What to wear to a holiday party
For a holiday party, men should dress a notch above everyday: a suit or blazer with dark trousers and a dress shirt, plus one festive touch, like a velvet jacket, a burgundy or green tie, or a patterned pocket square.
The outfit
Example photo: Alfredo Dacosta / PexelsNavy suit, red tie
- JacketNavy suit
- TrousersMatching navy trousers
- ShirtWhite dress shirt
- NeckwearRed or burgundy silk tie
- ShoesBlack oxfords
- ExtrasRed or white pocket square
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Tips
- Pick one festive accent: velvet, a jewel-toned tie, a patterned pocket square or festive socks. One is plenty.
- Dark colors suit holiday evenings: navy, charcoal, black, burgundy and deep green.
- A fine-knit sweater or turtleneck under a blazer works for relaxed house parties.
- Skip novelty sweaters unless the invite asks for them.
If the invite names a dress code
Festive attire
Festive attire for men means cocktail-level dressing with a seasonal touch: a dark suit or blazer with one festive element, like a velvet jacket, a burgundy or green tie, or a patterned pocket square.
Cocktail attire
Cocktail attire for men means a tailored suit in navy, charcoal or grey, a dress shirt, a tie and leather dress shoes. It sits between business casual and black tie: dressier than the office, but no tuxedo.
Black tie
Black tie means a tuxedo: a black dinner jacket and matching trousers, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie and black patent or high-shine shoes. A regular suit is a step below what the host asked for.
Smart casual
Smart casual for men means a jacket without a tie: a blazer or sport coat, a collared shirt or fine knit, chinos or wool trousers, and leather shoes or clean minimal sneakers.
Common questions
Can I wear a velvet blazer to a holiday party?
Yes. A velvet jacket in burgundy, green or midnight blue with dark trousers is a classic holiday look.
Is an ugly sweater okay at a holiday party?
Only at an ugly sweater party. Otherwise, a nice knit or a blazer is the safer choice.
What if the invite says festive attire?
Treat it as cocktail attire with a seasonal touch. The festive attire guide covers it in detail.
Have the invite?
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