The festive season is right around the corner, and the invitations to social gatherings filled with cheesy Christmas music and mulled wine may already be beginning to flood in.
Whether the occasion is an office Christmas party or a merry night out, looking the part is very important. With this in mind, the team at Slater Menswear has provided top six tips on how to effortlessly style an outfit for a Christmas function.
-
Consider the type of event you’re going to
When Christmas rolls around, it's the perfect excuse to take your outfit up a notch and express your sense of style while still considering the dress code. If it says 'smart-casual' (which, let's face it, in this day and age, most events are), then it's always better to be on the side of more formal caution while still having a bit of fun with the outfit you pull together. If you’re heading to your work Christmas party, for example, you don't want to turn up looking like you've come straight from the office. There are plenty of ways to inject some personality into your ensemble. Slater Menswear's Head of Tailoring, Declyn Cooper, is the resident expert in dressing up or down any suit. He advised: "If you're attending a formal event, then you'd be safe to assume turning up in a three-piece suit, or even a tuxedo, is going to be the right direction. However, if your event is more casual, you could opt for jeans and a turtleneck with a well-fitted blazer, for example.” "A smart-casual dress code, in particular, leaves room for mixing and matching different items to make an outfit that a) fits the dress code and b) makes you feel good and stand out. Just remember that "casual" doesn't mean you can make little to no effort. It is Christmas, after all."
2. Pay attention to colour
When considering colour, Declyn suggested: "While it's important to wear what you’re comfortable in, try not to turn up to your work Christmas party in the same grey suit you wear week-in-week-out. Christmas is a time for having fun and a bit of experimentation, so don't shy away from festive colours, such as burgundy, deep greens, and even some shades of blue. These tones can be festive and sophisticated, yet not too in-your-face." Suits in these hues can also be reused throughout the year, for example, at your next family wedding, so you aren't paying for a suit that you will only use once a year. However, if a burgundy suit is still too far out of your comfort zone, consider a festive shirt, tie or pocket square in these colours instead. If none of this sounds like 'you', you’re struggling for inspiration, or your event is right around the corner, and you still need to figure out what to wear, there is much to be said for an all-black outfit. A black suit, black shirt and black tie is one of the most simple but effective outfit choices you can make, and you can always jazz it up with some festive accessories if you so wish.
3. Select the right accessories
As already mentioned, you can opt for a relatively simple suit for any of your Christmas events this year, but a statement accessory or two can really bring your ensemble to life. Add some festive spirit to your attire with a themed tie or pocket square, for example. These can add to your overall look without being too overbearing. On the other hand, if you want to go even more subtle or your event is more formal, a seasonal cufflink would be more appropriate. When it comes to formality, Declyn added: "Whether it's a bold tie, or an eye-catching pair of cufflinks, one statement piece can elevate your entire look. However, you must consider your style and which accessories you pair with your outfit. For example, a designer belt will look great with semi-casual outfits but not on a formal one. At the same time, a matching festive tie and pocket square with suitable cufflinks will add value to your business suit."
4. Embrace seasonal textures
When planning your Christmas party outfit, you could consider more than colour or accessories alone. You can also take it one step further and introduce additional textures to your outfit, which you may not necessarily opt for outside of the festive period. "Think velvet, or a wool blend - these materials not only bring warmth but also add a seasonal festive touch to your outfit," Declyn recommended. Again, these don't need to be in bright colours - a black velvet blazer will give a polished and sleek yet festive appearance in the same way that a dark green or burgundy shirt would. The benefit of adding additional textures is that you can mix and match elements of the suit throughout the colder months, too. Why not wear your jacket with some jeans or chinos for Christmas Day or New Year's Eve? These options are versatile and go beyond your annual Christmas party season.
5. Experiment with layering
Speaking of versatility, layering is one of the most significant ways to achieve multiple looks (as well as added warmth) to your festive outfit. As Declyn suggests: "A stylish cardigan over a button-down shirt or a vest under your blazer can add depth and interest to your outfit while also keeping you warm." By opting for layers, you can also use your existing wardrobe. Pair a roll-neck with tailored trousers and a long-line overcoat, and you will have a smart casual outfit suitable for several seasonal events, for example.Speaking of versatility, layering is one of the most significant ways to achieve multiple looks (as well as added warmth) to your festive outfit.
5. Don't overlook footwear
Shoes are often the last thing considered when pulling together an outfit, especially around Christmas. Everyone has been there when it's the night before an event, and you can't find your favourite loafers. However, footwear can make or break an outfit. You don't want to be dressed in seasonal tones of browns and greens only to have all your efforts detracted by a pair of black patent brogues that don't fit the theme. Declyn advised: "Your footwear should complement your outfit. Avoid worn-out or overly casual shoes, particularly if you are wearing a suit. Instead, invest in polished, appropriate styles for the occasion, which you can wear throughout the year."
A Christmas party outfit should be about enjoying yourself - expressing your personality while adhering to any dress codes. At Slater Menswear, we have a vast selection of suits to choose from, or if you're looking for more guidance, head over to our Christmas partywear collection for more style inspiration. Speaking of versatility, layering is one of the most significant ways to achieve multiple looks (as well as added warmth) to your festive outfit. As Declyn suggests: "A stylish cardigan over a button-down shirt or a vest under your blazer can add depth and interest to your outfit while also keeping you warm." By opting for layers, you can also use your existing wardrobe. Pair a roll-neck with tailored trousers and a long-line overcoat, and you will have a smart casual outfit suitable for several seasonal events, for example. Speaking of versatility, layering is one of the most significant ways to achieve multiple looks (as well as added warmth) to your festive outfit.
Head over to our style inspiration hub for more expert fashion advice.
If you need some more inspiration then check out our social media channels and see how our customers have already styled our pieces this year.
