Channeling Leto, Redmayne and McConaughey: Red carpet style tips

TORONTO – Oscar winners Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto and best actor nominee Eddie Redmayne have been mainstays on the red carpet during awards season, each with their own distinct approaches to formal fashion.

Gotstyle founder Melissa Austria offers tips on how men can translate the trio’s high-end looks into their own wardrobes.

JARED LETO

The actor and musician has made statement-making jackets a staple, from the white Hedi Slimane design he wore to the 2014 Oscars, to the bright blue blazer he sported to the recent Critics’ Choice Awards. Bold accents are also part of his repertoire with colourful bowties, boutonnieres and even sparkly shoes to round out red carpet looks.

“I think with Jared Leto he’s willing to push the fashion envelope,” said Austria. “He never looks silly because he’s always incorporating great tailoring, but he always adds in another fashion directional element that makes his outfit stand out from anybody else.”

For men seeking to channel Leto’s edgy but sophisticated style, Austria suggested teaming a shorter-hemmed, coloured double-breasted jacket with what she described as the hottest trend for the season: the jogger, pointing to a style which incorporates leather.

“Although everything always has to be slim and modern, it doesn’t have to be as tight. So the joggers are really representing comfort and fashion together.”

EDDIE REDMAYNE

The Londoner recently celebrated best actor victories at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and British Academy Film and Television Awards for his role as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Redmayne has also been winning raves for his striking black-tie ensembles which incorporate lush fabrics and rich hues.

“I think the signature to Eddie Redmayne’s style is the cut of his suit,” said Austria. “I think he really understands British tailoring.

“When you’re wearing a suit that fits you properly, on a guy, nothing looks better. For him, it’s all about cut and proportion.”

For her take on Redmayne’s classic tailoring with a twist, Austria suggested a glen plaid suit featuring a mix of dark and light blue hues.

“It just gives a bit more depth and dimension to the suit, so from a distance it looks like a solid, but from up close you can notice the pattern — and that’s something that’s quintessentially British.”

Austria said a misconception about slim or modern dressing is that only men with slender builds can pull them off.

“When you wear a boxier suit, you actually look bigger. Something slightly more modern in cut, it actually makes you look trimmer. It’s a fear factor guys have to get over.”

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

Since taking home the Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club in a white Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, the reigning best actor hasn’t shied away from cranking up the colour.

McConaughey wore a dark purple tuxedo to the Golden Globes and a brassy blue blazer to the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

“Every time he’s on the red carpet he’s always wearing a tuxedo, but he’s never just wearing a typical black tuxedo,” said Austria.

The menswear expert said a key part of McConaughey’s formal wear is his love of the peaked lapel. The style is distinct from the rounded shawl collar and more common notched lapels.

“A peaked lapel is great because it really draws your attention up and makes your shoulders and your chest look bigger,” said Austria.

“I find that he’s always doing a really wide peaked lapel to make a statement. And again, it’s all about great tailoring, so suits that are immaculately cut for him, but with that touch of pizzazz by adding colour to it.”

Austria said the tux jacket’s versatility extends beyond formal occasions, suggesting men can team the blazer with a V-neck T-shirt and a pair of jeans for a night on the town.