor was the epitome of classic upper crust style.

His creative imagination also lent itself to the wardrobe of his fictional characters: Aragorn, Galadriel, Gandalf et al. who wore fantastic costumes that still make us gasp in wonder today.

So, to honour the late author's birthday, we take a look at the best style moments of the man himself and those of his characters.

J. R. R. Tolkien Style
J. R. R. Tolkien(01 of18)
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A natty tweed suit never goes out of style. Just look at Benedict Cumberbatch! He's all over that classic British look. (credit:Time Life Pictures/Timepix/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Gandalf(02 of18)
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A floor-sweeping cloak and wide-brimmed hat is the perfect outfit for those freezing months when you're trying to stay warm. Thanks for the tip, Gandalf! (credit:AP Photo/Warner Bros., James Fisher, File)
J. R. R. Tolkien(03 of18)
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Instead of wearing a tried-and-true tux to your next formal event, try on a three-piece suit and undo the blazer to give it a more modern feel. Don't forget your pipe! (credit:Haywood Magee/Picture Post/Getty Images)
J. R. R. Tolkien(04 of18)
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These round glasses are super trendy now but Tolkien was there first, looking geek chic in his cool specs. (credit:Haywood Magee/Picture Post/Getty Images)
J. R. R. Tolkien(05 of18)
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"The Lord of the Rings" author understood the need for a warm scarf that complemented an oversized coat. (credit:Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Aragorn(06 of18)
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Prints were crucial to setting yourself apart in Middle Earth and they're important again now with spring on the horizon. (credit:AP/File)
Arwen(07 of18)
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Trade in your peacoat and Canada Goose jacket for a velvet hooded cape. (Elf ears not included.) (credit:AP/File)
Frodo Baggins(08 of18)
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The perfect tree-reading outfit? We think so. (credit:AP/File)
Galadriel(09 of18)
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Did Galadriel know that hair pieces would become super trendy for weddings? (credit:Ap/File)
King Thranduil(10 of18)
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Forget the statement necklace. This spring, it's all about the statement headpiece.
Hobbits(11 of18)
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For a casual dinner with friends, you can't go wrong with stripes, knits and a huge appetite. (credit:AP/File)
Bilbo Baggins(12 of18)
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If you're planning on embarking on an adventure, make like Bilbo in roomy knee-length shorts, a natty vest and a warm blazer to keep you warm when you're alone in the forest. (credit:AP/FILE)
Tauriel(13 of18)
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Bustiers worn on the outside are in again for spring (just please don't get yourself into a knife fight with Orcs, ok?).
Kili(14 of18)
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Dwarves live in caves and as such, they need to stay warm while burying their way into the earth. Channel Kili's opulent outfit with lots of layers, thick leather gloves and a toggle coat. (credit:AP/FILE)
Thorin(15 of18)
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If you're a fan of fur, please choose fake when shopping for shrugs or coats. (credit:AP/FILE)
Legolas(16 of18)
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A modern-day interpretation of Leggy's outdoor-wear would include a pastel green cape-coat, skinny jeans, a fitted turtleneck and leather boots. (credit:AP/FILE)
Samwise Gamgee(17 of18)
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If you want to look effortless, go with Sam's idea of pairing a vertical striped vest over a utilitarian button-up and tanned knee-high shorts. (credit:AP/FILE)
Saruman(18 of18)
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Who would have thought that Saruman's winter white outfit would be so timely? (credit:AP/FILE)
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