THE SUITMART STYLE GUIDE
The invitation arrives, the date goes on your calendar, and then comes the question: What should you wear?
From office celebrations and family dinners to cocktail parties and formal evenings, the holiday season brings plenty of reasons to dress up. The right outfit helps you feel comfortable, confident, and ready for the occasion.
The best men’s holiday party outfits start with a few dependable pieces: a well-fitting suit or sport coat, the right shirt, polished shoes, and thoughtfully chosen accessories. Here’s how to put them together.
01 / THE OFFICE CELEBRATION
Office Holiday Parties: Polished With a Little Personality
An office holiday party gives you room to show some personal style while keeping your outfit appropriate for coworkers, clients, and company leadership.
Let the venue and invitation guide you. An afternoon gathering at the office usually calls for something different from an evening celebration at an upscale hotel.
Build the Look
For a restaurant dinner or a party with a business-casual dress code, start with:
- A navy or charcoal sport coat for a polished foundation.
- A white or light blue button-down shirt that works with almost any jacket.
- Tailored trousers in a complementary color.
- Leather loafers or lace-up dress shoes with a coordinating belt.
If the event is dressier, wear a navy or charcoal suit. Add a burgundy, deep green, or subtly patterned tie for a seasonal touch.
02 / THE FAMILY GATHERING
Family Gatherings: Comfortable, Put-Together Style
Holiday dinners, family photos, and celebrations at someone’s home call for an outfit that feels relaxed but still shows you made an effort.
A sport coat is an easy way to strike that balance. It adds structure to your look and can come off when the gathering gets more casual.
Build the Look
- A textured or subtly patterned sport coat.
- An open-collar button-down shirt in a solid color or understated pattern.
- Chinos or tailored trousers in navy, charcoal, or tan.
- Leather loafers or clean dress boots.
For a cozier look, layer a lightweight sweater over your shirt. Keep the layers slim enough to sit comfortably beneath your jacket.
If the gathering is explicitly casual, dark, clean denim may work. For a more traditional dinner or a nicer venue, trousers are the safer choice.
03 / THE COCKTAIL PARTY
Cocktail Parties: A Sharp Suit and a Strong Finish
Cocktail attire generally calls for a suit, making it a great opportunity to dress with a little more intention. A dark suit provides a dependable starting point for an evening reception, holiday fundraiser, or celebration with friends.
Build the Look
- A navy or charcoal suit with a clean, tailored fit.
- A white dress shirt for crisp contrast.
- A silk or textured tie in burgundy, deep green, or a subtle pattern.
- Polished leather dress shoes.
- A pocket square that complements the outfit.
You don’t need a bold suit to make an impression. A familiar navy suit can feel completely different with a fresh shirt, a richer tie, and carefully chosen accessories.
An open collar may work for a relaxed cocktail event, but when the invitation is unclear, arriving with a tie gives you more flexibility.
04 / THE FORMAL CELEBRATION
Formal Celebrations: Follow the Invitation
For a gala, an elegant holiday wedding, or a formal New Year’s Eve celebration, the wording on the invitation matters. Check the event details before choosing between a suit and a tuxedo.
Formal
A dark suit, white dress shirt, conservative tie, and polished dress shoes can be appropriate. Follow any more specific guidance from the host.
Black Tie Optional
A tuxedo is welcome. A dark, dressy suit with a white shirt and a restrained tie is also an appropriate choice.
Black Tie
Plan on a tuxedo with a suitable formal shirt, black bow tie, and appropriate black formal shoes. A standard business suit generally does not meet this dress code.
MAKE YOUR WARDROBE GO FURTHER
Choosing Holiday Party Suits You Can Wear Again
Think beyond a single evening. A versatile suit can serve you through the holidays and remain useful for work, weddings, dinners, and other celebrations.
- Navy: Pair it with a white shirt and burgundy tie for a holiday party, then switch to a light blue shirt and understated tie for a professional setting.
- Charcoal: A polished choice that transitions easily between business occasions and dressier evening events.
- Subtle patterns and textures: Add interest while remaining easy to style. Keep the shirt and accessories simpler when the suit has a noticeable pattern.
Start with a suit you’ll enjoy wearing more than once, then use accessories to make it feel right for each occasion.
Explore SuitMart SuitsTHE DETAILS MATTER
The Finishing Touches That Pull It Together
Get the Fit Right
Your jacket should sit neatly across your shoulders and button without pulling. Trousers should fall cleanly without excessive bunching.
Polish Your Shoes
Choose clean, polished shoes that suit the dress code and feel comfortable enough for standing and socializing.
Balance Your Patterns
Pair a patterned jacket with a quieter shirt and tie. With solid pieces, use an accessory to add interest.
Add a Seasonal Accent
Burgundy, deep green, and warm gold accents bring a holiday feel to an outfit. One or two touches are usually enough.
Not Sure About the Dress Code?
Start with the invitation, then consider the venue, time of day, and host’s expectations. An evening ballroom event usually calls for a dressier outfit than an afternoon gathering at someone’s home.
If the wording is vague, ask the host. For many gatherings, a sport coat offers useful flexibility. For events labeled cocktail or formal, plan around the stated dress code.
YOUR HOLIDAY LOOK STARTS HERE
Dress for the Occasion. Feel Like Yourself.
From office parties to formal evenings, SuitMart can help you bring the look together with suits, sport coats, shirts, ties, and accessories.
Bring your invitation or dress-code details and visit one of SuitMart’s three locations to put together your holiday look.
Prefer help putting it together? Request an In-Store Consultation →