You’ve got style. You’ve got swag. But, oh my God, you’ve also got a cocktail party tonight and would prefer not to look like an idiot in front of your friends. So, what do you wear and why do your clothes even matter? Well, it’s funny you should ask because wearing cocktail attire for men is no laughing matter. This is the stuff of pros, bros.
What is cocktail attire for men?
Cocktail wear for men is a type of clothing that has been deemed appropriate for formal gatherings. It typically includes items such as tailored slacks, button-up shirts, dress shoes, and fine accessories. The average man likes to mix it up, however. So, that means formal wear can consist of just about anything that’s not jeans and a t-shirt. In some cases, men sport more casual items such as khakis, penny loafers, and polo shirts with a few tasteful accessories.
Either way, your swag depends on your grasp of this simple style concept. Most commonly, you’ll be expected to wear cocktail attire at ceremonial events (sometimes called “black tie affairs”). So, think of this as a “swag-alicious” approach to attending parties, weddings, and (hint, hint) proposing to your girlfriend over a romantic dinner.
The dress code for men in cocktail clothes
It can be tough to pick out the perfect outfit for cocktail night, even if your closet is filled to the brim with clothing options. Considering how important this occasion is (either personally or professionally), it makes perfect sense to take your time getting dressed. Formal wear dress code rule number one: Don’t rush it.
Rule number two is just as important. It’s about cleanliness and confidence. You can wear whatever you want but you won’t look put together if your clothes are worn out, dirty, or stained. Retain some of your self-respect by learning how to use an iron, boys. She will thank you and so will your look.
Meanwhile, these are the 5 most crucial fashion fundamentals for men in formal wear:
- Your pants and shirts should fit when you sit down, stand up, and reach above your head.
- A tailored suit jacket is considered mandatory for most formal gatherings.
- Add colorful ties for visual appeal and outfit completeness.
- Your ties should always match your lapel napkin, socks, and suit color.
- Fix haircuts and hairstyles to coordinate with your outfit’s theme.
- Be sure to tuck your shirt into your pants even if you’re wearing a jacket.
Different formal outfits require different things. But the point is to sport something that looks dapper and attractive. For maximum appeal, try mixing in some current style trends and interesting accessories.
QUICK FIX: Wear a clean, plain colored button-up shirt with a matching tie, some dark slacks, and a pair of polished dress shoes.
The takeaway
You can customize a formal outfit in a thousand ways, so it doesn’t have to be hard to find cocktail attire for men. Just think of the occasion as the perfect chance to express yourself through style and then do so with confidence.
