Does it seem like the Holidays start earlier and earlier each year? You know the moment that the Halloween pumpkins & ghouls come down that Santa and Rudolph are quickly going up. Thanksgiving? Forget it. No advertising of gourds!
By now the 6 Halloween costumes you wore are stored away. You’re beginning to get the invites for work soirees & Holiday get-togethers. It makes you long for the Halloween invites! At least you knew what to wear to that Halloween party. Really, what’s the difference between “smart casual” & “cocktail chic?” Well as a boy-about-town I’m going to decode the puzzle, solve the mystery and show you how to dress right for any occasion.
Business Attire: That’s simple, it’s anything you would normally wear to work when it’s not Casual Friday. As a rule of thumb I’d do that special suit you’d wear when you have an important meeting. Even though it’s a party do not let your guard down. You should still wear a tie and shoes should be clean and polished. And remember a party that your boss is at, is even more important than work. It may be a festive occasion but don’t over-imbibe!
Smart Casual: Smart Casual can be tricky. You must employ this on a case by case basis. It’s really about mimicking your host and the knowing their circle (the other invitees). Smart Casual most often means dressed up denim. Feel free to wear jeans but make sure they are relatively new, less distressed and hole or rip free. I’d pair the jeans with a collared shirt and a blazer. To look even more natty I’d suggest a pocket square or tie or both. And no, tennis shoes are not an option.
Cocktail Chic: Consider Cocktail Chic to be the slightly more dressed up cousin of Smart Casual. It feels the same but takes it up a notch. Instead of jeans with a blazer do slacks or a full suit. Cocktail parties are about elegance and celebration. The suit should be dark; navy, gray or black. A tie must always be worn. Shoes must be polished and the wearer should be immaculately groomed.
Black Tie: This is simple. Black Tie always means a tuxedo. And a bow tie. Please do not make the mistake of wearing any tie other than a bow tie to a Black Tie event. That fashion faux pas should be relegated to pro athletes, pimps & Samuel L. Jackson at the Oscars. Black Tie should be simple and elegant. Think Cary Grant or George Clooney. I think it’s a black tux but feel free to don a white jacket. Tails are too costume-y. Designers like Dolce & Gabanna are also moving Black Tie forward with color which is great for a holiday party.
Formal: Formal is Black Tie. It also means no deviation from black. Black tie weddings are formal. As a rule of thumb do not go all crazy with your bow tie and cummerbund. Nothing reads quite as cheap and low-class as anything other than a black bow tie and cummerbund. When you put on your cummerbund the pleats face upward. If you must exercise your personality do a bigger bow tie, fancy knot or higher grade silk but that is it. Formal also means a patent leather shoe. This is the one and only time a man is allowed to wear a patent leather shoe. Period. And no belts with a cummerbund. Use suspenders!
There it is gentlemen! Your one stop dictionary on how to dress it up for the holidays. Remember everything clean & pressed, shoes shined, fingers manicured, a fresh, crisp haircut and you are ready to party. Coming in December? My Gift Guide! The right gift at every price. Til then have a blast! M*