Award Season

What to Wear During Award Season: A Complete Men's Style Guide

Award season is the pinnacle of men's formalwear. From the Golden Globes to the Oscars and everything in between, the red carpet sets the standard for how well-dressed men should look in their finest attire. But you don't need an invitation to the Dolby Theatre to channel that energy. Watch parties, themed events, and formal winter gatherings all provide the perfect opportunity to elevate your style during award season.

The looks that dominate award season each year influence men's formalwear trends for months to come. Paying attention to what's happening on the red carpet — and applying those lessons to your own wardrobe — is one of the smartest style moves you can make. Here's everything you need to know about dressing for award season.

Suit vs Tuxedo: Which Is Right for Award Season?

Award season is one of the rare occasions where a tuxedo is not only appropriate but expected — at least for formal events. If you're attending a black-tie watch party, a formal gala, or any event where the dress code is elevated, a tuxedo is the right call. The classic black tuxedo with satin lapels and a bow tie remains the gold standard of award-season style.

However, a suit is perfectly acceptable for less formal award-season events. A well-tailored dark suit — especially in midnight blue, black, or deep charcoal — can look just as commanding as a tuxedo when paired with the right accessories. The modern trend of wearing a suit with a black shirt and no tie has also become an award-season staple for its clean, contemporary aesthetic.

The rule of thumb: if the event calls for black tie, wear a tuxedo. For everything else, a sharp suit with elevated accessories will serve you well.

Best Colors and Styles for Award Season

Award season favors classic elegance with modern touches. Here are the colors and styles that dominate the red carpet:

• Black — The undisputed king of award-season style. A black tuxedo or suit is timeless, powerful, and always appropriate.
• Midnight blue — Increasingly popular as an alternative to black, midnight blue photographs beautifully and looks exceptional under event lighting.
• Deep burgundy — A bold choice that has gained serious traction on the red carpet. Burgundy tuxedos and suits make a memorable statement.
• White dinner jacket — For the truly confident, a white dinner jacket with black tuxedo trousers is a showstopping combination that channels Old Hollywood glamour.
• Velvet textures — Velvet dinner jackets in deep jewel tones — emerald, navy, burgundy — add richness and texture that set you apart.

Peak lapels and shawl collars are the silhouettes of choice for award-season formalwear. These lapel styles convey formality and distinction that notch lapels cannot match at this level of dress.

Essential Accessories for Award Season

Award-season accessories should be refined, intentional, and polished to perfection:

• Bow tie — A black satin bow tie is the traditional choice for tuxedos. Self-tie is always preferred over pre-tied for an authentic, sophisticated look.
• Silk tie — If wearing a suit, a slim black or dark silk tie offers a sleek, modern alternative to the bow tie.
• Pocket square — White silk is the classic choice. For a modern twist, try a pocket square in a subtle pattern or a complementary jewel tone.
• Cufflinks — A pair of understated silver or black cufflinks adds a detail that signals true sartorial awareness.
• Dress shoes — Patent leather oxfords or polished black calfskin shoes are award-season essentials. No detail is too small on a night like this.
• Dress socks — Solid black, thin dress socks. This is not the occasion for novelty or patterned socks.

When to Order Your Award Season Outfit

Award season runs from January through March, with major events scattered throughout. Order your formalwear in December or early January to ensure you're prepared for watch parties, galas, and themed events throughout the season.

At SuitCentury, our tuxedos and formal suits start at just $199, and every order includes free shipping and free exchanges. Our home try-on program is particularly valuable for formalwear — you can try on your tuxedo at home, pair it with your shoes and accessories, and make sure every detail is perfect before the event.

Award season demands your best, and there's no reason to settle for less when premium formalwear is this accessible. Order early, take advantage of our risk-free try-on program, and step into your next event with red-carpet confidence.