Attending a cocktail party this holiday season sounds fun and all—but finding suitable cocktail attire for men can be, well, a bit more challenging.
Whereas a black tie gala is pretty straightforward (cue the tuxedo!), cocktail attire is a little more open for interpretation—meaning, there’s much more room to get it wrong. Add in a sudden festive holiday element, and you have yourself a sartorial challenge. But fear not! With a few easy styling tips, there are a number of foolproof wardrobe pieces that can always guarantee a winning end result.
It’s all about investing in the right timeless staples that can be paired with each other with ease. The ideal cocktail look should be somewhat formal, but also a bit casual. (Yes, your outfit can be both dressy and fun.) A tailored blazer will always hit the right note—but you can also forgo it entirely, and pair classic trousers with a statement shirt and a few accessories. After all, cocktail hour is all about mix-and-mingling, and letting loose—your ensemble should reflect that!
Below, explore Vogue’s guide to nailing cocktail attire for men. Follow it, and you will be the best-dressed guest at any holiday gathering.
Invest in a timeless blazer
While a blazer isn’t mandatory (cocktail attire isn’t as rigidly formal as black tie), a well-cut blazer will always be appropriate for such a setting. Pretty much any blazer is fair game: single-breasted and navy, double-breasted and colorful—all will feel dressy and ready for a party.
Find the perfect black trousers
The perfect pair of black dress pants will be your hero piece for cocktail attire; they instantly ground a look and make it feel polished. Whether you’re pairing them with a blazer or a snazzy shirt, black trousers will keep the ensemble streamlined. Consider a classic straight leg style, or a looser high-waisted pair with front pleats. (And, sure, you can certainly wear a non-black dress pant—but avoid jeans. Cocktail hour is not to be confused with Casual Fridays.)
Don’t disregard the top
If you go the blazer route, a classic collared button-up shirt is a no-brainer option for cocktail attire; it can be either solid or printed, and topped off with a tie if you choose (though it s not mandatory). For a more modern slant, you can also pair a blazer with a fitted tank. If you go blazerless, however, the chosen top should make much more of a statement. Think: A silk long-sleeve shirt, or even a bowed blouse (like Saint Laurent recently showed on the runway).
Finish with the right shoes
Though black tie veers into strict dress shoe territory, cocktail attire can allow more room for fun footwear. You can never go wrong with a classic black oxford or brogue lace-up, or a sleek loafer; heeled boots or lace-up boots can also work well. Should you be more of a sneaker guy, avoid casual styles; Wear a polished high- or low-top that blends into your pants seamlessly.
Tasteful jewelry completes the look
You certainly don’t need to drop a small fortune on jewelry (or a watch) for cocktail hour—but those polished accents will take the ensemble to the next level. No, you don’t need a formal bow-tie or tennis bracelet, but consider adding tasteful rings (solid gold or silver works), a refined necklace (a simple chain or subtle pendant), or a great timepiece to the look.
