Style

The 68 Best-Ever Celebrity Fits From Three Decades of GQ’s Men of the Year Party

From Denzel Washington and Jacob Elordi to Rihanna and Bill Nye (!), these are the biggest, swerviest, most unforgettable ensembles from menswear’s biggest night through the ’90s, 2000s, and today.
By The Editors of GQ
Image may contain Pharrell Williams Robert Pattinson Michael K. Williams Snoop Dogg Willem Dafoe and Beyonc
Photographs: Getty Images; Collage: Gabe Conte

Happy 30th birthday to GQ’s annual Men of the Year Party. For nearly three decades years and counting, November in Los Angeles has been punctuated by the starriest, most show-stopping event of the season. (Actually, there have been a few exceptions—like MOTY 2002, which honored that year’s magazine cover stars Denzel Washington, Hugh Grant, and Ralph Lauren—that took place in New York City. As an event, it’s sort of spiritually bicoastal.) And when we’re talking about the biggest menswear red carpet of the year, let’s just say that “big menswear” has meant a lot of different things through the high-octane 1990s, the freaky-deaky early aughts, the buttoned-up 2010s, and the no-rules 2020s.

With the mega 30th-anniversary Men of the Year bash just around the corner, we’re taking a look back at a smattering of the biggest, boldest looks to ever strut the MOTY red carpet, from OutKast’s galactic-level fits in ’02 to Dwayne Johnson’s take on the post-WWE modern cowboy in 2024.

Which burgeoning style icons will earn their rightful place in this hall of fame this year? Keep a close eye on GQ.com this month to find out.

  • Lenny Kravitz GQ Men of the Year 2025
    Evan Agostini / Getty Images
    1/68

    Lenny Kravitz, 1999

    🎶 I want to get away / I want to flyyy awayyyy 🎶

  • Absolutely.
    Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
    2/68

    Megan Thee Stallion, 2023

    Absolutely.

  • Would you look at that swoop of hair
    Mark Mainz / Getty Images
    3/68

    Adrien Brody, 2003

    Would you look at that swoop of hair!

  • Remember the air tie Those were the good days.
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
    4/68

    Robert Pattinson, 2017

    Remember the air tie? Those were the good days.

  • MOTY is all about pulling up in style.
    Ron Galella / Getty Images
    5/68

    Beyoncé, 2003

    MOTY is all about pulling up in style.

  • Image may contain Adult Person Standing Clothing Footwear Shoe Pants Accessories Formal Wear Tie and Wristwatch
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
    6/68

    Shaboozey, 2024

    The first and only “Man of the Year” sash we've ever seen on the MOTY carpet.

  • Sheesh
    Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images
    7/68

    Tom Holland, 2021

    Sheesh!

  • There's nothing wrong with rewearing your Oscars tux.
    Steve Eichner / Getty Images
    8/68

    Steven Spielberg and Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999

    There's nothing wrong with re-wearing your Oscars tux.

  • From now on let's refer to the color combo of this custom Bottega Veneta suit as “charcoal lemonade.”
    Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
    9/68

    Jacob Elordi, 2023

    From now on, let's refer to the color combo of this custom Bottega Veneta suit as “charcoal lemonade.”

  • Nothing can touch Snoop's elegance.
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
    10/68

    Snoop Dogg, 2017

    Nothing can touch Snoop's elegance.

  • Business on top “Rush” on bottom.
    Phillip Faraone / Getty Images
    11/68

    Troye Sivan, 2021

    Business on top, “Rush” on bottom.

  • Has Rihanna ever not been in her badgal era
    Lester Cohen / Getty Images
    12/68

    Rihanna, 2012

    Has Rihanna ever not been in her bad-gal era?

  • Tweed has never looked this slinky since.
    Ron Galella / Getty Images
    13/68

    Jennifer Lopez, 1998

    Tweed has never looked this slinky since.

  • Mixed greens.
    Leon Bennett / Getty Images
    14/68

    Quavo, 2021

    Mixed greens.

  • With a Louis Vuittonmonogrammed fur sash under the suit jacket There are levels to this.
    Patrick McMullan / Getty Images
    15/68

    Omarion, 2010

    With a Louis Vuitton-monogrammed fur sash under the suit jacket? There are levels to this.

  • Nothing screams GQ more than the phrase “custom Chrome Hearts.”
    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
    16/68

    Kim Kardashian, 2023

    Nothing screams GQ more than the phrase “custom Chrome Hearts.”

  • The one and only Iman looking lgante as always.
    Ron Galella / Getty Images
    17/68

    Iman, 1997

    The one and only Iman, looking élégante as always.

  • A nice velvet suit moment from Leo.
    Michael Buckner / Getty Images
    18/68

    Leonardo DiCaprio, 2008

    A nice velvet suit moment from Leo.

  • Image may contain Dwayne Johnson Clothing Footwear Shoe Hat Adult Person Accessories Jewelry Necklace and Glasses
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
    19/68

    Dwayne Johnson, 2024

    Yeehaw!

