Casual Dinner Party

Casual Dinner Party

Many dinner party invitations arrive without a dress code, which means you’re free to wear whatever you want. This gives you the opportunity to choose an outfit that reflects your personality – however, a word of warning: if you’re being treated to dinner and drinks, no matter how relaxed and informal the setting, you should not turn up looking as if you’ve just rolled out of bed. A party is still a party, and a certain level of grooming is expected.

In our opinion, the very best men’s casual party clothes start and end with a stylish top. For a laidback affair, a slim fit tee – V-neck or crew neck as you prefer – is perfect. There ain’t no shame in keeping things simple! Throw on your favourite pair of dark denim jeans or some wide-legged chinos for a comfortable but classic finish. Just be sure they’re not tatty or distressed: no dress code calls for beer-stained slacks that you ripped accidentally. Finish with a jacket – leather or bomber – and you’re good to go.

Beach Party

Beach Party

For all the fun in the sun, you can’t beat a beach party. And, best of all, style rules are relaxed at the seaside. Which isn’t to say you should rock up in your most radical Hawaiian shirt – this is still a party, and ‘ironic’ is not an excuse – but you can be more carefree than you might be in town.

For a sun-soaked daytime affair, prints, patterns and bold colours are de rigour. Just don’t go overboard. Match a plain tee with vibrant shorts, or vice versa. And don’t forget the accessories: sunglasses and hats are as practical as they are stylish.

Garden Party/BBQ

Garden Party/BBQ

In most cases, a garden party or BBQ is an informal gathering of friends, so you shouldn’t need to sweat too much about your outfit choice. This said, an outdoor occasion is obviously at the mercy of the elements, so be sure to check the forecast for the day of the party as the weather can have an impact on your attire.

For a daytime event, chino shorts or coloured khakis are a winner when the weather plays ball. On top, wear a well-fitted polo or stylish shirt – we dig lightweight denim for a sharp but laidback vibe. Smart sneakers or fashionable sandals will finish off the outfit with aplomb, and do remember a jacket in case it gets cold.

If the garden party takes place in the evening, a t-shirt, thin woollen sweater, plus a pair of dark jeans is ideal. A pair of loafers or boat shoes will keep the outfit summery but slick. Accessorise with a belt, watch and/or bracelet if you fancy, though all are optional: in our opinion, less is more.

What To Wear To a Casual Party: Men’s Party Wear

What To Wear To a Casual Party: Men’s Party Wear

Party Outfits for Guys

The key to cracking a casual dress code is deciphering what kind of ‘casual’ your host means. A party in a smarter setting – a fancy family home, a wine bar – will require a classier kind of casual than a party at the pub or on the beach, for example.

The good news is that men’s casual party clothes do not include a tuxedo or tie, so leave your formal finery at home. The bad news – depending on how you look at it – is that party clothes for men is the perfect opportunity to express yourself and demonstrate what a well-groomed guy you are. No pressure!

Just because the function might be relaxed, doesn’t mean you should let your style slide. Sure, a casual dress code generally means anything goes, but – since you’re attending a party – you still need to put in some effort with your outfit and appearance. Here are the top men’s casual party clothes looks.

What To Wear To a Formal Party

What To Wear To a Formal Party

Black tie is at the high end of men’s formal party clothes. The good news is that the tuxedo, though sometimes expensive, is actually an effortlessly stylish dress code to nail, encompassing a single-breasted dinner jacket, tailored black trousers, crisp white dress shirt, hi shine leather shoes (a court shoe or oxfords) and, of course, a black dickie bow. And, on the note of expense, even if you wear it only a couple of times a year, a well-made dinner suit is timeless and could last you a decade or more, so think of it as an investment.

As with white tie, the key here is to keep it classic: stick with traditional colours – black or midnight navy only – and go for a self-tie bow tie if you can. It may take some time to master the actual tying, but you will feel oh-so-suave when you can hang it loosely round your neck at the end of the night: much more James Bond than school prom.

How to Dress for Any Type of Party

How to Dress for Any Type of Party

A handy guide to attending with style—no matter the occasion. Parties can be all over the map when it comes to dress code. Especially when the holiday season rolls around, and especially when anything in the ballpark of "creative black tie" or "dressy casual" is involved. 

But we've got you covered. Whether it's an upscale event or something low key, here are five style tips to get you through the evening's festivities.

EMBRACE THE TURTLENECK

The turtleneck is the best not-too-dressy, not-too-casual alternative to a collared shirt at your disposal. If—big if—you do it right. Go dark (black works, though darker blues, greens, and reds are less severe), and layer a blazer over it. And never tuck it in.

Formal two-piece suit ($1,051) by Suit Supply, farfetch.com; Dundee rollneck knit ($219) by A.P.C., endclothing.com; Leather brogue boots ($750) by Burberry, burberry.com.