Style-off: Mark Wahlberg vs. Matt Damon

The summer blockbuster season is sadly winding up, but not without a bang - this year's cinematic leaders include the sci-fi thriller Elysium, starring Matt Damon, and shooter flick 2 Guns, featuring Mark Wahlberg as a thief on the run from the government. Only time will tell who wins at the box office, but in a red carpet style-off, which leading man is the alpha male? Here’s a blow-by-blow analysis, courtesy of the guys at Style Pilot.

Matt Damon opted for an all-black suit with a sleek black belt at the Sydney premiere of Elysium. The minimal, streamlined look fit the mood of the futuristic action flick to a tee. Damon appeared relaxed with a few open buttons and no tie in sight. The monochromatic look gave the Bourne actor some extra height, boosting his reputation as an action hero of epic proportions. He looked comfortable and capable— no easy feat when standing in front of a camera or twelve.

Promoting 2 Guns in London, Mark Wahlberg traded in his on-screen white t-shirt for a dark grey suit. Unfortunately, the matching silver tie failed to pack a punch - a red one would have added a welcome dash of colour while coordinating with wife Rhea Durham's rather eye-catching red lipstick.

With a subtle check pattern, the suit failed to make the actor look any taller than his 5'8 frame, though the model towering over him didn't help either. Wahlberg's biggest fashion faux pas was unbuttoning his jacket, a move that lost him any sense of formality. A darker shirt would have better suited the occasion.

Take these key lessons from the Hollywood stars: when attempting all-over colour, keep it neutral and leave your shirt collar loose. And while there's no harm in trying something more interesting like Mark’s grey striped togs, consider contrasting colours. With or without a tie, you’ll look almost as tall as the Shard and ready to save the world.

(Images: Rex Features)