‘Tis the season for mince pies, mulled wine… and our annual round-up of who wore it best. 2024 has been, shall we say, a distinctive year of sequin short-shorts, chunkier-than-thou knitwear and overcoats galore. It’s seen the return of the neckerchief and the bucket hat and bid goodbye to grungecore and greige.
As far as menswear goes, it’s been anything but dull, with more colour and character than most years. Bold colours, experimental silhouettes and standouts have taken centre stage, with each man in our list embracing these trends with their own distinctive flair.
But it’s not enough to admire these well-dressed gents, we want you to learn from them too. So, without further ado chaps, here are our picks for the sleekest, swankiest, boldest and best-dressed of the year.
1. Jonathan Bailey – Actor
We’ve had our eye on the award-winning star of Bridgerton for a few years now, but 2024 was undoubtedly his year. This is a man who dazzles in an ensemble as simple as a woolly jumper and Italian loafers. A man who can stand next to two women in full evening garb wearing a pair of short-shorts and not look faintly ridiculous. The man even has women swooning over his mankles.
But, it’s his red carpet look that has gained serious kudos from the A&C team. Whimsical and mischievous, but always polished, he effortlessly treads the line between sophistication and daring.
This year, the much-hyped Wicked tour has treated us to some of his finest looks. A Dolce & Gabbana white suit with a butter yellow silk shirt (a nice nod to the occasion) and a glittering pin at the waist. Crisp white trousers and a signature silver chain Versace shirt, paired with bright red slippers (yes, another nod) at the Los Angeles premiere. A monochrome Ralph Lauren Suit with emerald green buttons (and again) at the Royal Festival Hall.
At the Emmy Awards this year, Bailey brightened up an ultra-cool Armani black suit jacket paired with matching silk lapels and a black cummerbund with a glittering De Beers broach. Later in the year, he donned a deep green velvet blazer with slim-leg white trousers, finished with another broach, this time from Tiffany & Co. It exuded precision and personality.
This is a man who understands that the devil – and magic – is in the details.
Key takeaway: Daring doesn’t always need grand gestures. Start small, like Bailey, with a broach. This seemingly innocuous accessory, which can fit in the palm of your hand, is guaranteed to make an impact because it is so rarely associated with menswear.
2. Jordan Peterson: Clinical Psychologist and Public Intellectual
Jordan Peterson proves that dressing well isn’t a fickle or frivolous endeavour, there is solid psychological reasoning for doing it well. He has frequently argued that dressing like our idealised self is the first step towards manifesting success. It’s a way to express self-respect, discipline and confidence.
In other words, dress as the man you want to be, not the man you are now.
Historically known for his tailored three-piece ensembles, Peterson has started experimenting with customisation in recent years with some seriously polarising suits. There was a two-toned dinner jacket, then there was a much-memed ‘Designer from Hell’ series and, let’s not forget (as if we could) the bright blue and white number featuring Elon Musk’s head. While we weren’t the biggest fans of this peculiar era, we did respect his approach to customisation.
This year, however, Peterson found the sweet spot, balancing personalisation with sophistication. His signature ties were a standout feature, adding a pop of personality to his looks. Think royal blue wool suits paired with fuschia pink patterns, and grey pin-stripes with abstract orange and yellows.
Key takeaway: A tie can make a world of difference. Experiment with patterns, but keep it tonal or opt for complimentary colours on the colour triangle for a cohesive look.
3. Pedro Sanchez – Prime Minister of Spain
Sanchez is not a man who frequently dominates the pages of fashion magazines, but his style speaks volumes. As one of the best-dressed political leaders, Sanchez strikes the perfect balance between formality and modernity.
Whether navigating the high stakes of international summits or embracing more casual public appearances, Sánchez displayed a polished yet approachable style that resonates globally. His impeccably tailored dark suits, paired with crisp white shirts and understated ties, highlight his attention to detail and his ability to project authority.
Key takeaway: Gents, take your cue from Sanchez. Invest in well-tailored basics and master the art of balancing elegance with ease.
4. Lewis Hamilton – Racing Driver
A master of both athletics and aesthetics, Lewis Hamilton has topped several of the best-dressed lists this year already thanks to his vibrant monochromatic ensembles and bold use of texture. Such is his reputation, that he’s even earned the honour of being named a co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala.
While Hamilton’s off-duty street style is effortlessly cool, it’s his approach to formalwear that has really got tails wagging. At this year’s Met Gala, he donned a custom Burberry suit paying homage to 18th-century Black gardener John Ystumllyn. The look, which featured intricate embroidery and a branch-like necklace, beautifully merged history, art and fashion and perfectly encapsulated his approach to dressing, where tradition is interwoven with personal narrative.
Similarly, at the Italian Grand Prix, he sported a custom wool-silk blend waistcoat and tailored trousers, complete with a silver charm adorning his belt loop, showcasing his knack for subtle, yet striking details.
Key takeaway: Infuse your wardrobe with details that tell your story. Hamilton has said himself: “I love fashion, but I’ve found that authenticity is the most important thing.” Add personal details, be it a monogram, embroidery on a suit jacket or cufflinks that represent something significant to you, like a family crest, cultural motifs or a cause you support.
Final thoughts
And there you have it, gents – a year of bold moves, stylish statements and personal touches that made 2024 a standout for menswear. From Lewis Hamilton’s story-infused tailoring to Jordan Peterson’s polarising patterns, each man on our list brought something fresh to the table.
But for us, one man reigned supreme. Jonathan Bailey pushes the envelope just far enough, with daring details that never seem farcical.
So, as we wrap up the year, take a page from Bailey’s book: embrace the unexpected, experiment with accessories and never underestimate the power of a perfectly tailored fit.
Wishing you all a very merry festive season and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Author: Gary Sweeney
