Just when it seemed like this was the year that would see the Return of the Gosling, he went and threw it all away.

If you haven’t heard the news: our reigning red-carpet champion has announced he’s taking a break from acting—and, consequently, the movie premiere circuit.

We understand it’s sad news—step-and-repeats everywhere have been pouring out liquor for their fallen hero—but it’s also great news for a handful of well-groomed contenders. They’ve been waiting in the wings, slowly building their résumés with promising showings of tuxedomanship, casually dapper park strolls and landing roles with the requisite indie cred. Granted, their “suit and tie shit” might not be infallible just yet, but with a few more of the right moves, they could find themselves on the cusp of greatness. But the question still remains: who will rise to the occasion? Who will be there when fights in the East Village need breaking up, or adorable dogs need companionship? Who will be the new face that launches a thousand “Hey, girl…” Tumblrs?

Naturally, we’ve got a few ideas on which stylish up-and-comers have got the chops and how they just might pull it off…»