There’s Something About Paul Mescal’s Suits

As one of the Best Actor nominees at this Sunday’s Oscars, Paul Mescal has stepped into the role of one of Hollywood’s leading men. The Aftersun star has been out in full swing on Hollywood’s red carpets over the past two months—and, with the help of his right-hand stylist Felicity Kay, he’s emerged as one of the best dressed men in the running to the grand Oscars finale. Together, the duo has built their many winning looks around the classic two-piece suit with modern, unexpected finishes that make the ensemble feel fresh, modern, and dare we say even a little bit fun, too.

At the BAFTAs last month, for instance, Mescal’s black Gucci tuxedo (complete with a tiny bow tie) was punctuated by a spectacular 1930s Cartier brooch made of platinum, white gold, and diamonds. “Cartier showed me a photo of the brooch and it was so elegant,” Mescal told Vogue. “I love the Old Hollywood feel.” At the SAG Awards, he riffed on the black suit by wearing Simone Rocha’s elongated black blazer and trousers, the jacket embroidered with a delicate pearl-floral motif at the bottom. It’s these subtle details—the kind you have to lean in closer to see—that make his approach to suiting distinctive.

Though, there have been a few occasions where Mescal and Kay have gone for a bold statement. At the Independent Spirit Awards earlier this month, the actor opted for color in Gucci’s aqua blue blazer, which had an oversized fit. He paired it with a white tank top, which proved to be a more youthful styling approach than pairing it with your standard button-up dress shirt. His Cuban-heel leather boots also made the ensemble a little less stuffy—more playful. There’s something about the way Mescal puts suits together that feel simultaneously super dressy, and formal, yet like he’s not tried at all. We can’t wait to see what he shows up in at the Oscars!

Below, some of Mescal’s best suits this awards season.