At black-tie events like the Emmy Awards, men often find themselves at a sartorial crossroads: adhere to the timeless elegance of a classic tuxedo or venture into uncharted territory, where fashion risks can lead to either triumph or disaster. At the 2024 Emmys, a notable trend emerged as many men boldly chose the latter, infusing the red carpet with creativity and flair. One standout choice? The silk shirt. This unexpected centerpiece showcased a spectrum of styles, from subtle sophistication to striking statements, redefining menswear on the red carpet. As the evening unfolded, the silk shirt emerged not just as an accessory, but as a symbol of daring fashion, offering a refreshing twist to traditional attire and proving that elegance doesn’t always mean conformity.
Silk shirts have long been a bold alternative to traditional cotton or linen dress shirts, and in recent years, they’ve made a striking comeback on the red carpet. Their inherent luxury and playful texture make them an ideal choice for prestigious events, where celebrities aim to impress while showcasing their individuality. The 2024 Emmys was no exception, with stars embracing the soft, fluid fabric in an array of styles. This trend not only underscores the versatility of silk shirts but also signals their emergence as a staple in high-profile menswear.
A Softer, Louche Appeal
The allure of the silk shirt lies in its ability to soften the sharp, structured lines of a tuxedo or suit. While a traditional white dress shirt can feel rigid and formulaic, a silk shirt infuses formalwear with ease and flair. Louched and playful, silk exudes confidence that suggests the wearer is bending, but not breaking, the rules of style. It transforms the formality of a tux into something fresh, relaxed, and undeniably cool.
Take Hiroyuki Sanada, for example. The Shōgun star dazzled in a deep navy silk shirt that danced on the edge of violet, illustrating how the fabric’s texture and sheen can elevate color from ordinary to extraordinary. Paired with a tailored suit, Sanada’s choice added a modern twist to a classic ensemble, demonstrating that silk shirts can strike the perfect balance between tradition and trendsetting.
Similarly, Robert Downey Jr. pushed the boundaries further by pairing a silk tie with a matching shirt. This bold combination showcased how silk can be woven into multiple elements of an outfit without overwhelming the look. Downey’s sleek, intentional approach solidified his status as one of the night’s most sophisticated risk-takers.
Bold Choices, Bigger Rewards
While some men opted for subtle elegance, others fully embraced the bold potential of the silk shirt. Andrew Scott, renowned for his rakish style, donned a Vivienne Westwood creation featuring dramatic ruffles, adding both texture and flair to his already eye-catching ensemble. It was a daring choice that paid off, proving that the silk shirt can transcend mere fabric and become a true statement piece.
Walton Goggins and Jonathan Bailey took a more relaxed approach, leaving their silk shirts mostly unbuttoned to introduce a sultry, laid-back vibe to their formalwear. Goggins, in particular, seemed to revel in the effortless cool of his look, exuding confidence and comfort. Meanwhile, Bailey’s drapey tux and cummerbund showcased a more avant-garde take, demonstrating how silk shirts can beautifully complement unconventional tailoring.
Perhaps the most unforgettable silk shirt of the night was worn by Bowen Yang, who dazzled in a v-neck red silk shirt from Bode, embellished with embroidery and tassels along the hem. This non-traditional silhouette and intricate detailing exemplified how silk shirts can break free from the confines of typical menswear, transforming into true works of art. Yang’s choice was bold, playful, and undeniably one of the evening’s standout hits.
Not All Risks Pay Off
As with any fashion risk, not every silk shirt on the Emmys red carpet was a resounding success. Dan Levy, one of the evening’s hosts, opted for a sculptural silk shirt from Loewe’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection. While the design may have thrived on the runway, it struggled to translate on the red carpet, with the exaggerated neckline becoming more of a distraction than a daring statement. Nonetheless, Levy deserves credit for his adventurous spirit; taking risks is what keeps fashion exciting, even if the outcome sparks debate.
The Silk Shirt: Here to Stay
The 2024 Emmy Awards reaffirmed the silk shirt’s status as a staple in men’s wardrobes on the red carpet. Over the past year, this versatile piece has evolved from a rare novelty to a statement-maker capable of redefining even the most traditional suit. With style icons like Cillian Murphy and Timothée Chalamet championing the silk shirt, its influence has clearly permeated Hollywood’s broader red carpet landscape.
What makes the silk shirt so compelling is its transformative power. It introduces depth, texture, and personality to an outfit without sacrificing sophistication. Whether layered under a classic tuxedo or incorporated into a more avant-garde ensemble, the silk shirt presents endless styling possibilities. At this year’s Emmys, it became evident that the fabric of the future boasts a soft sheen—and it’s here to stay.
In the realm of menswear, where the line between classic and contemporary often blurs, the silk shirt emerges as a symbol of a new era in red carpet fashion—one that embraces bold choices, individual expression, and a daring willingness to embrace the unexpected.
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Featured image: Getty Images
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