The best Christmas party outfit for men is a suit or velvet tuxedo in a rich holiday color, worn with a crisp white shirt and one standout detail like a gold tie or velvet loafers. Below are five sharp looks, what each party's dress code really means, and how to time your order so it arrives before the party.
First, read the invitation
- Office party or "festive attire": a suit, tie optional. This is where holiday colors shine.
- Cocktail party: a dark or colored suit with a tie, or a velvet tuxedo if you want to stand out.
- Black tie or a New Year's Eve gala: a tuxedo with a bow tie. Velvet counts and looks right for the season.
Look 1: The black velvet tuxedo
Velvet is the one fabric that only feels right in December, which is exactly why it works. The Black Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo ($199) reads classic from across the room and rich up close. Wear it with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie and the Prince Velvet Loafer for a black-tie party, or swap the bow tie for an open collar at a cocktail party.
Look 2: A velvet tuxedo in holiday color
If black feels too expected, go for color. The Burgundy Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo and the Green Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo are made for Christmas parties, and the Navy Velvet Tuxedo carries straight into New Year's Eve. Keep everything else simple: white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes. See all velvet tuxedos.
Look 3: The burgundy suit
A burgundy (maroon) suit is the easiest way to look festive without a tuxedo. With a white shirt and a gold or champagne tie it's dressy enough for a cocktail party; with an open collar it's right for the office party. Brown or black shoes both work. More in our burgundy suits collection and our guide to wearing burgundy in winter.
Look 4: The forest green suit
Deep green is having a moment, and nothing says December like it. The Forest Green 2 Button Suit ($199) pairs well with a white shirt and a gold, burgundy or cream tie from our neckties. Brown shoes keep it warm; black shoes make it more formal. Browse all green suits.
Look 5: The silver gray suit for New Year's Eve
For a countdown party, the Silver Gray 2 Button Suit catches the light without trying too hard. Wear it with a white or black dress shirt and a dark tie, or no tie and a pocket square.
Details that finish the look
- Cufflinks: a French-cuff shirt with cufflinks instantly makes a suit feel like an occasion.
- Lapel pin: a small lapel pin is an easy way to add sparkle.
- Shoes: polished black for tuxedos and gray suits, brown for green and burgundy. See all shoes.
Order in time for the party
In-stock orders ship in 1-2 business days, and standard shipping takes another 4-5 business days, so order at least 10 days before your party. Shipping is free on US orders over $99. Every suit and tuxedo comes with pants unhemmed, so leave a few days for a tailor if you need one.
Not sure about your size? Read how a suit should fit, or email us at support@mensuits.com and one of our tailors will help.
