The 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards have always been a space for sartorial creativity—less black tie rigidity, more freedom to have fun.
Still thinking about last year’s all-yellow moment…
Andrew Scott’s Etro look from last year lives rent-free in my head, and while this Simone Rocha ensemble dialed down the vibrancy, it certainly didn’t lack charm. His pink shirt, adorned with the designer’s signature crystal floral motif, was the perfect way to add some sparkle without feeling overly precious. Styled with black trousers, the whole look was understated yet effortlessly cool.
Styled by Warren Alfie Baker.
He’s Perfect
Pulling off a silk tuxedo is no easy feat—one wrong move and you’re a walking crease. But Colman Domingo? He made it look like the easiest thing in the world. His custom Dolce & Gabbana tux was tailored to perfection and, miraculously, crease-free. The cherry on top? Those signature white boots that always make an appearance at just the right time.
Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald.
Oversized, but make it sleek
Edgar Ramirez took Saint Laurent’s signature oversized tailoring for a spin, and this event was the perfect place to do it. The relaxed fit, sharp tailoring, and effortless drape of the fabric all worked together for a look that felt modern, yet true to his natural style.
Styled by Jason Bolden.
Belted suits: take two
We first saw Prada’s belted suit in grey on Anthony Ramos at the Golden Globes, and while I wasn’t the biggest fan of that iteration, Ethan Herisse made a more convincing case for round two. In a pale blue hue, the look felt fresh, charming, and effortlessly refined. Not every trend deserves a second chance, but this one? It worked, and going sans tie helped.
Styled by Jason Rembert.
The cropped jacket comeback
Joe Locke’s Dior Men’s Winter 2025 look was a quiet but compelling argument for the return of cropped menswear jackets. The proportions were sharp, the tailoring was impeccable, and those Dior black leather and silk bow boots? The perfect finishing touch.
Styled by Holly White.
A perfect match made in Valentino
If anyone can pull off a full Alessandro Michele for Valentino moment, it’s Justice Smith. I would even argue that he’s a better fit than Jared Leto (and that’s saying something for Michele twin). This was a brand-to-personality match made in fashion heaven.
A little personality goes a long way
Questlove is never one to show up in a forgettable suit, and his custom Gabriela Hearst charcoal car coat was proof of that. The colourful pinstripe detailing injected just the right amount of playfulness into the classic silhouette, making it a perfect reflection of his effortlessly cool style.
Best use of colour? Easy Win
Nickel Boys director RaMell Ross easily earned a spot among my favorites of the night in his Georges Hobeika Fall 2024 Couture ensemble. Shades of orange? A floral embroidered jacket? This was a masterclass in how to bring bold colour to the red carpet while still looking polished.
Unexpected
While this Umit Benan burgundy suit wasn’t what I had in mind for Sebastian Stan at this event, the white and burgundy striped shirt ensured the look had a fresh feeling.
Styled by Michael Fisher.
From tailored minimalism to bold risks, the men at the Spirit Awards reminded us that menswear is anything but boring.
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