Whether you\u2019re attending a winter wedding, a Christmas party with your colleagues, or a cocktail evening in the city, you can rely on the following advice to add some effort into your look and prevent many a fashion faux pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Cocktail](\"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/images\/Cocktail-Attire-Men-Red-Tie-750x843.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe cocktail attire boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Modern fashion is all about pushing boundaries, in most situations, but some occasions call for a specific dress code that you need to follow. Much like women should never outshine the bride when attending a wedding, the same golden rule of thumb applies for men\u2019s cocktail attire: do not steal the spotlight from the guest of honor, or the groom, depending on the event. Leave the neon hues, the fanciest combinations, and other flashy add-ons for another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A typical dress code varies from one event to another, and it doesn\u2019t hurt to ask the host for guidance on what is expected, in case the invitation doesn\u2019t clearly state the necessary attire. Most daytime events accept dark jeans with a collared shirt, while evening events require a suit. A tie is often not mandatory, but still expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although a classic suit that you\u2019d wear to a business meeting<\/a> will suffice and is often required, try to avoid the all-black option that would be more fitting for a funeral. Then again, a suit is indeed enough, so you can leave the tux and the penguin suit for another, more formal occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re always invited to give all of your cocktail ensembles that personal touch, be it a unique tie, a watch, or cufflinks, but make sure you stick with one or two choices that are subtle and sophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While a tux or a penguin suit isn\u2019t necessary, and it\u2019s actually advisable to avoid it unless the invitation specifically states you should wear one, a tailor-made suit is a must. Slim fit is the best choice when tailoring your look, but make sure your ensemble isn\u2019t too tight or too loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A two-piece suit in muted tones of grey, navy, and cobalt is a standard pick, although summer weddings, for example, can leave room for softer tones such as creamy linen suits. The fabric and the hue will perfectly fit the event, and make you feel comfortable at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Less formal occasions leave room for more than a suit, so you can opt for dark-coloured jeans (no distressed denim, mind you), and a blazer. However, most cocktail events still don\u2019t call for a pair of chinos, so let\u2019s stick to fitted pants and jeans instead. You\u2019re looking for the kind of dark, navy jeans that will allow you to pair them with a smart collared shirt and a jacket. These jeans should also add to classy footwear like brogue style<\/a> shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shirt is, in fact, what makes your less formal jeans elegant enough to be considered acceptable for a cocktail event. Even when it\u2019s a crisp white shirt and steals none of the spotlight, it\u2019s the piece that ties in the whole look together, and while a tweed blazer is a solid addition for cold-season events, the shirt is a must-have for cocktail parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you choose a single-hued suit, then you can opt for a bolder, more colourful shirt to give your ensemble some zest. Monochrome in lavender is a frequent choice, while a shirt with vertical stripes in a couple of bolder hues can make your suit more festive and fun for a holiday event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key differences between a standard suit jacket and the blazer<\/a> as your second-best option for a more casual look are the fit and the match. The former is made of the exact same fabric as the pants you\u2019ll wear, and it will be slightly tighter, whereas the latter uses other fabrics and has a slightly looser form, hence the casual label for it. Both combinations are perfectly acceptable in most situations, but when in doubt, it doesn\u2019t hurt to level up and stick with the suit, or just call the host and ask for guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By far the most effective way to craft a unique, personal style even out of your most formal suits is to utilize various subtle accessories. They are every man\u2019s best friend to express your preferences and make your appearance as elegant and exquisite as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s start with selecting a tie<\/a> or a bow tie that matches your suit or your smart, but casual pants-plus-blazer combination. When you like wearing single-hued, no-pattern suits, this is your perfect opportunity to play with colours and patterns, since interesting, unique neckties and bow ties are a brilliant way to add some whimsy to your formal ensemble. Sometimes clashing patterns (think: stripes and dots) can add a fun note to your look, whereas complementary colours are always a safe option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you\u2019d like to combine a necktie with a pocket square<\/a>, make sure to choose a secondary colour of your collared shirt or your tie so as to avoid a monochrome look. Select a pattern that isn\u2019t too dramatic or overly pompous, but that adds some playfulness to your outfit. Finally, make sure to learn how to fold your pocket square according to the occasion, and you can expect some impressed nods at the party for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you need a timepiece such as a stainless steel watch<\/a> that will complete your entire cocktail ensemble. Such a powerful material adds sleek ruggedness to your look without depriving it of luxury or opulence. In fact, steel is often combined with wood for a balanced approach. This accessory pairs the best of what style and function have to offer a man: a watch serves a purpose while it simultaneously enhances your personal look and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treat your shoes as the foundation of your outfit, not just another accessory, because they can make or break your entire look. Just like women reach for ankle boots as their primary cocktail-friendly footwear for any season, men also need a classic pair, be it for a holiday, or another business event. For instance, Oxford shoes in classic leather brown or black<\/a> are the go-to option for these formal occasions, and they are the perfect choice to elevate even the more casual outfits. These shoes are the personification of style for men, so they are a no-brainer for any season and any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you can give yourself some style space and opt for less formal shoes such as loafers, provided that the occasion is not as haute, especially if it\u2019s a summer wedding at the beach. Make sure to check this with the host, though, since you don\u2019t want to be the worst-dressed guest there when you have the chance to show off your finest Oxfords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes the accessory you cannot see or show off is your greatest ally in assembling the perfect cocktail attire for the evening. To put it straight, a good aftershave<\/a> can give you the perfect final touch to complete your stunning look. Fresh and citrusy scents are generally adaptable for any kind of situation, but you don't want to choose something the entire room will notice as soon as you enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for long-lasting fragrances that won\u2019t wear off in an hour, but that will linger with you for the duration of the event, and that will solely depend on the quality of the ingredients used in the cologne you select. That\u2019s why it pays to invest in names such as Davidoff, Azzaro, or Armani.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGo for a tailored look<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Cocktail](\"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/images\/Cocktail-Attire-Men-Measuring-750x500.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSmart and semi-casual options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Elevate your look with accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Cocktail](\"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/images\/Cocktail-Attire-Men-Accessories-750x501.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPick the right pair of shoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to reach for a fragrance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just be aware to pick a scent that goes with your style. Of course, the occasion and the season should affect the choice of your cologne, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlaying with hues, patterns, and texture<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Cocktail](\"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/images\/Cocktail-Attire-Men-Close-Up-750x750.jpg\")
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