Stars dazzle on Critics Choice Awards best-dressed list
At Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, women embraced menswear-inspired looks, while men like Michael B. Jordan dazzled in sleek modern tuxes.
Hollywood rolled out a stylish yet relaxed start to the awards season at Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, held at Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar. The event stood out not for ostentation or theatrical glamour, but for its focus on sleek, wearable evening looks that conveyed sophistication without effort. With the holiday season just behind them, many attendees appeared to embrace a practical approach to red carpet dressing, choosing ensembles that allowed them to make an impact without looking overdone.
The black carpet set the tone for the night: understated elegance with a modern edge. More than one star commented on the unique challenge of the event—coming directly after holiday vacations, the awards required quick bounceback, both in terms of energy and style. As a result, the majority of looks were polished yet approachable, favoring clean lines, tailored fits, and understated details over over-the-top embellishments or voluminous gowns. The simplicity of the styling allowed individual personality and flair to shine, setting the stage for more elaborate statements later in the awards season.
Menswear influences were particularly prominent among the women, demonstrating the continued crossover of gendered fashion. Critics Choice winner Sarah Snook led the pack in a menswear-inspired tuxedo by Akris, pairing tailored pants with a sharp, structured blazer to create an effortlessly chic silhouette. The look nodded to classic power dressing while feeling entirely modern. Chelsea Handler, who hosted the ceremony, also honored menswear traditions in a Ralph Lauren suit during the show’s final half-hour, paying tribute to the influence Diane Keaton popularized with her iconic style in Annie Hall. Handler’s ensemble brought wit and sophistication to the evening, showing that even late in the ceremony, style could remain sharp and playful.
The men on the black carpet also embraced sleek tailoring and contemporary twists on traditional suiting. Michael B. Jordan opted for a sharp, well-fitted suit, showcasing his effortless red carpet charisma. Paul Mescal demonstrated his flair for fashion in a Gucci ensemble that balanced classic tailoring with subtle modernity. Meanwhile, Tom Pelphrey added his own twist by layering a plush turtleneck under his black tux jacket by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, proving that menswear can feel cozy and relaxed without sacrificing sophistication.
The menswear influence extended beyond traditional tailoring, demonstrating a willingness to blend textures and fabrics in creative ways. Kaley Cuoco, Pelphrey’s wife, turned heads in a satin blazer and matching trousers by Simkhai, effortlessly blending masculine tailoring with feminine elegance. The combination of the satin sheen with a strong silhouette created a sense of understated glamour while remaining accessible and modern. Her look exemplified how women could adopt menswear elements—structured jackets, tailored trousers, clean lines—while maintaining a polished, elegant feel.
Overall, Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards offered a blueprint for awards season dressing that balanced effortlessness with style. Many attendees opted for sleek and minimalistic looks that allowed them to shine without relying on excessive embellishments. This strategy also left room for evolution over the coming weeks, as the Golden Globe Awards approached on Sunday, January 11. Observers expect to see a gradual escalation in opulence, grandeur, and formality, with stars gradually layering in more dramatic gowns, bold accessories, and statement menswear designs as the season progresses.
The evening highlighted the versatility of modern awards season fashion, showing that simplicity can be just as impactful as extravagance. Stars were able to convey personality, sophistication, and confidence through carefully considered tailoring, fabric choices, and accessories. The balance between elegance and ease was evident not only in the clothing but also in styling—hair, makeup, and minimal jewelry complemented rather than overshadowed the ensembles.
This approach allowed for a range of interpretations within a cohesive theme. Some, like Sarah Snook and Chelsea Handler, leaned heavily into menswear inspiration, creating structured silhouettes that conveyed power and confidence. Others, such as Kaley Cuoco, merged traditional feminine elegance with subtle nods to tailored menswear, creating hybrid looks that felt modern and accessible. Male attendees continued to show innovation in how classic suiting could be elevated with texture, layering, and contemporary cuts, proving that traditional menswear still offers room for personal expression.
Ultimately, the Critics Choice Awards demonstrated that red carpet style need not be synonymous with extravagance or ostentation. Effortless, sleek looks that honor both tradition and modernity can make a strong statement, setting the tone for an awards season that promises both creativity and glamour. With seven days until the Golden Globes, attendees and viewers alike will be watching to see how this balance evolves—how stars build upon the understated elegance of the Critics Choice Awards with more dramatic, opulent choices, while continuing to embrace individual expression and contemporary tailoring.
Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, therefore, offered not just a showcase of individual style but a broader lesson for awards season fashion: elegance does not require fuss, and modern red carpet dressing can be sleek, intentional, and adaptable. By blending menswear influences, tailored silhouettes, and relaxed yet polished styling, the stars set a tone of sophistication that is sure to influence the weeks ahead, proving that sometimes, the simplest looks leave the most lasting impression.