Three’s a Trend: Velvet Suits at the 2016 Oscars

Despite the 80-degree temperature on Oscars night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, several leading men took to the red carpet in undoubtedly hot velvet tuxedos. As actor Eddie Redmayne — in his Alexander McQueen velour jacket and wool trousers — so aptly put it, “I’m sweating!”

Eddie Redmayne at the 2016 Oscars. (Photo: Getty Images)

Redmayne, who was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Danish Girl, has sported similar looks in the past. Just last year, he wore a cozy Burberry velour suit to the 2015 Golden Globes and, before that, a brown corduroy Hugo Boss ensemble to the SAG Awards in 2013.

Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith. (Photo: Getty Images)

Like Redmayne, songwriter Jimmy Napes wore a velvet jacket to the awards, but in emerald green (also a standout color on the carpet for women this season). The songwriter won an Oscar for Spectre’s theme song, “Writing’s on the Wall,” performed by singer Sam Smith. Perhaps his bare feet were an attempt at cooling off?

Will Poulter at the 2016 Oscars. (Photo: Getty Images)

The third velvet look — making this a men’s red carpet trend — was worn by The Revenant actor Will Poulter. The 23-year-old London native has become a popular fixture in fashion, appearing in magazines Interview and i-D. Maybe there’s something we can learn from these dudes: Style over comfort? Let’s just hope they all had on some extra Old Spice to compensate.

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