What To Wear To A Holiday Party: ‘Tis the Season for Festive Menswear


As winter approaches, you’ll likely find yourself wondering what to wear to a holiday party. The most wonderful time of year is a nice break from the norm and lifts us out of our mundane routines. Why not take this opportunity to fold up your sweats and slide into party pants instead? From company events to traditional (or virtual) get-togethers with friends and family, dress appropriately for all the merry mingling. We’ve got the season’s latest menswear trends to keep you looking snazzy for all the upcoming holiday festivities.

What To Wear To A Holiday Work Party 

Office holiday parties are your time to impress your co-workers with clever banter in a relaxed setting. If you’ve transitioned back to in-person work events, perhaps this is your chance to show off your best dance moves. Or, maybe this is the time to reveal new ideas or discuss your future with the company. Either way, show up looking the part. So how does a stylish guy decide what to wear to a holiday work party? Balance having fun with your attire while keeping it work-appropriate. Here are our tips for what to wear to a company holiday party.

For a business holiday party, maintain an air of professionalism without dressing like you would on any other workday. If your office has a business casual dress code, up the ante with a monochromatic outfit. Go with navy dress pants in a straight cut paired with a midnight crew neck sweater. Top off your look with a polished pale blue stretch blazer. Now you’re set to socialize in style. We can already feel the winter blues melting away.

The Covid-era has altered our definition of dressing up. If your office falls into the casual category, the holiday party scene allows you to step up your style game. Dip your toes into the art of men’s bohemian style and layer a vintage vest over a classic shirt and tie combo. This oldie but goodie is sure to be a conversation starter at your office shindig.  

What To Wear To An Office Holiday Party

If your annual business holiday party includes an ugly sweater contest at the office, why not go all out? Don’t be spacey like Will Ferrell in Elf and avoid the title of the cotton-headed ninny muggins of the office. This is a chance to let loose with your look and not take yourself too seriously. Rock a vibrant green Fair Isle sweater for throwback holiday vibes. Or, go with a style that shows off a quote from your favorite holiday film. You might even meet another human who shares your affinity for elf culture.   

What Not To Wear To An Office Holiday Party 

Next up on our men’s holiday party guide is what not to wear to an office holiday party. While it’s acceptable to step outside the norm of office outfit protocol, remember to keep things practical when necessary. Finding yourself dashing through the snow to make it to the office holiday party? A warm puffer coat and boots are a necessity for icy climates. Save your khaki pants for warmer weather. Lighter colors on bottom will show any muddy slush that’s bound to splash on you. Dark jeans and trousers are your best bet this time of year. You can thank us later.

It’s no secret that athleisure is here to stay, but you won’t regret leaving your joggers behind for one night. Comfy clothes are fine for a virtual happy hour with coworkers but not for in-person events. While it’s okay to don jeans at a casual office party, keep the rest of the look elevated. A blazer and chukkas are a surefire way to spruce up everyday denim. Reserve your basic black blazer for your Monday-Friday rotation, and opt for a luxe emerald velvet sport coat. Who doesn’t want to roll up to the company holiday party as the most dapper gentleman in the room?   

Ideas For A Soirée Outside the Office

Guys, if you’re asking yourself, “what do I wear to a holiday work party outside the office?” We have a few ideas. There’s no place like home for the holidays. For many of us, working from home will continue through the new year. If your company holiday party is virtual, bend the standard holiday party attire rules a bit. Business up top and workleisure on bottom is the name of the game. A classic button-down with a cheery tie will have you standing out on-screen—in a good way. No one needs to know you’re rocking your favorite fleece joggers and warmest socks. Grab a toasty beverage, add a festive Zoom background and enjoy the company of your work fam.

If your company is reserving a venue for their annual holiday party, now is the time to layer up. Outerwear items can make or break an outfit, and you can never go wrong with a timeless trench coat. If the heater is cranked up indoors, shed your outermost layer to reveal a sleek quarter-zip sweater. Headed to a work party at an upscale restaurant? Let a bow-tie in holiday hues peek through for personalized flair. Finish off the look with tailored pieces like a crisp collared shirt and trousers. ‘Tis the season to dress to the nines.   

What To Wear To A Holiday Dinner Party 

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling yoo-hoo. No mens’ holiday party style guide would be complete without discussing what to wear to a holiday dinner party. Part of what contributes to a special atmosphere is how we dress. Arriving at a dinner party in jeans and a T-shirt makes it feel like any other day. Take our word for it. Dress sharper, and it instantly feels like a holiday. 

If the hosts establish a cocktail attire dress code, it’s time to break out your most stately and sophisticated style. Raise your glass and give a toast to togetherness in a pair of polished plaid pants. Complete the look with a wide-lapeled suit jacket over a toasty turtleneck for a retro nod to yesteryear. Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose by layering on an overcoat and warm wool scarf. 

For a casual dinner party, reach for black jeans and a going-out shirt—the perfect blend of suave and style. This debonair button-up isn’t your average nine-to-five shirt especially when you find the best fit for your build. Add panache with unique colors, prints and textures. Think micro-textures and conversational prints like dots and small florals. Sleek shoes will seal the deal on this holiday party outfit. Wondering how to wear men’s boots this holiday season? Kick on a refined pair of lace-up boots, and you’re all set for a socially distant soirée

What To Wear To A Casual Celebration

Curious what to wear to a casual holiday party? Good news, you’ve got plenty of options. The key to nailing the casual holiday party look is finding the right balance of comfort, style and versatility. Believe it or not, it’s easier than you might think. Take a style cue from David Rose and spread your warmest regards in a funky graphic sweater. The bolder, the better. Complete the look with dark jeans in a loose fit, one of men’s winter 2021 fashion trends. The best part? They offer room for that extra slice of pecan pie.

Winter is the prime time to break out your layers. Why not choose the coziest of all layers for your next casual holiday gathering—a cardigan. Opt for a looser, boxy fit to keep the look modern. Pair your grandpa sweater with a tailored shirt and cords to ensure you’re the most fashionable fellow of the group. 

No need to stress about what to wear to a holiday party, our style experts are here to help. Take your style quiz and order a Fix to discover the winter trends that are right for you. An expert stylist will send five pieces based on your unique style, fit and price preferences. Keep what you love and send back the rest. Shipping, returns and exchanges are always free.

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