Timothée Chalamet was the final clue. Arriving on the Golden Globes red carpet, the star of Wonka put an end to speculation about whether he would wear orange as part of the film’s colorful marketing. Instead, he chose a black T-shirt, vest, jacket, and Timberland boots with silver buttons by Chrome Hearts, accessorized with a five-figure Cartier necklace. His partner and style contrast, Kylie Jenner, was not present.
Styled by Taylor McNeill, who also orchestrated Chalamet’s playful and chaotic red carpet campaign for the film, the look was a bad boy take on James Bond. It set the tone for an evening of subdued colors. If we thought the classic tuxedo had disappeared, we were mistaken. The era of flashy menswear is over—welcome back to the understated suit.
The Globes focus on movies and winners, but the red carpet serves as a preview for the Oscars and a traditional opportunity for celebrities and their influential stylists to showcase creative fashion.
There were exceptions, mostly from the women. Bella Ramsey wore a Prada suit with a pink bow that made a bold statement. At her first Golden Globes, Chalamet’s co-star Odessa A’zion chose a monochromatic trouser suit paired with a frilly vintage Dolce & Gabbana jacket and satin gloves. A nod to vintage style came from Sinners star Miles Caton in a chestnut pinstripe suit by Amiri. Still, the usual trendsetters—Jacob Elordi, Colman Domingo, and Jeremy Allen White—stuck to contemporary twists on the classic tuxedo by Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton, respectively. Between them, newcomer Dwayne Johnson and veteran Leonardo DiCaprio did little to shake up the formal black-tie atmosphere.
Perhaps color was the issue, as black dominated among women as well. Aimee Lou Wood looked straight out of the Gilded Age in demure Vivienne Westwood. Best Supporting Actor winner Teyana Taylor chose a cut-out Schiaparelli dress that revealed multiple body parts, though it was in deep black. Ayo Edebiri’s stunning black velvet off-the-shoulder gown by Chanel under Matthieu Blazy felt classic yet surprisingly safe. Even the K-pop group Demon Hunters, who won for their song “Golden,” wore all black.
Given this, moments of color felt especially precious. Elle Fanning brought a welcome metallic flash in a sparkly, embroidered Gucci gown that evoked old Hollywood glamour. Emily Blunt wore a cheerful white asymmetric one-sleeve gown by Louis Vuitton, while Amanda Seyfried looked like a modern Venus de Milo in white Versace.
The standout look may have been Wunmi Mosaku, the British-Nigerian star of Sinners, who was one of two stars to announce her pregnancy on the red carpet (the other being her co-star Hailee Steinfeld). Her canary yellow custom gown and sheer veil by Matthew Reisman carried deep meaning. “In Yoruba, we say Iya ni Wúrà, which means ‘mother is golden,’” she wrote in Vogue.
Historically, the red carpet is a space for self-expression as much as for showcasing the fashion-celebrity industry. It also offers a glimpse into future trends. In that spirit, newly established designers made their mark: Jessie Buckley wore an ice-blue asymmetric gown by Jonathan Anderson for Dior; Tessa Thompson chose a custom sequined column dress from Balenciaga by Pierpaolo Piccioli; and Rose Byrne stood out in emerald green Chanel by Matthieu Blazy.
The reaction to Chalamet’s look was generous and largely uncritical. If the peanut gallery we…Insiders were not disappointed by the lack of peacocking. Esquire UK’s style director Zak Maoui told the Guardian: “I believe the industry has made a slight shift back to nice, regular clothing for men on red carpets. Men are starting to see power again in a well-executed and expertly cut suit.
“It might reflect a wider sentiment in menswear, whereby the catwalks aren’t as flashy or hype-driven, and brands are presenting more subdued, wearable clothing.”
The devil—and the brand deals—were, as ever, in the details. Several “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” pins were worn by attendees, including Mark Ruffalo. In a world where wearing a watch as part of a sponsorship deal has become a foregone conclusion, these pins offered a moment of political reprieve from a largely staid sartorial circus.
This article was amended on 12 January 2026 to add details of Timothée Chalamet’s stylist, Taylor McNeill.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The Return of the Classic Black Tuxedo at the Golden Globes
Q1 Whats the big deal about the penguin parade at the Golden Globes
A The penguin parade is a playful term for the classic elegant look of celebrities wearing black tuxedos on the red carpet Its comeback at the Golden Globes is notable because recent years have seen more colorful patterned and casual menswear making this a return to timeless formal style
Q2 Why are so many men choosing black tuxedos again
A After years of experimental fashion many see the classic black tuxedo as a safe powerful and sophisticated choice Its a statement of confidence and a nod to old Hollywood glamour which often resonates during awards season
Q3 Isnt a black tuxedo boring How do celebrities make it interesting
A Not at all Celebrities add personality through fit tailoring and accessories They might choose a unique lapel style a stylish bow tie or black necktie statement cufflinks or perfectly tailored trousers to stand out
Q4 What are the key parts of a classic black tuxedo
A The essentials are a black jacket matching trousers a crisp white dress shirt a black bow tie a cummerbund or waistcoat and polished black dress shoes
Q5 Is this trend just for celebrities or can I wear it too
A Absolutely you can wear it A wellfitted black tuxedo is a versatile investment for formal events like weddings galas or blacktie parties The Golden Globes trend is a great inspiration to embrace classic formalwear
Q6 What are common mistakes to avoid when wearing a black tuxedo
A Common pitfalls include a poor fit wearing a long necktie instead of a bow tie for a true blacktie event mismatching blacks and scuffed or inappropriate shoes
