Festive attire for men: what to wear
A dark suit or velvet blazer + a shirt or fine roll neck.
Christmas and New Year parties, winter celebrations.
- When
- Evening
- Tie
- Depends
- Jeans
- No
- Sneakers
- No
Three outfit ideas
Velvet blazer
A burgundy velvet blazer, white shirt, black trousers and black loafers.
Roll neck
A navy suit, a cream roll neck and suede shoes.
Festive touch
A charcoal suit with a red silk tie and pocket square.
What to wear
- A velvet blazer (burgundy, bottle green)
- A festive tie or pocket square
Shoes
Polished leather shoes or velvet loafers.
Accessories
Cufflinks, a pocket square.
What to avoid
- Casual sweatshirts
Colours
Burgundy, bottle green, gold, silver, black.
In summer
For summer celebrations: bright colours and prints instead of velvet.
In winter
In winter: velvet, cashmere, sequins, gold and silver.
Details that make the difference
- Jacket sleeves should show 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff.
- Trousers without turn-ups and with a minimal break; for formal codes held up by braces, not a belt.
- Socks: black, fine and over the calf – no skin should show when you sit.
- Never fasten the bottom button of a jacket; a one-button dinner jacket is fastened when standing.
About festive attire
Cocktail attire with a seasonal twist: sparkle, velvet, rich colours. Festive attire is a newer, informal phrase used by companies and hosts who want cocktail-level dress with seasonal playfulness.
Business formal for men
A dark suit + white or light-blue shirt + silk tie + black oxfords.
Business casual for men
Chinos or wool trousers + a collared shirt + (blazer or knit) + leather shoes or loafers. No tie needed.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Festive attire: is a tie required?
Optional, but safer with one – it's easier to take off than to put on.
02Festive attire: are jeans OK?
No – jeans are too casual for this code; choose tailored trousers.
03Festive attire: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.
04What to wear to an office Christmas party?
Business wear with a festive touch: a velvet blazer or dress, a sparkly skirt with a knit, bolder accessories. Avoid anything too revealing.