Classic Menswear Details Return to the Oscars Red Carpet

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 2014 Academy Awards

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 2014 Academy Awards

The Academy Awards are about celebrating the best in film, but what most viewers take away from the show — and the bevy of pre- and post-shows — is who wore what, who looked great and who missed the mark. And while most of the attention is turned to the ladies’ floor-sweeping gowns, the awards ceremony is an opportunity for Hollywood’s leading men to flex their sartorial know-how. This year saw a major turn away from the hyper-sleek and super-styled looks that we’ve seen in the past and a return to Old Hollywood and the traditional menswear pieces that were worn by the likes of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Guys strayed from the cool-factor of super slim suits and Italian minimalism, this year, and instead, they returned to classic tailoring and accessories.

Left to right: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Ryan Seacrest

Left to right: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Ryan Seacrest

White tuxedos were seen on pre-show host Ryan Seacrest and nominees Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey. It’s a retro look that each guy made modern with details that gave them individual personality. Leto opted for a deep burgundy bow-tie to break up his jacket and shirt, Seacrest slimmed down a traditional shawl lapel and McConaughey added a black vest to his suit for an added layer of formality. The secret to looking slick and not like a waiter? Razor-sharp fit and a winner’s confidence. Think of the white jacket as the lead actor and let everything else play a supporting role — that means stick to the basics when it comes to pants and shoes and just add some personality with your extras.

Style of Jolie Robert Procop cufflinks

Style of Jolie Robert Procop cufflinks

Brad and Angelina both walked home with Oscars last weekend (he for producing 12 Years a Slave, she for her humanitarian efforts), so together, the Hollywood mega-couple had plenty to celebrate. But Jolie has a venture you might not know about: she’s got Style of Jolie, a capsule collection of jewelry with designer Robert Procop.

Brad was spotted wearing a classic Tom Ford tuxedo and a set of cufflinks that Jolie designed, featuring a pair of tablet-cut diamonds surrounded by a bold gold frame. He completed the look with matching shirt studs. Cufflinks and shirt studs are a great way to add Old Hollywood style to a tuxedo, and you can easily find them at vintage shops and online. To get the same classic look, add the Gold and Onyx JFK Presidential Cufflinks ($150) or the Gold and Onyx JFK Presidential Studs ($150) to your collection.

The Golden Age of Hollywood might be over, but with actors bringing classic looks back to the red carpet, it looks like Old Hollywood is new again.

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Images courtesy GQ and Getty

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Author:Christopher Luu for Fashion Trends Daily

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.