10 memorable menswear red carpet moments

From impeccable suiting to fashion-forward fits, these menswear red carpet moments deserve to be etched in perpetuity.

By Jess Campbell

Published: Oct 6, 2023

IF IT USED TO BE the case that the red carpet saw men don the staple tuxedo with minimal frills or embellishments, swiftly making their way past a wall of photographers as they let the spotlight fall on Hollywood’s leading ladies, recent years has seen a shift in the rules of men’s formal dressing. No longer content with being cast in the background, men are now seizing the red carpet as an opportunity to flaunt their personal style and prowess when it comes to fashion, giving viewers around the world a ‘moment’ that serves to dominate social media feeds and all topics of conversation.

From Timothée Chalamet to Billy Porter, Hollywood’s A-listers have come to deliver many a memorable moment. At a time where toxic masculinity has increasingly come to be questioned, with self-expression and authenticity being championed, this shift is being reflected in the clothes one chooses to wear. From creatively-inclined minds to the pioneers willing to take bold steps on a path few have dared walk before, we’re seeing a departure from the classic blue suit/black tux in favour of colour, an embrace of texture, and styles that eschew gender norms. If you’re in need of a little sartorial style inspiration or fashion cues, look no further than these menswear moments that – quite rightly – had everyone talking.

1 Chris Pine

wearing Ralph Lauren

At the Venice Film Festival, Chris Pine turned heads in a Ralph Lauren ensemble that seemed as effortless as its design is flawless. Complete with shades and his longer locks, Pine’s outfit somehow managed to top the drama that was Don’t Worry Darling’s premiere.

2 Timothée Chalamet

wearing Haider Ackermann

At the 2022 Met Gala, all eyes were on Timothee Chalamet. Dressed in a backless red Haider Ackermann suit, the eye-catching look was completed with black dress shoes that ensured this ensemble was a memorable one.

3 Dwyane Wade

wearing Prada

He may have been known for his impressive skills on the basketball court, but Wade has since made a name for himself as something of a style guru. Always looking to push the boundaries of men’s formal dressing and bring a fresh take on classic silhouettes, his outfit at the 2023 Met Gala was proof that he knows exactly what he’s doing.

4 Troye Sivan

wearing Valentino

We’re seeing it now in his music videos, but ever since he shot to fame it seems Sivan has blazed a fashion path all his own. That sense of style was put on full display in 2018 when he wore a mesmerising Valentino suit and completed the look with a sheer undershirt.

5 Harry Styles

wearing Gucci

At the 2019 Met Gala, Harry Styles showed off his impeccable style with a sheer top, showcasing his assortment of tattoos. But perhaps the best part of the look was the pearl earring Styles wore, along with an assortment of rings and nail polish.

6 Kid Cudi

wearing ERL

Cudi previously said he was inspired by Kurt Cobain and in a nod to Cobain’s famed style, he opted for a bridal number by ERL. Balancing out the veil and skirt, Cudi wore sneakers and a large blazer.

7 LaKeith Stanfield

wearing Saint Laurent

There’s a good reason why Stanfield has become a style icon for many and if you needed further evidence, you’ve got it here. Wearing a Saint Laurent number at the 2021 Oscars, Stanfield proves that you can forego the conventional tuxedo and still adhere to a formal dress code.

8 Billy Porter

wearing Christian Siriano

Porter’s suit-gown outfit that debuted at the 2019 Oscars quite literally stole the show. Designed by Christian Siriano, Porter flipped the script on the expectations of men’s formal dressing, eschewing the traditional in favour of something bold and true to his own personal style.

9 Evan Mock

wearing Head of State

At the 2022 Met Gala, Gossip Girl star Evan Mock brought a fresh approach to formalwear with a yellow corseted suit by Head of State. The outfit sparked conversations around the world, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in menswear as more people choose to define masculinity in their own terms, blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear.

10 Oscar Isaac

wearing Thom Browne

Bringing the kilt back into the mainstream, albeit with a fresh style and exceptional fit courtesy of designer Thom Browne, Oscar Isaac ensured all attention was on him at the premiere of Moon Night. Showcasing that you can still nail suiting by taking the less conventional approach, Isaac complemented the outfit with Browne’s socks bearing the four stripes.

Robert Pattinson is making a strong case for big suits and untucked shirts