What to Wear to a Holiday Party (Men): Dress Codes and 5 Outfits
What to Wear to a Holiday Party (Men): Dress Codes and 5 Outfits
For most holiday parties, men should dress one step nicer than they would for a normal day at work: a collared shirt with a sweater or quarter zip for casual parties, a blazer with dress pants for an office party, and a dark suit (tie optional) for anything labeled cocktail or festive. If the invitation names a dress code, follow it; if it doesn't, ask the host or lean slightly dressier. It's easier to take off a jacket than to wish you'd brought one.
Here's how to read each holiday dress code, five outfits that cover nearly every invitation, and the few things to skip.
How do I figure out the dress code?
- Read the invitation. Words like "cocktail," "festive," "black tie" or "holiday casual" tell you most of what you need.
- Consider the venue. A hotel ballroom or a nice restaurant means a jacket. A coworker's living room means smart casual.
- Ask. A quick text to the host ("Jacket or no jacket?") is normal and appreciated.
- When in doubt, dress up a notch. Being slightly overdressed at a holiday party reads as festive; being underdressed reads as not trying.
What does each holiday dress code mean?
| Dress code | What it means | A safe outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday casual | Relaxed, but put together | Collared shirt, quarter zip or sweater, chinos or dark jeans, leather shoes or boots |
| Office holiday party | A notch above your usual work clothes | Blazer, dress shirt, dress pants; tie optional |
| Festive attire | Dressy, with a seasonal touch | Dark suit or blazer with a burgundy or green tie, a tartan or velvet accent |
| Cocktail | Suit level | Dark suit, dress shirt, tie (or a crisp open collar at more relaxed events) |
| Black tie | Formal | Tuxedo, or a very dark suit with a black tie if the invite says "black tie optional" |
Five holiday party outfits for men
1. The neighborhood or friends' party (holiday casual)
A dress shirt or button-down under a quarter zip or crewneck sweater, with chinos or dark jeans and leather boots. It looks like you made an effort without looking like you came from the office. Add a rich color in the sweater (forest green, burgundy, navy) and you've covered "festive" without a novelty print.
2. The office party at a restaurant
A navy or charcoal blazer, a white or light blue dress shirt, dark dress pants and leather shoes. A tie is optional; if you skip it, make sure the shirt collar stands up nicely on its own. This is also the outfit for meeting a significant other's family for the first time.
3. The office party in the office
Your normal work clothes, upgraded by one item: swap a polo for a dress shirt, or add a sweater or blazer. See Can You Wear a Flannel or Quarter Zip to the Office? for where the line is at most workplaces.
4. The cocktail or "festive attire" party
A dark suit with a white or light blue shirt and a tie in a holiday color: deep red, burgundy, forest green, or a subtle tartan. A tie and socks are the easiest places to add personality without overdoing it. A dark suit jacket with matching or charcoal pants works here.
5. The evening party where you want to stand out (a little)
All-dark: a black or charcoal suit or blazer over a black dress shirt, no tie, black shoes. It's sharp, it photographs well, and it suits evening events. Keep everything else simple.
What colors and fabrics work for holiday parties?
- Colors: navy, charcoal, black, burgundy, forest green, camel. Keep bright red and green to small doses (a tie, a pocket square, socks).
- Textures: flannel, corduroy, knits, velvet accents and tartan all say "December" without a reindeer in sight.
- Practical fabrics: crowded rooms get warm. A breathable, moisture-wicking dress shirt keeps you comfortable once the party heats up, and a wrinkle-resistant one still looks sharp after a drive and a coat.
What should men not wear to a holiday party?
- Ugly Christmas sweaters, unless it's an ugly-sweater party
- Gym clothes, hoodies and anything with a big logo
- Wrinkled shirts (a quick steam or a wrinkle-resistant shirt solves this)
- Scuffed or athletic shoes with a blazer
- Too many statement pieces at once: pick one, like a festive tie or a velvet jacket
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wear a tie to a work holiday party?
Usually not, unless the invitation says cocktail or formal, or the venue is upscale. A blazer and a crisp dress shirt are enough for most office parties.
Can I wear jeans to a holiday party?
At casual home parties, yes: dark, clean jeans with a collared shirt and a sweater or quarter zip. Skip jeans for office parties at restaurants and anything labeled cocktail or festive.
What does "festive attire" mean for men?
Dress at roughly cocktail level (a suit or blazer) and add a seasonal touch: a burgundy or green tie, a tartan detail, a velvet jacket, or holiday-colored socks.
What should I wear to a holiday party at someone's house?
Holiday casual: a collared shirt with a sweater or quarter zip, chinos or dark jeans, and leather shoes or boots. Bring a small gift for the host.
Is a black shirt OK for a holiday party?
Yes, especially for evening events. Pair it with a dark suit or blazer and skip the tie for a clean, modern look.
Related reading: Smart Casual for Men: What It Actually Means and What to Wear for Business Casual.