What to Wear for Holidays, Weddings & Celebrations

Why occasion dressing matters

Dressing for an event is a form of respect. When a couple puts "black tie" on their wedding invitation, or a host plans a festive dinner, what you wear tells them you took their day seriously. It also saves you from the awful moment of walking into a room and realising you're the only man without a jacket, or the only one in a suit.

The golden rules of occasion dressing

• Read the invitation. The dress code is usually written down, and our dress codes guide explains exactly what each one means.
• When in doubt, go one step up. You can always take off a tie or a jacket. You can't add one you didn't bring.
• Never upstage the host. At weddings that means no white suits and nothing flashier than the groom.
• Think about the venue. A beach, a barn and a cathedral need different fabrics, colours and shoes.
• Prepare the day before. Press the shirt, polish the shoes and check that the suit still fits.

The occasion guides

Our wedding guest guide covers every season and venue. The dress codes guide explains everything from white tie to "casual". The holiday party guide covers Christmas, New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving and office parties.

It is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Nobody has ever been asked to leave for wearing a tie.