…AND THE 2025 OSCAR FOR BEST-DRESSED MAN GOES TO….

Last night’s Academy Awards featured its usual mix of glamor, drama, and hijinks. I found the women’s gowns particularly impactful and elegant this year (Whoopi! Ariana! Haley!), while, honestly, most of the evening’s menswear felt a bit lackluster. Perhaps the most revealing moment was when host Conan O’Brien made a wardrobe change partway into the show, switching from a black tuxedo to a—wait for it—blue one.

I suppose it’s not much of a stretch from the men’s market in general, right? Guys will always appreciate an elegant, understated look that lets the women in their lives shine like sparkling diamonds. Still, there were some trends to watch and specific styles that men might seek out as they head into stores for this spring’s wedding, prom, and fundraising gala season. Here are a few of my favorites from last night.

Those of you who know me well know I’m a diehard Dune fan. I also particularly liked A Complete Unknown (not necessarily because of the movie itself, but because a chunk of it was filmed around the corner from my place here in Jersey City). All the more reason why I’m excited to place Timothée Chalamet’s pale yellow Givenchy ensemble (I didn’t know it was leather until I looked it up this morning!) at the top of my list. It featured a short jacket with classic notched lapels, a DB button treatment, and high-waisted jean-cut pants. Talk about a great way to bring a younger guy into the formal business. It felt like a classic trucker jacket and denim concept—a silhouette men of any age would be comfortable wearing—brought right into black-tie.

Andrew Garfield’s coca brown Gucci suit was my second favorite. The shawl-collared jacket over a liquid-like satin shirt was super sexy and a still-neutral update to a modern tuxedo look. I could see this working through Memorial Day for formal affairs and then switching to a rich khaki shade for summer weddings.

Jeremy Strong’s olive tuxedo from Loro Piana nearly secured second place. In addition to its rich, unexpected hue, the suit showcased a classic tuxedo cut with peak lapels and a single-button closure. Meanwhile, the crossover neckwear added a distinctly retro flair that appeared clean, new, and modern. Green was all over the shows this season, so I can see this being adapted into many shades, from emerald to celadon to pistachio.

Clément Ducol’s deep blue velvet ensemble from Berluti was also classic and elegant, but the jacket silhouette gave it real personality. It offered a somewhat Tyrolean, almost Asian feel, which could make it a great dinner jacket alternative for the guy who has more than one formal event to attend in a season.

Speaking of Berluti, the brand also dressed Sacha Baron Cohen in an off-white peak lapel suit with white furnishings that was super clean, which I couldn’t help but think would be a great groom’s look for summer weddings.

I’m including this look from Ricky Martin because he looked great and provided the ultimate expression of the evening look that most men had for the occasion. It wasn’t necessarily a fashion statement, but—sigh—I can’t deny that it’s certainly stylish and great-looking. This shawl-collar vested tux in midnight blue is also by Berluti.

Finally, at 22 years old, Joe Locke still has a teenager’s face (which has served him well for his roles in Heartstopper and Agatha All Along); however, this uber-formal tailcoat (from Celine) made quite a grown-up statement. Adding this sequined vest added some real Hollywood punch and kind of took it right back to an almost “Senior Prom” moment. We love spicing up the classics with a bit of over-the-top glam for special occasion dressing.

Speaking of adding a little flash, adding “lapel candy” to the formal wardrobe has become practically de rigueur. If your store doesn’t have a relationship with a local jewelry store, it may be time to make one. From smaller, quirky vintage sprays to statement-making, lapel-crossing broaches, this is one trend that’s got staying power. Adrien Brody made one of the nicest choices of the evening with a piece that echoed one of his date’s (Geogina Chapman) earrings.

We also loved how Wicked’s Jeff Goldblum worked a lively floral corsage that faintly echoed the look of his poppy shirt (how apropos) and a flawless chiffon scarf (his outfit by Prada). It was cool, statement-making, and iconic, yet also perfectly refined.