  • Julia Fox</a> had arrived.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":437,"width":320,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_320,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"},{"height":875,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":875,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"},{"height":1750,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1400,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_1024,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"},{"height":2800,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_2048,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1750,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1750,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ee6d9c6b425a8b3c1b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-1192218266.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
    Hot on the heels of Uncut Gems Julia Fox had arrived.
    Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images
    20/68

    Julia Fox, 2019

    Hot on the heels of Uncut Gems, Julia Fox had arrived.

  • All hail the king</a>.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Kevin Winter / Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":562,"width":320,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_320,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"},{"height":1124,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":1124,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"},{"height":2248,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1799,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_1024,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"},{"height":3597,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_2048,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":2248,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":2248,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93da9e7a78c7da17c81b/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-51819337.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
    All hail the king.
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images
    21/68

    Usher, 2004

  • A trueblue American dynasty.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    22/68

    Andrew Lauren, Ralph Lauren, Ricky Lauren, Dylan Lauren and David Lauren, 2002

    A true-blue American dynasty.

  • The one the only.
    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
    23/68

    Tom Ford, 2023

    The one, the only.

  • He had his head in the game with this allblack ensemble.
    Michael Buckner / Getty Images
    24/68

    Zac Efron, 2008

    He had his head in the game with this all-black ensemble.

  • Gold quilted trousers oversized promking tux can't lose.
    Carmen Valdes / Getty Images
    25/68

    OutKast, 2002

    Gold quilted trousers, oversized prom-king tux, can't lose.

  • Billionaire Boys Club forever.
    Jason Merritt / Getty Images
    26/68

    Pharrell Williams, 2005

    Billionaire Boys Club forever.

  • “Happy trails to you until we meet again.”
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images
    27/68

    Quentin Tarantino, 2009

    “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”

  • bare ankle</a> in sight.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":455,"width":320,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_320,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"},{"height":909,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":909,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"},{"height":1818,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1455,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_1024,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"},{"height":2909,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_2048,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1818,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1818,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93ec1183471cdd43d381/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-888162808.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
    And not a bare ankle in sight.
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
    28/68

    Emily Ratajkowski, 2017

    And not a bare ankle in sight.

  • Denzel Washington is the man of the year every year.
    Sylvain Gaboury / Getty Images
    29/68

    Denzel Washington, 2002

    Denzel Washington is the man of the year, every year.

  • Image may contain YG Fashion Clothing Glove Adult Person Footwear Shoe Accessories Jewelry Necklace and Glasses
    JC Olivera/Getty Images
    30/68

    YG, 2024

    Any contemporary cowboy ought to be wearing Willy Chavarria.

  • when Lindsay Lohan dyed her hair dark</a>? Same here.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Jason Merritt / Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":446,"width":320,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_320,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"},{"height":893,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":893,"width":640,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_640,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"},{"height":1785,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1428,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_1024,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"},{"height":2856,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_2048,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1785,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1785,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.gq.com/photos/654a93d788dfdb822637ea45/master/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-104815720.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
    Do you remember where you were when Lindsay Lohan dyed her hair dark Same here.
    Jason Merritt / Getty Images
    31/68

    Lindsay Lohan, 2005

    Do you remember where you were when Lindsay Lohan dyed her hair dark? Same here.

  • Glitz and glamour baby
    Evan Agostini / Getty Images
    32/68

    Catherine Zeta-Jones, 1999

    Glitz and glamour, baby!

  • Sleek suit scruffy stache.
    Jeff Vespa / Getty Images
    33/68

    Adam Driver, 2012

    Sleek suit, scruffy ’stache.

  • Nothing says 1998 like a turtleneck under a suit jacket.
    Getty Images
    34/68

    Chris Rock, 1998

    Nothing says 1998 like a turtleneck under a suit jacket.

  • Once a redcarpet stunner always a redcarpet stunner.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    35/68

    Naomi Campbell, 2002

    Once a red-carpet stunner, always a red-carpet stunner.

  • The perfect fit for a renaissance man.
    Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images
    36/68

    Conan Gray, 2021

    The perfect fit for a renaissance man.

  • Balenciaga biker garb and a velvet durag Chef's kiss.
    JC Olivera
    37/68

    Alton Mason, 2023

    Balenciaga biker garb and a velvet durag? Chef's kiss.

  • Ashley Judd perfects winter white.
    Getty Images
    38/68

    Ashley Judd, 1997

    Ashley Judd perfects winter white.

  • This is how you rock a dinner jacket.
    Mike Windle / Getty Images
    39/68

    Rami Malek, 2016

    This is how you rock a dinner jacket.

  • You don't have to help but wonder—SJP's velvet dress is a nobrainer.
    Ron Galella / Getty Images
    40/68

    Sarah Jessica Parker, 1997

    You don't have to help but wonder—SJP's velvet dress is a no-brainer.

