Sitemap

A Man’s Guide to Donning the Right Cocktail Attire

2 min readMar 18, 2017

--

The moment you get a cocktail party invitation, you start planning your outfit for the event. Though some people find it easy to master a perfect cocktail attire, others get overwhelmed by the choices available. In fact, some are left wondering what the term ‘cocktail attire’ actually means. To help you demystify the cocktail dress code, here are some helpful tips. Let’s take a look.

Go for Blazers in Bright and Unconventional Colors

As cocktail party is not just any random party, try something different than your usual party attire. Though most men prefer wearing black and brown colored blazers, you must go for different color if you want to stand away from the crowd. Try blazers for men in slightly brighter and unconventional shades, such as olive green or burgundy. They will give your outfit a contemporary edge without overdoing it. You can also try patterned jackets for a metrosexual look.

Opt for Shirts in Neutral Tones

Keep your shirt in harmony with the blazer. If you are wearing a patterned jacket, buy men’s formal shirts with neutral tones, such as blue, white or gray. Or you can pair plain blazer for men with subtle checks or stripes. A crisp shirt is important for an elegant cocktail look. A wrinkled shirt can ruin the whole look, no matter how expensive clothes you have bought. So, make sure the shirt is ironed well. Also, avoid shirts with floppy collars.

Get Vikash Arora’s stories in your inbox

Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.

Choose Textured and Bright Ties

For formal occasions such as cocktail parties, a tie lends an urbane look to your outfit. Incorporate textured and bright ties in crocheted and silky versions that add modern styling. Get a little experimental with brighter hues of blue, red, and green for a lively cocktail look.

Pick a Printed Pocket Square

A pocket square adds depth to your cocktail attire and exudes sophistication. Invest in a pocket square to give a personal touch to your cocktail look. Get creative and go for interesting colours and prints. They give a desirable finishing touch to your formal look and ensure that you make a personal style statement.

Wear the Right Pair of Shoes

Oxford shoes are a good option for complementing your formal look. You can go for black and dark brown colors for the streamline shoe or get a textured look with a brogue punch hole design. Different types of loafers such as penny, tassel, and horsebit can be worn if the event is not strictly formal. So, invest in a new pair to rock that cocktail party look.

Wrapping Up

Finish the look with a pair of calf-length socks. They are long enough to cover your leg skin when seated. Match the socks color with your trousers, tie, shirt or blazer. If you are up for some experiment, choose patterned socks with different color combinations. Following these rules will surely help you master the perfect cocktail attire. If you have more style tips to add to add to the list, feel free to share in the comment section.

--

--

Vikash Arora
Vikash Arora

Written by Vikash Arora

Vikash Arora is a professional writer and active online shopper. http://www.homeshop18.com/