Out-Tuxing The Dress Code: Power Dressing Is Reclaiming The Red Carpet With Structure, Fluidity, And Unapologetic Power

This week, Alia Bhatt hosted an awards ceremony in a sharply tailored three-piece tuxedo by Gaurav Gupta. Defined by exaggerated shoulders, a cinched peplum waist, and flared trousers, the silhouette introduced a sculptural approach to power dressing, balancing structure with fluidity and movement. Of late, B-Town actors like Kriti Sanon, Madhuri Dixit, and Kubbra Sait have embraced sharp tailoring like red carpet pros rooting for unabashed sleek and functional tailoring. 

This also happens to be the 60th anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent’s first Smoking jacket. Back in the day, it embodied a social revolution of sorts, empowering women in their assertion of equality to men. Cut to 2026 and the brand’s artistic director Anthony Vaccarello has reimagined the black tuxedo suit in his own handwriting. Back home, designers like Siddartha Tytler, S&N by Shantnu Nikhil and Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna have experimented with evening tailoring for women with a rather stylised touch—some come with embellishments, others have exaggerated proportions.  
For designer Siddartha Tytler, a great tux is about the cut, fabric, and, of course, the bling factor that he loves. “Once you go to a design house for a bespoke suit, figure out the cut you want and if the house can achieve it. Another important element is the fabric. You need a beautiful fabric that will last the test of time,” says Tytler.

When investing in a tuxedo, you’re not just buying a garment—you’re investing in construction. Designer Deepit Chugh of label Line Outline shares, “Fit becomes architectural; it has to be built around the body, not adjusted onto it. Fabric plays a critical role—it needs to hold structure and support the design language. Details like internal construction, seam placement, and proportion are what truly define the piece, even if they’re not immediately visible,” says Deepit. At Line Outline, the designer recommends buying a blazer for identity, not occasion. “A well-constructed blazer should move across contexts effortlessly. It’s not about when you wear it, but how it becomes a part of your personal structure,” he adds.
All in all, a great evening suit should exemplify precision in structure, ease in movement, and a sense of quiet disruption. It should hold its form but never feel restrictive. The strength lies in the balance between sharpness and fluidity, familiarity and subversion.
Here are the season’s chicest tailoring options across budgets:
Luxe
Gucci

Introducing Spring Summer 2026, this style crafted in technical stretch wool is featured as part of the ‘La Gallerista’ look of La Famiglia, which interprets the House’s codes through singular personalities and distinctive aesthetic attitudes.Price on request
Dior

The Black Lily of the Valley Silk and Wool Bar jacket is crafted in black silk and wool. Created by Jonathan Anderson, it showcases a tonal lily of the valley motif, paying homage to the House’s floral heritage. The fitted cut is distinguished by a button closure, satin shawl collar and side slit pockets highlighting the waist. The jacket can be paired with the matching skirt from the collection to complete a quintessential Dior look.Price on request
Louis Vuitton

This oversized wool-linen blazer radiates a timeless appeal in an elegant wool-linen blend in a rich hue. It is tailored in an oversized fit in a straight-cut shape detailed with a notched lapel collar, a welt top pocket, and large patch pockets on each side. A slim leather Louis Vuitton patch adds a sleek signature touch to the left sleeve.Price: ₹3,65,000.00
Saint Laurent

This double-breasted, four-button tuxedo jacket, featuring a satin peaked lapel, satin-covered buttons, and CASSANDRE embroidered lining, is a timeless classic. Ideal for special occasions and significant red-carpet outings.Price on request
Mid-range
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna

This classic black tuxedo set packs a punch—sharp, precise, and powerful.Price:  ₹85,500
Siddartha Tytler

Luxe and full of clever details, this black microfiber double-breasted suit with Hakama pants is likely to be a head-turner wherever you goPrice: ₹70,000
S&N by Shantnu Nikhil

A sharply tailored cropped military patch-pocket jacket that embodies S&N by Shantnu Nikhil’s signature codes, structured sharp cuts, eagle crest insignia, and tape detailing, blending heritage symbolism with contemporary rebellion and effortless authority.Price: ₹32,500
Line Outline

Thus Prism blazer embodies the brand’s penchant for exactitude and precision. Chic and cosmopolitan in its allure, it makes for an ideal summer evening pick.  Price: ₹28,000
Sandro

Sequin-strip tailored jacketPrice: ₹48,500
Affordable
River Island

This tuxedo with stripe side detail worn with high-rise, straight, flared trousers with belt loops is the epitome of easy chic. An easy-breezy luncheon ensemble that is also easy on the pocket.Price: ₹6667.74
Mango

This suit jacket with a belt features a V-neck collar, lapels with a notch, and long sleeves with buttoned cuffs. Two pockets come with flaps on the front, and the belt is removable.Price: ₹7408.6
ZARA

Wearable, practical, and with a mix-and-match appeal, this blazer comes with a gold buckle belt set.Price: ₹6550
Also, the high-waisted darted trousers make for a great versatile separate.Price: ₹3950
Nykaa Fashion

This soft pink poly moss power suit from the House Of S makes for an easy breezy layeredensemble.  Price: ₹4,999
 
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