Take away Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, put a ban on provocative clothing and apparently you're left with a display of dull. So it went with the female fashion choices at the 2013 Grammy Awards on Sunday.

But there was good news. A break from the show of skin — minus Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez — gave us a chance to pay closer attention to all the fun the men had dressing up for a night out. We hope you'll feel inspired to do the same.

Jay-Z drank his way through the show in a black velvet Tom Ford cocktail jacket — but when you're that dapper, you can pretty much do whatever you want. Pitbull shelved his signature shades for the evening. Johnny Depp couldn't decide which scarf to wear, so he wore them all.

The boys of fun. looked hipster-handsome. The trio brought a popular men's style trend to the forefront with their high-water, slim-fitting pants and sockless monk-straps and oxfords. No doubt we'll soon see more of this look mimicked in downtown cubicles and Uptown bars.

So as we bid another Grammy Awards adieu, let's have one last look at the fine fellas who play by their own fashion rules. By the time the Oscars telecast rolls around Feb. 24, it'll be back to boring black.

Best dressed

Nas lost out again at the Grammys, but the rap veteran earned the title of best-dressed man for his cool custom-tailored take on the classic tuxedo. Nas proved that a tweak on the familiar pocket square can make all the difference. His bronze Brioni smoking jacket paired perfectly with a diamond chain detail at the pocket, "bringing a little of the street onto the suit," he said.

Back in black

Marriage suits Justin Timberlake just fine. JT returned to the music stage paying homage to his latest hit, "Suit & Tie," in a Tom Ford moire suit and tie, no less, and accompanied by black and white loafers. The triple threat also unveiled a new, smooth hairdo. Grooms everywhere will have JT to thank when their brides ask them to get blowouts for the big day.

Cool blue

Chris Brown might not have approved, but Frank Ocean made waves in an unconventional navy bomber jacket and matching pants. His choice for an undershirt was arguably boring, but who cares? That jacket was killer. And versatile. What guy wouldn't want to rock this look with a pair of jeans? Ocean also proved a man's best accessory is his smile.

Channeling Willy Wonka

John Mayer missed the mark with his quirky crushed blue velvet jacket, catawampus bow tie and disheveled hair. But we give him credit for trying something different. That's what the Grammys are all about.

Aimee Blanchette • 612-673-1715