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Black tie, football style: The awards night shopping edit

Article by

Angelica Daujotas

The PFA Awards are football’s most glamorous fixture. The one night football’s finest swap boots for black tie, and a little champagne.

Once again, the evening proved that football’s biggest stars can shine just as brightly off the pitch as they do on it. From the red carpet to the winners’ stage, the night was a masterclass in black-tie dressing, and the style game was every bit as competitive as the silverware on offer.

So whether you’re going classic and understated or bold and modern, we’ve pulled together the ultimate shopping edit to help you ace the dress code. Big night out, best mate’s wedding, charity gala - whatever the occasion, consider this your cheat sheet to black-tie glory.

For him

1. The Modern Tux

A sharp, straight-fit tuxedo with a peak or shawl lapel is the black-tie gold standard. Look for clean tailoring that feels contemporary but timeless.

LOEWE Slim-Fit Shawl-Lapel Wool and Silk-Blend Tuxedo Jacket

This Loewe jacket is all about effortless black-tie style. The wool and silk blend gives a subtle shine, while the shawl lapel keeps it classic with a modern twist. 

Ralph Lauren Custom Fit French Cuff Tuxedo Shirt

The foundation of every sharp tux look. Cut in a custom fit with a pleated bib and French cuffs, this Ralph Lauren shirt does the heavy lifting so the rest of your outfit can shine.

2. The Shoes

A well-polished Oxford shoe or sleek patent loafer instantly elevates your look. Comfort counts too -  you’ll want to last until the last call.

Prada Brushed Leather Lace-Up Shoes

Brushed calf leather meets contemporary elegance. Prada’s lace-ups bring a refined vibe with their subtle texture and minimalist silhouette - perfect for elevating any black-tie look.

Duke + Dexter Wilde Black Bit Loafer

Sharp enough for the red carpet, relaxed enough for the after-party. The Wilde loafers walk the line between classic and effortlessly modern.

3. The Small Details

Details like your cufflinks, socks and jewellery are your style assist. Small enough to be discreet, but impactful when they catch the light.

Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking G Black Enamel Cufflinks

Proof that the smallest details can steal the show. Gucci’s sterling silver cufflinks, finished with black enamel and the iconic Interlocking G, add just the right amount of shine to your sleeve.

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Large 42mm 18-Karat Gold and Steel Watch

The Panthère de Cartier is the definition of small details, big-moment dressing. With its polished gold-and-steel bracelet, sapphire-set crown, and Roman-numeral dial, it blends jewellery sensibility with watchmaking precision. Understated, but unmistakable.

4. Red Carpet Ready

Finish with a fragrance that turns heads without overpowering the room. Think fresh, confident, and memorable.

Le Labo Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

For a red carpet moment that speaks volumes, Santal 33 delivers. Its complex composition of sandalwood, iris, and leather creates a fragrance that’s both fresh and captivating.

Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is a bold statement in a bottle. With its rich blend of black truffle, ylang-ylang, and patchouli, it’s a fragrance that lingers long after you’ve left the room.

For Her

1. The Statement Gown

Think drama without trying too hard. Opt for a silhouette that flatters and moves beautifully, and if all else fails, classic black will always score big.

Victoria Beckham Draped jersey gown

Clean lines, luxe jersey, and just the right drape. Victoria Beckham nails effortless red carpet elegance.

Brandon Maxwell The Malone lace-trimmed twill gown

Brandon Maxwell proves that red carpet-ready doesn’t need to be over the top. Soft twill and delicate lace combine for a silhouette that’s classic, but never boring.

2. Winning Heels

Metallic stilettos or strappy sandals bring instant polish. If you want to last all night, platform soles or padded insoles are your secret weapon.

Saint Laurent Women's Bianca platform sandals

Saint Laurent style that hits the perfect balance of glamour and grit. These platforms give you instant polish and all-night confidence.

Jimmy Choo Archive Leo 100 leopard-print sandals

Jimmy Choo brings playful sophistication with a sandal that’s as bold as it is wearable. Plus, comfy enough to last until the after-party.

3. The Bag

Small but mighty, a clutch with crystal embellishment or a sleek metallic finish keeps your essentials close and your look cohesive.

Cult Gaia The Caldera Clutch

Tiny bag, huge impact. Cult Gaia knows how to turn a simple clutch into a showstopper.

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Intrecciato Leather Top-Handle Clutch

When minimalism meets sophistication, you get Bottega Veneta’s ultimate red carpet companion.

4. The Final Touch

Lipstick, glow, and confidence. That trio is your shortcut to a winning look.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick

A swipe of hydrating color that instantly lifts your look. The classic shade Pillow Talk is the ultimate go-to for effortless glam.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Body oil that catches the light, smooths the skin, and finishes your look with a shimmer of sophistication.

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“Dior head to toe. Nice, innit? It fits well. Looks good… hopefully”