20 men who really upped their style game at the Oscars

We all know the Oscars are the ultimate fashion opportunity – a chance for Hollywood’s most glamorous to get glitzy from head to toe. And with no shortage of style options on offer in womenswear, we sure do love to dive into the latest trends in shapes, colours, textures, and accessories… But what about the menswear game? It’s arguably harder to nail the basics when it comes to a good suit (if you’re opting for one). Luckily, these twenty men showed us how to slay the Oscars red carpet with panache – take a peek at our best-dressed men of Oscars past, whose looks were far from boring:

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20 men who really upped their style game at the Oscars

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  Paul Newman, 1958

  A fashion connoisseur from back in the day, Paul looked fashion forward in this dapper tailcoat. The fitted and cropped waistcoat only adds to the elegance. Swoon. Getty Images

• Sidney Poitier, 1964

  The quintessential gent, Sidney showed them all how it was done way back in 1964. With his open tailcoat jacket and lack of bowtie, he looked original, sharp, and timeless. Getty Images

• Robert Downey Jr, 1989

  He’s come a long way since then, but back in 1989, RDJ already knew how to turn a few heads. With those embroidered lapels, teal necktie, and green cummerbund, he sure stands out from the crowd. Getty Images

• Daniel Day-Lewis, 1990

  This may look more like one of his period roles, but Daniel sure upped his style game for the first Oscars of the ‘90s. That wavy hair, long jacket, elaborate necktie, and velvet waistcoat combine to make an unforgettable look. Getty Images

• Tim Robbins, 1995

  Ok, so it looks cheesy now, but back in the mid-90s, this would have been quite the look. Plus, we appreciate his dedication to standing out with his starry night ensemble, black shirt, and shades – it sure beats your bog standard black and white tux. Getty Images

• Benjamin Bratt, 2001

  Benjamin looked pretty swish the night of then girlfriend Julia Roberts' Oscar win in 2001. The long dinner jacket over a well-fitting waistcoat, with the crispness of a white tie on a white shirt make him one to beat for style. Getty Images

• Matthew McConaughey, 2015

  Never one to play by the rules, Matthew broke with protocol when he stepped out in this patterned metallic blazer in 2015. The waistcoat, the bowtie, the facial hair – the whole look is very extra, but in the best way possible. Getty Images

• Neil Patrick Harris, 2015

  Now here’s something you don’t see every day – an all-grey look on an Oscars red carpet. Yet, NPH’s woollen suit, with the contrasting texture of the satin lapel and bowtie, combine to create an elegantly understated look, and we applaud him for it. Getty Images

• David Oyelowo, 2015

  David looked super snappy on the red carpet in 2015. Yes, he may have been matching the actual carpet, but somehow, with the pin, matching bowtie, waistcoat, and piping, the two shades work gloriously together to create an original and refreshing Oscars look. Getty Images

• Mark Ruffalo, 2016

  Surely one of the standouts for men’s fashion, this 2016 look from Mark is a winner in Valentino in our eyes. The choice to go more royal than navy blue was risky, but he pulls it off with a charm and warmth that suits him perfectly. The patent shoes keep things smart, too. Getty Images

• Eddie Redmayne, 2016

  Now, most people couldn’t pull off a velvet jacket plus velvet slippies with such sophistication, but, Eddie is not most people. Somehow, this coordinated look brings out the matinee idol in him, and we’re digging it. Getty Images

• Dev Patel, 2017

  This may be one of our favourite men’s Oscars looks of all time. Every element – from the perfect fit, fresh shade of white, the patent shoes, to the slightly ruffled hair – all work beautifully on Dev in Burberry. His fashion moment to beat. Getty Images

• Pharrell Williams, 2017

  Would we expect anything less than Chanel excellence from Pharrell? Probably not. In this tailcoat jacket, complete with cummerbund, draping necklaces, and glittering brooch, Pharrell made a style statement in 2017 that we’ve scarcely seen before or since. Getty Images

• Ansel Elgort, 2018

  In a forest green velvet blazer, Ansel looks smart in an old-school kind of way. It’s a strong colour choice – standing out from the rest of the pack, but still formal. And that cute bowtie keeps things traditional. Getty Images

• Armie Hammer, 2018

  In this custom Giorgio Armani red velvet suit, Armie manages to look suave without looking costume-y – the combination of his stature, and the sharp fit works wonders. If only more men had such daring to think outside of the fashion box. Getty Images

• Chadwick Boseman, 2018

  Chadwick is a style star to watch, and this Givenchy outfit from last year’s ceremony was our first clue. The embellished knee-length blazer with slim lapels, paired with the collarless shirt hit all the right fashion notes. And the zip-up loafers? It all added up to create a fresh, experimental, yet still dressy look. Getty Images

• Daniel Kaluuya, 2018

  Now – this is what you call upping your style game. For his very first Oscars, Daniel stepped out in this bronze velvet jacket as the statement piece of his evening wear. The classic black bowtie and lapels provide some excellent framing, and with the matching pants, it’s a sure-fire winner. Getty Images

• Miguel, 2018

  We love that singer Miguel chose to add an extra touch to his standard dark tux – the draped velvet coat adds some real pizzazz… Who said accessorizing was just for women? Getty Images

• Timothée Chalamet, 2018

  Ok, so the hair leaves a little (ok, a lot) to be desired, but this perfectly tailored all-white Berluti suit is on point. In fact, it may have been the look that put Timmy on the fashion map. And the Chelsea boots? An ingenious touch. Getty Images

• Tom Holland, 2018

  Ok, so technically this was at an Oscars after-party, but still. In this burgundy three-piece, Tom shows us that men don’t have to shy away from strong colour. In fact, the rich shade flatters him like nobody’s business, and helps him stand out from a sea of endless black, white, and grey. Getty Images

CTV’s live coverage of the 91^st Oscars begins Sunday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. ET with etalk Live at the Oscars. Don’t miss a minute of the star-studded red carpet action: Follow along on social @etalkctv or join the conversation using #etalkredcarpet! For the latest Oscars news, exclusive interviews and more, visit etalk.ca/Oscars.