Laura Peta EllisRed carpets are being rolled out, stylists are working overtime and Hollywood’s glamorous are pulling out all the stops; award season is well and truly underway. We are half way through the season with the Golden Globes and SAG Awards already displaying an incredible range of talent, continuing on with the BAFTAs and then topping it all off with the biggest award ceremony, the Oscars, at the end of the month. But, with award season comes great sartorial responsibility and red carpet style is often dominated by the women, and with a seemingly endless array of colours, dress lengths and styles it’s no surprise they get the lime light compared to the humble tuxedo. However, we at MFM think men deserve just as much attention as the ladies. Putting a personal twist on the black tie dress code gives the outfit personality, taking the classic tuxedo and turning it into a modern sartorial piece of art.
The Golden Globes, the award ceremony where TV and Film meet, are renowned for being loud and party like, with a string of controversial comedians such as Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting in recent years. Although the behaviour is rather more informal than that of some other award ceremonies, the style choices from the men were rather conservative taking the black tie theme very literally.
Although not stepping outside of the box Leonardo DiCaprio showed everyone how special a black tuxedo can be. A single breasted Tom Ford tux paired with a simple black bow tie is a perfect example of classic black tie elegance.
Fashion conscious actor and model, Eddie Redmayne showed the Golden Globes how it’s done. Opting for a velvet jacket gave his tux a modern, British twist.
James Bond star Daniel Craig topped the best dressed list and opted for Bond tailor Tom Ford as his go to tux. Little details such as his pocket square, bow tie and cummerbund all add a very formal and classic feel to the outfit, but by opting for a suit in midnight blue with contrast lapels lifts his classic look into the twenty-first century.
Star’s stepped a little outside of the box for the Screen Actors Guild Awards this year with more actors experimenting with a range of colours and fabrics.
Homeland star Damian Lewis opted for a two button, Burberry tuxedo reflecting Lewis’ own classic, British style.
Jim Parsons, arguably most famous for his role as nerdy, pedantic physicist, Sheldon Cooper, ran with the formal tuxedo but added his own twist. An unusual fabric choice for a three piece tuxedo Jim Parson’s tweed ensemble was every bit as chic and formal as Damien Lewis. Ensuring the lapels contrast with the body, and including a waistcoat helps keep the look formal whilst the tweed emphasises Parsons’ playful side.
Justin Timberlake ditched the black tie and opted for a grey, plaid, Tom Ford suit. Although a formal suit for many an occasion on the red carpet it looks a little too casual. We love that Justin Timberlake took a chance and deviated from the classic dark colour palette but perhaps adding a waistcoat, or opting for a jacket with contrast lapels would help lift this suit into the formal ranks of red carpet style.
Get The Red Carpet Look
When dressing for a formal occasion the easiest rule to remember is to keep ties skinny or short. A bow tie will always be the most formal approach; if a cummerbund is being worn it should be the only tie you think about. Should you opt for a three piece tuxedo like Jim Parsons’ then a bow tie or a slim tie are both an acceptable choice. Choosing to wear a covering such as a cummerbund or waistcoat will help the separates to blend seamlessly together making the overall appearance much more formal.
Don’t be afraid to play with fabrics or colours, and use these as a way to let your personality show through. Accessories such as pocket squares and cufflinks are an excellent outlet for your own quirky style and should not be overlooked. Stay timeless, and take inspiration from the stars.