  • Where's Roman at
    Patrick McMullan / Getty Images
    41/68

    Nicki Minaj, 2009

    Where's Roman at?

  • In menswear's shiny era McConaughey was king.
    Michael Buckner / Getty Images
    42/68

    Matthew McConaughey, 2013

    In menswear's shiny era, McConaughey was king.

  • Image may contain Garth Brooks Clothing Hat Adult Person Cowboy Hat Accessories and Glasses
    New York Daily News Archive/Getty Images
    43/68

    Garth Brooks, 1999

    Never deviate from the signature look.

  • Rock n roll returns to West Hollywood.
    Phillip Faraone / Getty Images
    44/68

    Duke Nicholson, 2021

    Rock ’n’ roll returns to West Hollywood.

  • That's hot.
    Steve Granitz / Getty Images
    45/68

    Paris Hilton, 2004

    That's hot.

  • Very nice
    Dave M. Benett / Getty Images
    46/68

    Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat, 2006

    Very nice!

  • Ladies and gentleman a supermodel.
    Evan Agostini / Getty Images
    47/68

    Claudia Schiffer, 1999

    Ladies and gentleman, a supermodel.

  • Dafoe looking great for four decades straight.
    Steve Eichner / Getty Images
    48/68

    Willem Dafoe, 1998

    Dafoe: looking great for four decades straight.

  • MOTY welcomes all bold prints and patterns.
    Steve Granitz / Getty Images
    49/68

    Lupe Fiasco and Marquita, 2006

    MOTY welcomes all bold prints and patterns.

  • Alexa play “Vroom Vroom” by Charli XCX.
    Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
    50/68

    Emma Chamberlain, 2023

    Alexa, play “Vroom Vroom” by Charli XCX.

  • A statement coat is always the right choice.
    Steve Granitz / Getty Images
    51/68

    Kelly Hu, 2004

    A statement coat is always the right choice.

  • Velvet suit and rolledneck sweater This is how I would dress my teddy bear .
    Steve Granitz / Getty Images
    52/68

    T.I., 2006

    Velvet suit and rolled-neck sweater? This is how I would dress my teddy bear (compliment).

  • Today big fits. Tomorrow the world.
    Getty Images
    53/68

    Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Gore, 2006

    Today: big fits. Tomorrow: the world.

  • An exoticleather jacket earns an immediate “A” in the class of Fitology.
    Lester Cohen / Getty Images
    54/68

    Michael K. Williams, 2010

    An exotic-leather jacket earns an immediate “A” in the class of Fitology.

  • MOTY brings the stars out Herzigov wears them.
    Ron Galella / Getty Images
    55/68

    Eva Herzigová, 1999

    MOTY brings the stars out, Herzigová wears them.

  • Honestly it holds up.
    Scott Gries / Getty Images
    56/68

    Third Eye Blind, 2000

    Honestly, it holds up.

  • Image may contain Fashion Adult Person Accessories Bag Handbag Belt Clothing Dress Premiere Jewelry and Necklace
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
    57/68

    Hannah Einbinder, 2024

    A tip o’ the cap to this cowgirl-sleek Ralph Lauren gown.

  • Always ready to lead a romcom blockbuster.
    Gregory Pace / Getty Images
    58/68

    Hugh Grant, 2002

    Always ready to lead a rom-com blockbuster.

  • All that's missing is a massive dangling scarf.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    59/68

    Lenny Kravitz, 2002

    All that's missing is a massive dangling scarf.

  • Is that a ruffle tuxedo shirt Hope so.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    60/68

    Elijah Wood, 2002

    Is that a ruffle tuxedo shirt? Hope so.

  • Any man about town worth his salt is wearing Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.
    JC Olivera
    61/68

    Evan Mock, 2023

    Any man about town worth his salt is wearing Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.

  • Why mess with an iconic uniform
    Mike Windle / Getty Images
    62/68

    Bill Nye, 2016

    Why mess with an iconic uniform?

  • Is there an ER doctor in the house My heart just went out.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    63/68

    Evander Holyfield and George Clooney, 1998

    Is there an ER doctor in the house? My heart just went out.

  • SoCal black tie courtesy of the Fear Of God founder.
    Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images
    64/68

    Jerry Lorenzo, 2019

    SoCal black tie, courtesy of the Fear Of God founder.

  • The GOAT.
    Jason Merritt / Getty Images
    65/68

    Philip Seymour Hoffman, 2005

    The GOAT.

  • Drea de Matteo channeling style icon Adriana La Cerva.
    Jim Spellman / Getty Images
    66/68

    Drea de Matteo, 2002

    Drea de Matteo, channeling style icon Adriana La Cerva.

  • All together now “Fun is my life.”
    Stephen Lovekin
    67/68

    Fergie, 2003

    All together now: “Fun is my life.”

  • We can't endorse…whatever's happening here but risktaking is always encouraged.
    Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
    68/68

    Mo Rocca, 2003

    We can't endorse…whatever's happening here, but risk-taking is always encouraged.

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