Paul Mescal doesn't really do "predictable." One minute he’s wearing shorts that are basically a legal liability while buying a pint of milk in North London, and the next he’s ascending the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art looking like a 19th-century poet who just discovered Italian tailoring.
The Paul Mescal Met Gala appearances have become a bit of a roadmap for how men can actually have fun with fashion without looking like they’re wearing a costume. It’s a delicate balance. Too much, and you're a meme. Too little, and you're just another guy in a black penguin suit. Honestly, Paul usually lands right in that sweet spot where he looks effortless but clearly spent an hour thinking about a brooch.
The 2022 Debut and the "Distracted" Meme
Let’s go back to where it started. In 2022, for the "Gilded Glamour" theme, Paul showed up with his Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones. He was wearing Valentino—a sharp, double-breasted suit that felt classic but slightly edgy because of his signature mullet.
You’ve probably seen the photo. It’s the one where Paul is in the background, seemingly staring at Daisy while standing with his then-girlfriend Phoebe Bridgers. It went viral instantly. People compared it to the "distracted boyfriend" meme, but Daisy later cleared the air in a 2024 interview with WhoWhatWear. Apparently, Paul was just late, and they’d agreed to meet up at the entrance because the whole thing is overwhelming. It wasn't drama; it was just a guy looking for his friend in a sea of tulle and paparazzi.
👉 See also: Mara Wilson and Ben Shapiro: The Family Feud Most People Get Wrong
That Specific Valentino Vibe
- The Fit: Slim but structured.
- The Hair: The "Maynooth Mullet" in its full, glorious form.
- The Energy: "I'm just happy to be here but also I need a cigarette."
Gucci, Gladiators, and the 2024 "Garden of Time"
Fast forward to more recent events. Since Paul became an official Gucci ambassador, the stakes have shifted. He’s no longer just a rising star; he’s the face of a legacy brand. When the 2024 theme "The Garden of Time" was announced, everyone expected him to lean into the floral, decaying romanticism that Gucci’s creative director, Sabato De Sarno, has been playing with.
The thing about Paul is that he understands "quiet luxury" before it was a TikTok buzzword. He doesn't need a three-foot train or a head made of wax. He usually opts for custom Gucci that highlights tailoring. Think deep V-necks, heavy wool gabardine, and maybe a Cartier brooch pinned to a lapel. It’s the kind of style that says he knows the rules well enough to bend them.
He often uses jewelry to do the heavy lifting. While most men at the Met Gala settle for a watch, Paul has been part of the movement bringing back the "man necklace" and the statement brooch. It’s a bit 1950s Riviera, a bit modern heartthrob. Basically, it works.
✨ Don't miss: How Tall is Tim Curry? What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Legend's Height
Why the Internet is Obsessed with His Red Carpet Energy
There is a weirdly specific magnetism to how he carries himself. Most actors look like they’re being held hostage by their stylists. Paul looks like he picked the outfit out himself five minutes before the car arrived, even though we know it took months of work from the Gucci team.
Maybe it’s the Irishness. There’s a lack of pretension that makes the high-fashion world feel a bit more grounded. Whether he’s at the Academy Museum Gala or the Met, he maintains this "regular guy" aura while wearing clothes that cost more than a mid-sized sedan.
The Mescal Style Blueprint
- Embrace the Mullet: He didn't cut it for the Met, and that matters.
- Texture Over Color: He often sticks to blacks, creams, and navy but plays with velvet or silk.
- The Proportions: He isn't afraid of a wide-leg trouser or a cropped jacket.
- The Signature "Lean": If you look at his Met photos, he’s rarely standing perfectly straight. He’s usually leaning, looking slightly bored or intensely focused, which just adds to the aesthetic.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
With Gladiator II cemented in the cultural zeitgeist, Paul’s presence at high-fashion events has moved from "indie darling" to "A-list powerhouse." Rumors always swirl about what he’ll do next. Will he go full archival? Will he stick with the sleek, minimal Gucci look that De Sarno has pioneered?
🔗 Read more: Brandi Love Explained: Why the Businesswoman and Adult Icon Still Matters in 2026
Some fashion critics argue that Paul should take more risks. They want to see him in the "floral suit" territory occupied by Harry Styles. But there’s a counter-argument: Paul’s strength is his restraint. By not wearing a dress or a giant prosthetic, he actually stands out more in a room full of people trying too hard.
What You Can Actually Learn from Paul’s Look
You don't need a Gucci contract to dress better. The "Paul Mescal Met Gala" philosophy is basically about finding one weird thing and making it your personality.
- Tailoring is King: If the shoulders don't fit, nothing else matters.
- Don't Fear the Brooch: A vintage pin on a regular suit jacket instantly makes it look like you have "taste."
- Contrast your Grooming: If you’re wearing a formal tux, keep the hair a bit messy. It prevents the "waiter" look.
The Met Gala is often a circus. Paul Mescal is the guy who shows up to the circus, watches the show, and somehow comes out looking like the coolest person in the room without ever having to jump through a hoop.
To stay updated on his upcoming red carpet appearances, you can track the official Gucci show schedules or keep an eye on his stylist’s (Felicity Kay) social updates for behind-the-scenes tailoring details.