The holiday season packs more social events into a few weeks than the rest of the year combined: office parties, family dinners, friends' gatherings and the big one, New Year's Eve. Each has its own mood and level of formality. Here's how to get each one right.
The holiday dressing mindset
Holiday dressing is the one time of year when a little extra is not just allowed but encouraged. Rich fabrics like velvet, cashmere and flannel, deep colours like burgundy, forest green and midnight blue, and a touch of shine make an outfit feel festive without being silly. The key is to add one festive element to an otherwise classic outfit.
Office holiday party
Remember: it's still work. You want to look festive but professional, and you'll be seen by the people who decide your next promotion.
- A dark suit or blazer and trousers, a step up from your everyday office wear
- Swap the tie for a festive one (burgundy, green or a subtle pattern), or wear a fine roll-neck under the blazer
- Polished leather shoes: loafers, oxfords or chelsea boots
- Skip novelty sweaters unless the party theme explicitly calls for them
Christmas party with friends
This is the perfect occasion for the velvet jacket. A burgundy, bottle green or midnight blue velvet blazer over a black roll-neck or white shirt, with dark trousers and polished shoes, is the definitive festive look. Other good options:
- Cashmere or lambswool sweater in a deep colour, oxford shirt collar peeking out, grey flannel trousers, suede loafers.
- Fair Isle or Nordic knit sweater with dark jeans and chelsea boots, for a more casual gathering.
- Tartan trousers with a navy sweater and velvet slippers, if you're feeling confident.
Christmas Day and family dinners
Comfort matters. You'll be sitting down, eating a lot and possibly playing with kids on the floor. Aim for elevated casual: a good knit, a collared shirt, chinos or wool trousers with a little stretch, and loafers or clean boots. A shawl-collar cardigan is the classic family-Christmas piece: warm, relaxed and still smart in photos.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about warmth and comfort, and it usually involves autumn colours. Try a flannel or oxford shirt, a rust, olive or camel sweater, dark chinos or cords, and brown suede boots. For a more formal family, add a tweed or corduroy blazer. See our autumn layering guide for more ideas.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the most glamorous night of the year, and the only night when a tuxedo is appropriate even when it's not strictly required. Depending on the party:
| Type of party | Outfit |
|---|---|
| Black tie gala | Tuxedo, bow tie, patent shoes. See our dress codes guide |
| Upscale restaurant / bar | Dark suit, black roll-neck or crisp white shirt, no tie, polished black shoes |
| House party | Velvet or dark wool blazer, dark jeans or trousers, chelsea boots |
| Casual gathering | Dark knit or overshirt, black jeans, leather boots or clean sneakers |
Midnight blue, black and deep burgundy all photograph beautifully under party lights. A subtle sheen fabric, such as a silk-blend tie or satin lapel, adds just enough sparkle.
Other celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations
For a celebration dinner, follow the venue. A fine-dining restaurant calls for smart casual at minimum (blazer, good trousers, leather shoes). For graduations, dress like you're attending an important business meeting, because you'll be in a lot of photos. A navy suit or blazer with a light shirt is a safe, sharp choice.
Holiday outfit mistakes to avoid
Do
- Add one festive element
- Choose rich textures: velvet, cashmere, flannel
- Check the invitation for a theme
- Bring a proper coat
Don't
- Wear light-up or overly loud novelty items to a work event
- Combine too many festive pieces at once
- Forget that you'll be photographed
- Wear brand-new shoes you haven't broken in to a long party
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a man wear to a Christmas party?
A classic outfit with one festive touch works best: a velvet blazer, a burgundy or green tie, or a rich cashmere sweater with smart trousers and polished shoes.
Can I wear a tuxedo on New Year's Eve if it isn't black tie?
Yes, New Year's Eve is one of the few nights where wearing a tuxedo feels appropriate even at a non-black-tie event, though a dark suit is always safe.
What should I wear to an office holiday party?
Something slightly dressier than your normal work outfit, such as a dark suit or blazer with a festive tie or roll-neck, but keep it professional.
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