Without any attention-desperate splash of color, pattern or off-season white, Justin Timberlake asserted his place as one of the best dressed men in show business at the 89th Academy Awards last night.

Timberlake with wife Jessica Biel. Photo by Scott Feinberg from The Hollywood Reporter.

In a simple, classic and impeccably tailored dinner jacket, Timberlake confirmed that subtlety, nuance and attention to detail trump loud statements and sartorial screaming, particularly for men. With respect to black tie specifically, he was a reminder that the point is not to stand out but, rather, to stand “back” so the lady can enjoy the spotlight.

Timberlake getting ready.

His evening wear was by Tom Ford, with a subdued flair in the texture and pattern of the dinner jacket. The scale and proportion of his bow tie, shirt collar and peak lapels were perfect. Other welcome flourishes were the turn-back cuffs on the jacket – something one doesn’t see often with modern men’s formalwear – and a cummerbund, which helps conceal shirt white below the jacket button. Very nice touches. If there was one irregularity (and I’m splitting hairs here), it was a slight overexposure of shirt cuff, which is a deliberate Tom Ford trademark and totally forgivable.

JT looked fantastic. And I love him even more for validating one of my own adages: Understated is underrated. Bravo.

7 Comments

  1. Agree with you 100% George.
    .
    What do you think of the haircut?

  2. Bob McAleavy

    Too bad Tom Ford didn’t dress Jess. Sheesh!

  3. Mitchell Davey

    Yes elegantly dressed. To bad it was ruined with that silly hair cut. Must of had a stylist for the clothing and another for the hair who didn’t coordinate.
    Cheers

    • Yep, the hair was stupid. But I’m hoping he’s in the middle of filming a project that requires that haircut.

  4. Forrest Howe

    What planet does GQ come from with their review of the Oscars this year?

    • Selling magazines and appealing to (and employing) young dudes who “rock” clothes in lieu of wearing them.