7 tiny details that prove George Clooney is still the best-dressed man alive
Classic without the twist
THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL MAY BE DONE FOR 2025 but the week served to prove that George Clooney remains the undisputed king of red carpet style.
Clooney was at the festival to attend the world premiere of his new movie Jay Kelly, the new Netflix drama directed by Noah Baumbach.
The 64-year-old star had ducked out of the day’s press conference owing to a sinus infection but appeared at the Sala Grande in chipper spirits with his wife, Amal, glamorously by his side.
She wore a strapless fuchsia mini-dress with an extravagant, eye-popping train, while Clooney opted for a classic Giorgio Armani tux – a look he’s long favoured on the red carpet.
His single-button jacket was cut from midnight-blue wool with slim satin lapels, paired with matching trousers featuring a satin stripe down the leg, a crisp white shirt and polished black lace-ups.
Naturally, he looked a million bucks.
But what makes Clooney’s appearance look so effortlessly perfect? And what lessons can the rest of us learn from him?
Here’s the seven tiny details that add up to George Clooney’s chic, classy and comely look.
1. The “fit first” approach
Menswear expert Alan Flusser contends that fit and colour are 90 percent of any outfit. Get that right and you’re nine-tenths of the way there. Note how Clooney’s shoulders sit flush, so his jacket hugs his torso without pulling, while his trousers break cleanly at the shoe. It’s that clean line that makes him look taller and sharper (he’s 5′ 11″), signalling the look has been tailored to his frame (sure, it’s unlikely to be an off-the-peg rental, but you get the point.) It’s the difference between “man owning a suit” and “movie star owning a suit.”
2. The fabric contrast
Flat black wool can look like City office wear. Clooney sidesteps that issue with midnight-blue wool offset by satin lapels and that trouser stripe. Under red-carpet lights the subtle contrasts give depth and lift his whole look, showing how formalwear works best when it seems simple from a distance…. only to reveal some hidden depth close up.
3. The crisp white shirt
His shirt is pure white with a spread collar that frames the bow tie neatly. Its sharp finish light up to his face, brightening both his complexion and that famous salt-and-pepper hair. Consider a sharp white shirt the tuxedo’s secret weapon: it makes the wearer come to life under artificial lights.
4. The bow tie that’s the correct scale
Clooney avoids the two classic pitfalls with his neckwear: too small looks mean, too large looks clownish. His bow tie matches the width of his lapels, and is a teeny bit wider than his jawline. Flat, even and balanced, it ties the whole upper body together without drawing unnecessary attention.
5. The classic footwear
Even mostly hidden, his shoes matter. Clooney sticks to tradition: slim black lace-ups with a high-buff polish. No bulky soles or, heaven forbid, trainers. They extend the trouser line and, under the lights, the shine reinforces that this is a serious man, doing serious work.
6. The grooming
His hair is neat but still natural and unlike most of the rest of Hollywood, actually appears to still be his own. The effect softens the tux’s sharp edges and keeps him approachable. It looks effortless.
7. The sheer confidence
This final detail can’t be bought. Clooney moved easily down the carpet, beaming and shaking hands as he went. He never fiddled or fidgeted with his clothes. He was just a guy going about his business – attending a huge movie premiere in front of the world’s press. No big deal.
A version of this story originally appeared on Esquire UK
Related:
Giorgio Armani, American Gigolo and the art of red carpet dressing
