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9 Best Red Carpet Menswear of All Time

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The Most Memorable Red Carpet Fashion for Men

With an era of fashion that brings with it more bold style choices available to men, we’ve seen more and more interesting looks brought onto awards shows and premiere red carpets by some well-dressed men who aren’t afraid to stand out in luxury outfits by designers like Christian Siriano and luxury brands like Yves Saint Laurent

During awards season, our eyes don’t just follow what the ladies are wearing, but also what the men have put on. Easily turning just as many heads, these are just a few of our favourite menswear red carpet looks from the past few years.


Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa has worn a host of laid back clothes both on and off the red carpet, yet each outfit we’ve seen him wear feels completely unique to himself and from everyone around him. 

He’s never shied away from interesting colours and textures, such as this metallic rose gold suit over a distressed shirt he wore to the Los Angeles premiere of the Apple TV+ series See in 2019. 

Momoa isn’t afraid to accessorise either, with this look featuring an assortment of rings and a statement stone necklace.


Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness isn’t one to shy away from the fashion spotlight and try out daring, in-vogue looks, breaking menswear rules left and right. The Queer Eye host is another celebrity that proves dresses aren’t just reserved for the ladies, seen here on the Emmy Awards red carpet in a black mesh and sequin dress by Maison MargielaPrada clutch bag, and Pierre Hardy platforms.


Donald Glover

Donald Glover, also known by his musical moniker, Childish Gambino, has been a leading figure in red carpet menswear and is someone we’re always looking forward to seeing. The actor and rapper has landed on many best-dressed lists thanks to boldly patterned suits, bright colours, and interesting silhouettes. 

We especially love this floral Gucci suit jacket that he paired with an unexpected lavallière blouse that made a cool replacement for a traditional tie.


Darren Criss

Darren Criss has been bringing out some more interesting red carpet looks recently, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story star hasn’t been afraid to play around and have fun with his red carpet fashion. 2019’s MET Gala gave him the opportunity of putting together an extra stand-out look with its camp theme.

Stylist and Esquire writer Jonathan Evans would word out what we thought about the outfit well: “…of course the actor looked incredible on the red carpet of the 2019 Met Gala. How could he not? Not only does he have a genuine appreciation for getting dressed, he was also in a show that showed us all how great camp can be in the context of mainstream cultural consumption.”


Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is another actor that likes to turn in the traditional black suit and wear fun colours and statement pieces, from lime green suits to leather coats. 

We really liked his 2018 MET Gala look, an Off-White navy pinstripe suit that featured a hanging belt, orange arm cuff detail, and a cross pin to tie the look into the gala’s theme.


John Legend

Another more subdued style icon, John Legend inspires us with outfits we can see on ourselves. The star singer isn’t afraid of showing up in bright colours, interesting silhouettes, or fun textures to form his awards looks, such as this asymmetrical grey suit look by Alexander McQueen that puts a twist on the classic suit. 

The grey piece is perfectly tailored and flattering, while the long pleats on one side of his suit jacket make his outfit as a whole much more interesting to look at.


Ryan Reynolds

While his red carpet fashion is definitely more understated than certain other men in Hollywood, we still love to take inspiration from the leading actor’s more subtle yet eye-catching style.

Instead of going for traditional black suits and tuxedos for every red carpet appearance, Reynolds is often seen wearing more interesting colours and textures that are classically cool and elegant. 

We’re big fans of this brown corduroy suit paired with a blue plaid button-down that he wore during the world premiere of Free Guy earlier this week that really encapsulates his usual yet still interesting style.


Lakeith Stanfield

Instead of going for the traditional suit for big red carpet events, Lakeith Stanfield is definitely one who likes to stand out with what he wears. The Oscar-nominated actor appeared on the night of the 2021 Oscars wearing a custom Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit, something that we don’t often see men dressing up in on the Oscars red carpet. 

The 70s inspired Saint Laurent outfit featured an oversized white collar and a statement belt, and was topped off with a pair of groovy shades.


Billy Porter

Someone who isn’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to red carpet menswear, this Tony and Emmy award-winning actor proves that skirts and dresses aren’t just reserved for the ladies. Billy Porter arrives at the 2019 Oscars wearing a stunning suit dress by Christian Siriano, one of the main highlights of the event for every fashion lover watching. 

He wore a tailored tuxedo jacket over a full-skirted strapless velvet gown, something we definitely have never seen prior on the Academy Awards red carpet. We love his style and ability to bring even more life to already interesting clothing, making him one of the best-dressed men in red carpet history.


Final Note

While this list definitely doesn’t even scratch half of the best-dressed men we’ve seen on red carpets throughout the years, these male celebrities have definitely shown us that men’s formal fashion doesn’t have to be serious and by default. 

Take it from these men that you can and should ditch your traditional black-tie outfit for something that really stands out and fits who you are.

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Jack Wilson

Jack Wilson is a 29-year-old writer based in Manchester. While initially uninterested in fashion when he was younger, Jack has since developed an affinity for men’s style. Because he’s always out and about, he’s always on the lookout for anything that looks good without sacrificing functionality to add to his collection.

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