It was a welcome return to black tie dress for the Oscars…for the most part. I have not been able to find any direct quote as to what the dress code is, but I’ve found excerpts from past Oscars that indicate that black tie is expected. In 1960, in fact, an alleged note sent to invitees read “The Academy feels that the dignity of this traditional affair on our 40th Anniversary deserves formal dress. Men are expected to wear white tie with conventional formal evening accessories.”

It does, appear, moreover, that most who have researched this subject have concluded that “black tie” is the expected mode of attire for men. This means that those being honored may express themselves somewhat…since they are the “peacocks” of the evening…all others should defer to them…and essentially look like penguins…dark tuxedos or dinner jackets, white shirts, black ties or bow ties.

Having said that, here are my selections for the evening.

BEST DRESSED MALE:

Oscar Winner Eddie Redmayne stood out in his blue tux, peak lapels, textured plain front shirt and studs.  Velvet shoes completed his elegant look!  His tux fit perfectly…just a perfect outfit.  His choice of midnight navy was appropriate since he was nominated for Best Actor.  He is allowed to look the Peacock part…and deserved it!

HONORABLE MENTION- MEN:

Best Actor Nominee Benedict Cumberbath deserves some some props for  his choice of a white shawl dinner jacket.  Why is he allowed to deviate from the black uniform?  He was a nominee!

Who is going to argue with J.K. Sommers once he was holding that Oscar for Best Supporting Male Actor anyway?  He gets the nod for very stylishly adding a pop of color to his outfit to match his wife’s gown.

WORST DRESSED MEN OF THE NIGHT:
Jared Leto, a presenter to-boot, looked like he fell out of an old wedding photo in his powder blue tuxedo with white shoes.  Can it be that he did this himself?  Doesn’t he have any fashion advisors?  Just inappropriate.  He should have worn a black tux.

Kevin Hart needs some help showing up in a white tuxedo with black lapels, black shirt, black tie!  Another wholly inappropriate outfit…especially for a guest to the ceremonies.

A returning star to the worst-dressed list is non other than John Travolta who seems stuck in a Pulp Fiction Warp!  He was even a presenter! What is with the dog chain around his neck? Just bad taste and inexcusable!

TRENDS NOTICED

Tuxedo styles were just about evenly split between Peak and Notch lapel.  Each were worn by about 40% of male attendees.  20% of the guys chose shawl collars, with literally just a few choosing a double breasted model.

Bow ties have definitely re-gained their popularity.  Ties were not even close in popularity.

Interestingly, and a fashion conundrum to ponder as I end this blog, is with most guys wearing their trousers slimmer and lower on their waists, and opting for no cummerbund to transition from trouser waist to stud set, almost every guy had two exposed white buttons below their stud set.  Should they have worn a cummerbund, or had their shirts custom-made with two extra stud holes, and purchased an extra two studs?  #Oscars #fashion #thestyleleader

Regards,

Vinnie Rua- Founder, Christopher’s Custom