

For a hotel wedding and reception, you can err on the more formal side of cocktail attire. If the couple is getting married in a barn and having lawn games at their reception, chances are you can go for more casual cocktail attire. Consider the LocationĪn invitation to a summer evening wedding can leave dress up to interpretation, but take cues from the venue. The last thing you want to do is wear your best suit and bowtie to an ultra-casual backyard BBQ reception. Reach out to the couple if you have any questions at all about what to wear.
#Cocktail attire for men pro#

Similarly, heading to events such as office holiday parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations call for something more stylish. Some families opt for cocktail attire during their Thanksgiving dinner.

Retirement parties, anniversary celebrations, and rehearsal dinners are ideal opportunities to kick up your style a notch. Yet, there are occasions where a jacket and dress pants are the perfect fit. Celebrations: You don’t want to show up at your nephew’s first birthday cake smash in cocktail attire.However, you can take cues from the time of day and venue to figure out what type of cocktail wedding attire is expected. Luckily, invitations will typically state the type of dress. Weddings: Cocktail attire is often the standard for men, especially for an evening wedding.Beyond that, here are a few events where you may need to wear a suit jacket and a tie. Of course, cocktail attire is expected when an invitation indicates it as the dress code. Photo Credit // Unsplash When to Wear Cocktail Attire for Men Patterned socks and carefully placed jewelry-such as a quality watch or gold bracelet-can also add an extra style element. Add pops of personality with cufflinks and a pocket square, if you choose. Even though there are relatively strict standards, don’t toss your personal style out the window. Keep it classy in a freshly cleaned and pressed shirt. A semi-formal occasion isn’t the time for the sniff test to see if you can wear that oxford once again. Have your best shirt dry cleaned and ready to go.It’s a frequently overlooked piece, but it’s essential for a polished look. If you’re transitioning into your cocktail attire while traveling or after work, double check that you packed your belt. The only exception is fashion sneakers that have never seen the gymnasium. Ensure they are in pristine condition by polishing them or replacing the laces, but trade sneakers for upgraded footwear. You can always take it off if you feel it’s too formal, but don’t skip out on neckwear. This can be either a bow tie or a necktie, and be sure to include it in your look. You can also choose to wear a suit, but stay away from the formality of a solid black suit. Well-fitting blazers paired with coordinating-not matching-pants will work correctly. A jacket is a necessity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean suiting.So, here are a few basics on pieces to include for the perfect cocktail style. But phrases like “smart casual” or “summer formal” can cause many to do a double-take.įortunately, men’s cocktail attire allows a bit of freedom within a range of looks.
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Invitations most often arrive with some sort of dress code indicated, and we all want to arrive appropriately dressed for the occasion. Our comprehensive guide will have you looking your best from what to wear and when to wear it, no matter what drink is in your hand. However, when it comes to men’s cocktail attire, that can be a complete mystery-and that’s ok. Whether your standard drink is a whiskey sour, Tom Collins, or bourbon-neat, of course-you most likely have a favorite cocktail.
