What to Wear to a Christmas Party: Outfit Ideas for Men
The short answer: for most Christmas parties, wear dark tailored trousers, a merino turtleneck or an open-collar shirt, a blazer (velvet if it's dressy) and leather shoes or Chelsea boots. Go up to a dark suit for cocktail and office parties, and down to good knitwear and dark jeans for family or friends' gatherings. Here's how to match the outfit to the party.
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Style My Party OutfitStart With the Type of Party
| Party | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Cocktail or dressy party | Dark suit or a velvet blazer with wool trousers, a white shirt or black turtleneck, polished shoes. A tie is optional unless the invitation says otherwise. |
| Office Christmas party | What you'd wear to an important day at work, plus one festive touch: a knit tie, a burgundy shirt or a velvet blazer. |
| Family Christmas or dinner at home | Chinos or wool trousers with a quality crewneck or a shirt and cardigan; clean leather shoes or boots. |
| Casual party with friends | Dark jeans, a merino turtleneck or overshirt, a blazer or a suede jacket, Chelsea boots. |
| Christmas jumper party | Wear the jumper with dark jeans or chinos and simple boots; skip other patterns. |
If the invitation only says "festive", dress smart casual with one dressier element, such as a velvet blazer or polished boots.
Festive Fabrics and Colours
- Velvet: a velvet blazer in burgundy, bottle green or navy is the classic men's Christmas piece. Wear it with plain, dark trousers.
- Merino and cashmere: a fine turtleneck under a blazer looks sharp without a tie and keeps you warm.
- Flannel and tweed: good for daytime and family events.
- Colours: navy, charcoal, black, burgundy, forest green and camel. Keep red to one accent, such as a tie or pocket square.
Six Outfit Ideas That Work
- Burgundy velvet blazer + black turtleneck + black wool trousers + black Chelsea boots.
- Navy suit + white shirt + green knit tie + brown brogues (office party).
- Charcoal trousers + cream roll-neck + camel overcoat + suede boots.
- Dark jeans + navy merino crewneck over an Oxford shirt + brown leather boots.
- Black suit + black open-collar shirt + black loafers (cocktail party).
- Chinos + checked flannel shirt + shawl-collar cardigan (family Christmas).
Shoes, Coat and Accessories
- Shoes: Chelsea boots in black or brown suede are the most versatile; Oxfords or loafers for dressy parties.
- Coat: a wool overcoat in navy, charcoal or camel goes over everything from a suit to jeans.
- Accessories: a pocket square, a knit tie or a simple watch is enough. Novelty ties and socks belong only at jumper parties.
Common Mistakes
- Wearing your everyday work suit with no festive touch.
- Combining a Christmas jumper with other loud patterns.
- Mixing a black belt with brown shoes.
- Forgetting the coat: you'll likely be outside for part of the evening.
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Style My Party OutfitFrequently asked questions
What should a man wear to a Christmas party?
Dark tailored trousers, a merino turtleneck or open-collar shirt, a blazer (velvet for dressy parties) and leather shoes or Chelsea boots. Wear a dark suit for cocktail and office parties, and knitwear with dark jeans for casual gatherings.
Is a velvet blazer appropriate for a Christmas party?
Yes. A velvet blazer in burgundy, bottle green or navy is one of the best men's Christmas party pieces. Wear it with plain dark trousers and a white shirt or black turtleneck.
What should men wear to an office Christmas party?
Your best work outfit with one festive detail, such as a velvet blazer, a knit tie or a burgundy shirt. Keep it as polished as an important workday.
Can I wear jeans to a Christmas party?
Yes, for casual parties. Choose dark, clean jeans with a turtleneck or shirt, a blazer and leather boots. Avoid jeans at cocktail or formal office parties.
Do men need a tie at a Christmas party?
Usually not. A tie is only expected if the invitation says cocktail or black tie, or at formal corporate events. A turtleneck or open collar under a blazer is festive and smart.
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