

You should choose a smart patterned shirt for this purpose, preferably one that is a bit more neutral such as linen or cotton. The basic principle of cocktail attire is to wear a dark coloured shirt, usually in a dark shade and in a solid colour on top. If you’re unsure about what to wear, have a chat with your date or colleague to see if any recommendations can be made. Remember that you want to look your best, and that is as important a factor as whether you feel comfortable in your own clothes. For example, if you are attending a wedding or similar event in the summer, a pair of white trousers is probably better than a dark suit if you are at an indoor venue, something a little more formal might be called for, while a suit which is a little too casual simply looks out of place be sure that your hair is also groom as your suit. One of the biggest mistakes people make when wearing cocktail attire is picking a suit which is less than suited for the occasion. It’s not too important what you wear to the office, what matters more is how you look when you’re out with the ladies. Nonetheless, the following advice will help you get it just right for a cocktail party.
#Cocktail attire men code
A suit code reserved exclusively for festive events, it’s not more formal than, say, a business casual suit, yet more fashion-conscious than a standard business suit. If you’re going for a tie, you have the opportunity to give it a little more personality than your regular business tie.Cocktail attire for men typically has no hard and fast definition, but this opens up an incredible range of possibilities. If you want an easy, assured way to nail the dress code, wear both of these items. Do you have to wear a jacket and a tie?Ī jacket is probably required, but a tie isn’t as strict in recent years. So wear with a blazer, maybe a pocket square and some dapper formal shoes and there’ll be no qualms. Sure, chinos are that one notch up into the formality that is required.


Turning up in jeans shows you either don’t respect your host or you don’t respect yourself, but most likely both. Are jeans OK for cocktail attire? What about chinos? The sun tends to loosen up people’s formality expectations, so the summer dress might entail switching to some white leather trainers, maybe loafers without socks, maybe opting for a quality T-shirt or a suave knitted polo shirt instead of a shirt. Reacting to the warmer weather will mean lighter colours, lighter materials (try some linen or light thread count organic cotton) and pared-down outfits. What is summer cocktail attire for men like? Separates (ie, pairing up different trousers and blazers) are welcomed and, if colour matched correctly, will look very stylish. However, the specifics of what you will wear will, as per most RSVP events, be dependent on the event location and occasion. If you are going with a business suit, try to add a little difference, maybe with a pocket square or by swapping out the shirt for a polo neck, just to show you’ve made an effort to your hosts. Be that double-breasted, three-piece or just a regular business suit.

What’s appropriate for men with the cocktail dress code?Ī suit is the most appropriate item. So, whenever you are in doubt about this dress code, channel big Baz-Luhrmann- Great- Gatsby energy through your wardrobe. It begun in America during the Roaring Twenties, when wealthy fashionable sorts liked pre-dinner drinks and canapés. It lies in the sweet spot between smart-casual and black tie. The cocktail attire dress code flirts with formality and relaxation.
