What would Ryan do?
Many men could improve their look by stealing a page from Gosling’s book
The tried-and-tested tuxedo is due a rethink. While we might hold up James Bond as the pinnacle of masculine after-dark allure, in an era when men are turning their backs on formal suiting, the tuxedo in its traditional full regalia can seem a touch dated; how swiftly Daniel Craig in pin-sharp Brioni becomes Rotary Club annual dinner (and not in a good way). And as we enter party season proper, it’s worth looking at how your evening attire can be updated for the 21st century.
BE MORE GOSLING
This should be applied to most avenues of life in general, but Ryan Gosling’s style nous on the red carpet is something many a man would do well to take note of. Gosling has fun with his evening wear: a frilly ’80s prom shirt here, a plush velvet tux there. Note the white jacket — very Sean Connery-era Bond — but the buttoned-up shirt, without a tie, gives a cleaner, sharper feel.
DO AWAY WITH THE BIB-FRONT DRESS SHIRT
No one is disputing the ceremonial beauty of a handsome dress shirt; donning dress studs and cufflinks is the closest most men get to a sense of decoration, and the effect is pleasing.
BE A POLO PLAYER
This evening-wear option has been bubbling away for a while now, but polo necks with a sleek evening jacket can look debonair without being too “done-up” — see Zayn Malik in minimalist greys, or Andrew Garfield and Armie Hammer in similar variants. It is polished, a bit retro and very cool — although admittedly can be a little marmite. Attempt it, but accept that you may fall foul of some dated man humour.
GO FOR IT
It’s the holiday season, a time of glorious excess, and goodness knows men can be safe enough. Perhaps the festive time is to rip up the rules and have fun. Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman eschewed the suit at this year’s Oscars in favour of an embroidered coat. A colleague’s fiancé stands by his red and green bauble-print suit, so who are we to stand in the way of his festive joy? Or if the current awareness of gender fluidity has hit a nerve, why not go the full Ezra Miller in a black Moncler puffer dress/ coat hybrid. A little bit Voldemort, a lot cosy. Who doesn’t want the power of that sartorial combination?