When it comes to bridalwear, the red carpet is a treasure trove of inspiration. But what about the groom? Hubbies-to-be have just as much of a stake in their personal style on their big day, and their options don’t end at a simple black tux. Don’t believe us? All it takes is a scroll through the ranks of Hollywood’s leading men strutting their stuff in formalwear at recent awards shows and premieres to realize that the modern groom has far, far more options.
Sure, there are those who will don the updated take on the old classic tuxedo and look d*mn good doing it (we see you, JAY-Z!), but many are latching onto rising men’s formalwear trends of color, more casual suits and fresh patterns and textures (see: the Oscars 2021 red carpet).
From Jason Sudeikis’s velvet getup at the 2021 Emmys to the casual-cool suit jacket Regé-Jean Page stepped out in at last year’s BAFTAs, we’ve rounded up 11 red carpet looks for men that today's grooms can easily take their fashion cues from.
Sascha Baron Cohen: Two-Tone Separates
Who said your suit had to be all one color? Not Sacha Baron Cohen. The funnyman was a prime example of just how refined mixing and matching tones can be at the 2021 Oscars, where he paired a dark brown suit jacket, loafers and a bowtie with a pair of fitted khaki trousers. The effect was elegant-yet-unique—we can totally picture this look at a sunny outdoor ceremony!
Jason Momoa: Power Pink
If ever there was a doubt that real men wear pink, it was instantly erased by Aquaman himself (and again in 2021 by Jake Gyllenhaal and Daniel Craig) when he boldly walked the 2019 Oscars carpet in a velvety mauve ensemble for the ages. This type of soft pink shade would not only be particularly flattering on a groom with fair, warm skin, it would serve as a nice tie-in to light pink accoutrements, such as flowers, table linens, bridesmaid dresses, and more.
Idris Elba: Pattern Play
The Suicide Squad star served as a reminder to stylish grooms everywhere that you don't have to be traditional just because you're dressing up when he traded in a classic black tux for this unexpected pattern at the BFI London Film Festival. The geometric design had plenty of personality, but was certainly no less sophisticated than more conventional designs—especially when paired with a dark blue background, a crisp pair of slacks and some shined-up shoes.
Jason Sudeikis: Moody Velvet
Fall or winter grooms just might find themselves inspired by the dark green velvet number Jason Sudeikis pulled off at the 2021 Emmy Awards. Between the cozy texture and the moody, seasonal hue, this look could easily translate for a gorgeous end-of-year wedding. Want to take it up a notch? Add some velvet shoes!
Beck: Retro Cool
For the groom who loves a good theme, one need look no further than Beck at the 2020 Grammys. His Gatsby-esque dotted gray suit, black polka dot tie, and red flower accessory recalled the kind of pin-striped suits of yore we'd expect to see at ceremony with a retro motif. We especially love the playful touch the “Up All Night” singer added with his too-cool shades.
Rége-Jean Page: Slightly Undone
With comfort billed as the one key universal fashion trend to come out of quarantine, modern grooms have been wholeheartedly leaning into more casual formalwear, and Rége-Jean Page’s ensemble at last year’s BAFTAs pre-party makes it pretty easy to see why. Skipping the tie and loafers for a ruffled shirt, dark skinny jeans and leather Converse shoes, the real life Duke of Hastings' relaxed take on suiting could have singlehandedly written the style playbook for laid-back husbands-to-be the globe over.
Odell Beckham Jr.: Bright White
Newsflash: White’s no longer just for the bride. Grooms are flocking to the striking color in droves, too! And honestly, it's no wonder: When worn over a crisp white shirt with matching white accessories, like Odell Beckham Jr. showed off at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscars party, it practically screams “refinement."
Charlie Puth: A Pop of Color
With his powder blue suit, mahogany tasseled shoes and white boutonniere, the “One Call Away” crooner was practically the poster groom for a beachy destination wedding. Those looking to recreate his look will want to take note not only of the trendy hue of his tux, but the matching waistcoat, which makes for a more put-together ensemble.
Pharrell Williams: Short and Sweet
Pharrell gave summer grooms reason to cheer at the European premiere of Lion King when he cut the standard tuxedo look off at the knee, making for a cooler, more contemporary design (Machine Gun Kelly is also a fan of the look). Despite his unconventional bottoms, the musician managed to keep things classy with a pair of white dress socks and shiny black kicks.
JAY-Z: A Chic Bowtie
Take it from JAY-Z at The Harder They Fall premiere in October—when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with an old classic. In his traditional formalwear complete with an oversized bowtie, the rap mogul could have just as easily been renewing his vows to Bey as taking a stroll down the red carpet at the event. The best part? Almost any groom can recreate his look, since it requires little beyond the basics.
Sterling K. Brown: All In the Accessories
A classic tux is a classic for good reason, and Sterling K. Brown's black, satin peak-lapel look is a great example. From the bow-tie to the pocket square and even the watch, it's all perfect...but what takes it to the next level? His black-on-black sunnies. We love this extra touch for pre-wedding photos—just don't wear them at the altar!