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.

BRIDAL MAKEUP TIPS BY NATASHA SALON FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING EVENTS!

BRIDAL MAKEUP TIPS BY NATASHA SALON FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING EVENTS!

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Going out-out-out

Going out-out-out

With fashion rediscovering hedonism, the Walk of Shame – coming home in the wee small hours, when everyone else is going to work – has been reclaimed as a triumph to shout about. Handy, since New Year’s Eve and other Christmas dos are now on the horizon. What to wear on a night out that may well turn into a lost weekend? It sounds counterintuitive, but now is the time to think practically. You want something that brings the party – but also keeps you warm and even comfortable. 

Smart party girls (see Kate Moss, Rihanna) think sequins, but with a polo neck underneath, sparkles, but on a low heel, hemlines below the knee and, the stealth secret weapon, sleeves. You’ll also need a coat that brings the wow – from our experience, nights like these can involve a lot of waiting for Ubers, or loitering outside newsagents while friends inside procure essential pickled onion Monster Munch. And, hey, you may as well be glamorous while you wait. LC

Going out-out

Going out-out

Arguably the proto-party mindset, this is the type of going out you’ll be most familiar with. It involves some preparation, an acceptance that best laid plans may go awry and a look that is both committed to the party without being too sensible (if you can handle 20 days’ annual leave, then you can handle 3in heels into the wee hours). A fun suit is ideal, so take your cue from Isabel Marant who elevated the “boardroom look” into something more pinched and feminine.

Topshop’s velvet version is slick and affordable. If you want a dress, go for something long and shimmery à la Bottega Veneta and whack a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath if you’re planning to go three parties deep. Pair both with white boots and some fun earrings. Finally, don’t be a tool. Pace yourself. MF