Whether you are having Christmas drinks with your CEO or work colleagues, it’s important to know how to dress for the event. So, if you want to nail the dress code, know where to inject some personal style, and look suave as hell, then here is your guide to dressing for a Christmas party.
Christmas Party Outfits
Smart Casual Christmas Party
As one of the more tricky dress codes, a smart casual Christmas party allows you to blend a laidback aesthetic with a business flair. It includes a relaxed pair of trousers and an unbuttoned shirt. If the weather permits, roll up your sleeves and opt for lighter shades like pale blue or white. For a chilly winter season, create a seamless ensemble by wearing a sleek blazer, and add an informal feel by swapping out dress shoes for sneakers. From a dinner party to boogieing on the dancefloor, you’ll be celebrating the end of the year in style.
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Casual Christmas Party
Have a fantastic night with your colleagues in a casual outfit for your Christmas party. It’s the time when you can rock a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and some sneakers without feeling underdressed. If you’re spending the evening at a bar, opt for a dark pair of pants and a casual shirt. Make sure you’re comfy by wearing sleek sneakers or dress shoes to complete the look, and mix and match colors to add festive cheer.
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Semi-Formal Christmas Party
When the invitation to a Christmas party says ‘semi-formal,’ don’t hit the panic button. This sleek and stylish dress code is easy to master once you have the right pieces. If your event takes place during the day, an ideal outfit option is a suit in navy, brown, cream, light blue, or grey. If you’re not down to rock a full suit, go for separates such as a pair of trousers and a blazer, with a dress shirt underneath and dress shoes. A tie is optional here, so you can relax a little while you celebrate the festive season.
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Black Tie Formal Christmas Party
If you’ve received an invitation that specifies ‘formal’ or ‘black tie’ attire, you’ve got to prepare yourself for a sophisticated evening. Traditionally, these events require a tuxedo, dress shirt, and exceptional tailoring. Choose from a shawl or peak lapel to flatter your shoulders, and opt for shades in the darker variety to suit the occasion. A bow tie and pocket square will add the perfect finishing touch. Experiment with fabrics like velvet and silk to help you to stand out amongst the crowd.
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Cocktail Christmas Party
Equal parts elegant and laidback, the cocktail dress code offers the perfect blend between formality and modernity. If you’ve received an invitation with this requested attire, don’t freak out – a clean suit in dusky navies, subdued cobalt, and muted greys will work wonders. You have some freedom with accessories here – a pocket square, tie or statement belt will add some personality to your outfit.
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Business Casual Christmas Party
As an ambiguous dress code, a business casual party allows you to have a little bit of freedom in your clothing choices. Defined as more of an ‘office’ style, you can rock a button-down shirt and suit without overdoing it. If a two-piece isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid to swap out your trousers for chinos and don a blazer. Ensuring you have a polished finish to the look, add a pair of brogues, loafers, or Oxford shoes for a night of comfort and an effortless attitude.
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Winter Christmas Outfits
Celebrate a white Christmas in style by dressing the part this season. Depending on the dress code, you can stay snug while looking sleek effortlessly. Opt for a wool overcoat and a scarf to keep yourself warm, a pair of suit trousers and a dress-shirt for more formal occasions. If it’s a casual party, add a turtleneck with a blazer so you can look festive without feeling too laid-back. Shades to consider are grey, brown, or blue – you’ll look ready for a night of celebration in this getup.
Summer Christmas Outfits
For those who celebrate the festive season in the summer, dressing the part is essential. Light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are the best options for a summer Christmas party, and shades such as white, beige, blue, or pink look best. Mix and match a light blazer with darker chinos, or add a patterned shirt with plain trousers for optimum effect. In terms of shoes, brogues, boat shoes or loafers are an easy way to polish an outfit without looking overdressed.
What to Wear to a Christmas Party
- If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a well-tailored suit.
- Swap out a button-down for a T-shirt or casual shirt if you’re going to an informal event.
- Darker shades work best for formal occasions – stick to lighter ones for a day event or in warmer climates.
- Polish an outfit by adding some cool accessories such as sunglasses, bag, belt, pocket square, or tie.
Men's Christmas Party Attire FAQs
What do guys wear to a Christmas party?
How you dress for a Christmas party of course depends on the type of event. Refer to the dress code, if supplied – a black-tie party calls for a tuxedo, while casual means jeans and a T-shirt. Next, it's important to dress appropriately for the season and time of day or night. Lighter clothes are best for summer Christmas parties and daytime events, while darker outfits suit evening and winter Christmas parties. Finally, add a festive element with a luxurious accessory – think your best shades, a silk pocket square or scarf, a ring or chain, or a sharp hat.
What do you wear to a Christmas party at someone's house?
A Christmas party at a house is more casual than other types of festive events, so you can wear a more relaxed combination like jeans and a T-shirt or button-down, or a roll-neck. However, as it is a special occasion, it's important to dress add a festive touch. Stylish details like sleek sneakers, loafers, or boots will elevate your look, as will a tailored summer jacket or winter coat. Ask the host if there are any special additions to the dress code too, such as a Christmas jumper. Steer clear of a cheap novelty jumper and opt for a timeless option such as a Fair Isle sweater in burgundy or navy.
Can you wear jeans to a Christmas party?
As a rule, jeans are too casual for most Christmas parties – unless you're headed to a friend's home or clubbing. Generally, trousers are preferred for smart-casual Christmas 'dos, while office and cocktail parties call for a suit – though you can skip the tie.
What do you wear to a church Christmas party?
Church Christmas parties generally fall into the 'smart casual' spectrum of the festive dress code. While it's important to look your best – this is a church event, after all, so leave your jeans at home – it's not a strictly formal event. If the party involves activities such as scavenger hunts, games, or dancing, don't wear anything too restrictive. Plus, as the party is for all ages and members of the church community, it will likely take place during the day, so bear that in mind when you plan your outfit.
What are good colors to wear for Christmas?
When dressing up for Christmas, the color scheme is very important, as you don't want to end up looking like a holly bush or candy cane. Choose more wearable tones of the classic Christmas colors, such as burgundy or forest green, and pair one piece in that color with neutrals so that it stands out. Alternatively, you can add subtle Christmas flair through patterns instead of solid colors – think a tartan pocket square – or richly-toned accessories like a gold tie clip.
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