What do Ryan Reynolds, Eddie Redmayne, Armie Hammer, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Matthew McConaughey all have in common? Yes, they’re all massive stars on both sides of the pond but that’s not it. Not only have all these men been recognized for their sartorial style, but they also all have, at one point or another, worn a striking velvet tuxedo. Sure, a velvet suit or tuxedo may not be your first choice when it comes to formalwear but you should definitely give it a second thought. Many people say that men’s formalwear is always more of just the same old and simply quite boring. Well, velvet proves otherwise. The fabric itself adds depth, richness and character to any traditional suit or tuxedo. It’s a refined and elegant way to upgrade the same old men’s look and set yourself apart from the crowd.
Dress like Justin Timberlake and get your own Black Tuxedo
Now, if you’re enticed by the idea of stepping out in something unexpected yet don’t necessarily want to go all out, choosing an all-black velvet tuxedo jacket and trousers is a great way to simply dip your toe into the trend. You can wear a velvet tuxedo jacket paired with your usual wool tuxedo pants, for just that little bit of extra drama to your classic look. It’s an outfit that Justin Timberlake opted for at the Academy Awards, as well as Eddie Redmayne to the Golden Globes. Of course, for an even more dramatic effect, you can go velvet from top to bottom with a velvet tuxedo jacket and matching velvet trousers.
Justin Timberlake in black velvet tuxedo with wide lapels
Grab the attention with a Pink Tuxedo like Jason Momoa
For the less traditional types, almost any colored suit or tuxedo can be reinterpreted in velvet for a plush and luxurious look. Take Chris Pine who chose an almost teal shade for his velvet tux and Douglas Booth whose velvet tux came in a shade close to celadon green. Taron Egerton on the other hand, took inspiration from the Rocketman aesthetic and donned a silver velvet tuxedo that almost appeared to be glittering. There’s also Jason Momoa who wore a dusty pink colored tuxedo, complete with pocket square but without the actual bowtie. He also wore a brighter pink velvet tuxedo jacket featuring a black shawl color, black pocket square and black trousers, but entirely without a shirt underneath. You certainly don’t have to lose your shirt to attract attention in a velvet ensemble.
Jason Momoa in a pink velvet tuxedo
While velvet works with almost any color, the best colors to wear velvet in are deep jewel tones that complement the velvet’s rich feel and lavish aesthetic. Think emerald green, sapphire blues, dark navy, ruby red and deep burgundy. Regardless of the color tone you choose, the key is to keep all your other accessories, such as your bowtie and pocket square, relatively simple. Let the velvet fabric be the main attraction of your outfit.
Ryan Reynolds and John Legend wearing a Blue Wide Lapel Tuxedo
Ryan Reynolds in a dark blue velvet tuxedo
Dark shades of blue are most definitely a go to when it comes to velvet suits and tuxedos. Again, you can break the look with a blue velvet tuxedo jacket and black wool tuxedo pants or you can also go for the full blue velvet look in either a tuxedo or suit. Ryan Reynolds went for both a midnight blue tuxedo and trousers for the Met Gala, completed with a white tuxedo shirt, black bowtie and black dressing shoes. Even People Magazine’s newly crowned sexiest man alive, John Legend, has gone for the full dark blue velvet ensemble. He made the look totally his own by wearing slightly cropped velvet trousers and matching velvet smoking slippers, worn without socks.
John Legend in a blue velvet tuxedo
Dress like Tom Ford and get your perfect fitting Tuxedo
If you’re still having second thoughts about velvet’s style factor, take a cue from Tom Ford. The designer, who is an undisputed expert in men’s tailoring and the current president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is way more than just your average fashion authority. He has dressed many celebrities in velvet tuxedos and also, on numerous occasions, opted for a luxe velvet look, and has killed it every single time, looking immaculate. In his own words, “Dressing well is a form of good manners.” He certainly has impeccable manners.
Tom Ford in a blue velvet tuxedo with black pants
Copy the look and get your own Green Tuxedo
For those who are undaunted by fashion risks, take inspiration from Armie Hammer who could have stopped traffic in his all red tuxedo jacket and trousers. Wearing the red outfit on the red carpet was a style risk that paid off. If red isn’t for you, emerald or dark green are also great options. The color has also received the seal of approval from Matthew McConaughey, Lewis Hamilton and Ansel Elgort.
Ansel in a Tom Ford green velvet tuxedo with black pants
As you get dressed for all sorts of events this holiday season, consider a velvet suit or a velvet tuxedo for more formal affairs. It will make you stand out from the crowd and look striking amidst all the holiday photos. The festive fabric definitely creates an appealing look – talk about velvet crush.
