Once upon a time, you could just throw on a black suit and be out of the door. Nowadays, you need a little more je ne sais quoi than that. Menswear fashion weeks are on the up. So the men need to step up too. But don’t worry; je sais exactement quoi. We’re in the midst of awards season, which means that whilst everyone oohs and ahhs at *cough* the dresses on Angelina, Charlize and Sofia Vergara, I’ve been checking out what their male counterparts are bringing to the table. The tuxedo is back in a big, elaborate way. Modern day swings back to vintage with elements of Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart. But before you go dancing down to Savile Row, here’s the lowdown on what the trendsetters are doing for black tie.

Whilst some designers seem to be bringing back The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s Wardrobe Department with their bright colours and prints inspired by Gianni Versace, the formal side of fashion is also taking a few bolder steps. Don’t think that black tie is literally the only way to go. Ricky Gervais proved that in dark red at The Golden Globes in January. And as if that wasn’t different enough, he broke with traditional formal etiquette entirely and went tieless. A daring look also adopted by the ever-dapper Johnny Depp. The Office’s John Krasinski looked particularly smart in his midnight blue tux at the recent SAG Awards and going back to the Globes, Gerard Butler just threw on a navy tux, leaving his hair messy, looking very caveman-done-good. However, he could have chosen to wear the blue, given that the original golden boy Brad Pitt, also complete with longer hair, was wearing the same in black and sporting a cane. Yes that’s right a cane. And a sob story. He tripped whilst carrying his daughter and fell awkwardly so as not to hurt her. So it was a necessary accessory. Magnificent. And it left us begging for a truly formal comeback. I’m personally hoping he bangs his head next time so that he can singlehandedly bring back the top hat on the red carpet. How very debonair. Downton Abbey, eat your heart out.

If you are more of a rocker, there’s no need to leave the Louboutin wearing to the girls. Idris Elba wore their spiked loafers to the Globes. It’s the A-list equivalent of throwing on your Chuck Taylors with a formal suit. And you can do the big, wild Versace-style prints on a shirt under the suit. Exuberant yet reserved. If that’s a little over the top for you, why not try a pocket square? At the Globes, Warhorse’s Jeremy Irvine looked the part in a stylish, yet simple satin trimmed suit a la Gucci no less, adorned with a little pocket square to add a little twist.

And as or the most perfect accessory of all? Well, a stunning six foot blonde in red of course. Good work, Mr Clooney.