Too often when men want to go a little further than what is required for their really—I mean really—big night out, they tend to get a little high on the fumes. And that's when accidents happen.

Since the red carpet became a runway for men too, this is especially problematic. So in an awards season where midnight blue seems to have evolved into midday blue, I was struck last night by Dev Patel (in Burberry) and Jamie Dornan (in Hermès), who both opted for a rare classic in the world of tuxes: off-white dinner jackets and black pants, once the preserve of old men and sportscasters.

Dev's Burberry was fresh and cut for comfort, its narrow peak lapels giving it added contemporary kick.

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Dornan's version by Hermès looked quietly tasteful with wider lapels, yet was cut short enough to look modern. Both wore proper shiny patent leather shoes.

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If either had wanted to play it safe, they'd have worn black. Instead, they looked like they were chuffed to be invited and out to enjoy it.

At the Oscars, they're each an illustration of that long-forgotten old rule for men dressing for events: Dress like it's not about you. Especially when it is about you.

From: Esquire US