The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony marked a significant sartorial shift, with the red carpet witnessing the pronounced return of the classic, staid black suit for Hollywood's leading men. The era of the performative male fashionista appeared to be over, as even noted risk-takers opted for refined, understated tailoring.
The Penguin March: A Sea of Black Tie
Timothée Chalamet set the tone, arriving not in the orange hue hinted at by his film 'Marty Supreme', but in a layered black ensemble by Chrome Hearts, accessorised with a five-figure Cartier necklace. His partner, Kylie Jenner, was absent, leaving his minimalist look to speak for itself. This choice was emblematic of the night's broader trend.
Other usual provocateurs largely fell in line. Jacob Elordi, Colman Domingo, and Jeremy Allen White each presented contemporary twists on the traditional tuxedo from houses like Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton. Veterans Leonardo DiCaprio and newcomer Dwayne Johnson did little to disrupt the prevailing mood of black-tie formality, cementing the night's classicist direction.
Colour and Creativity: The Exceptions that Proved the Rule
While black reigned supreme for women as well—seen on Aimee Lou Wood, Teyana Taylor, and Ayo Edebiri—moments of colour became precious exceptions. Elle Fanning shimmered in metallic Gucci, while Emily Blunt and Amanda Seyfried chose striking white gowns.
The standout was arguably Wunmi Mosaku, star of 'Sinners', in a breathtaking canary yellow bespoke gown and veil by Matthew Reisman. She explained the meaningful choice to Vogue, quoting the Yoruba phrase "Iya ni Wúrà," meaning "mother is golden."
Other notable breaks from monochrome included Bella Ramsey in a Prada suit with a pink bow, Odessa A'zion in vintage Dolce & Gabbana, and Miles Caton in a chestnut pinstripe suit by Amiri.
Industry Insight: A Shift Back to 'Nice Regular Clothing'
The trend did not disappoint fashion insiders. Zak Maoui, style director at Esquire UK, told The Guardian the shift reflected a wider movement in menswear. "I believe the industry has made a slight shift back to nice regular clothing for men on red carpets," he said. "Men are starting to see power again in a well-executed and expertly-cut suit."
He suggested this mirrors catwalk presentations becoming less flashy, with brands focusing on more subdued, wearable clothing. The red carpet, often a bellwether for tomorrow's trends, suggested a move towards enduring classicism over transient hype.
Political statements were subtle but present, found in the details. Several attendees, including Mark Ruffalo, wore "ICE OUT" and "BE GOOD" pins, offering a moment of conscious reprieve amidst the formalwear.
Ultimately, the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet will be remembered as the event where the power suit firmly retook its territory, signalling a potential end to an era of flamboyant peacocking in favour of timeless, confident elegance.
