Holiday Party sTyle Ideas

 
Looking great for a party isn’t hard. RealGear4Realguys is here to help.
 
This weekend, I’m heading to an office party and a Sunday brunch ornament exchange. What to wear?
 
OFFICE PARTY. Is it formal or chill? How do you know the difference? If the party starts at 5 and you get to leave work early and it is at the bar down the street, it is a chill affair. If the party starts after 7 and is not located in the bar down the street, it’s probably a bit more formal. Either way, you still need to look great.
 
For the chill office party your best bet is to plan ahead. If you usually wear a suit to work, wear a blazer and shirt and tie instead, with a pair of wool pants. Add a cardigan if you have an important meeting that day. When you leave for the party, simply lose the tie! If the bar has white tablecloths and no pool table, you can keep your blazer on. Bonus is you will look great, and you will avoid the “suit/white shirt/no tie” look, which says “I didn’t really try.”
 
Something like this look would work: From nice business look to casual chill look just lose the tie and you are ready to pound the egg nog.

​For the formal office party, remember the golden rule – don’t embarrass your partner!
 
Since the event is during the evening, wear a black suit, black tux or dinner jacket, with a nice set of black slacks. Pro Tip: Borrow the slacks from your tux or suit and save the cost of a new pair of pants!
 
For the shirt and tie combinations you have options. Level 1 is a white shirt and black bow tie, which will look fantastic. Level 2 is a more modern option, a black shirt and black tie with a subtle paisley or checked pattern. This will ensure you stand out.
 

From standard to standout you will look amazing on this fun night, impress the boss and lock in that promotion!
 

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​Lastly, don’t forget about shoes. Two choices for this type of party: your basic captoe oxford in black or a slip-on loafer could work too. 

FRIENDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY: There are two ways to go here: You can dress nicely or you can dress really nicely. Either choice works, but brown cords, crappy jeans, T-shirts (even those with a picture of <insert holiday meme here>) and some faded Converse will get you coal in your stocking. Keep in mind your hosts have spent the day cleaning and cooking. The least you can do is get your gear right.

  A pair of dark jeans that fit and a nice pair of shoes are a great start. For shoes, I like a brougues, chukkas or even the loafers we discussed in a previous blog .  Pair up a button-down shirt that fits you well with a black blazer. Don’t forget the pocket square and bam you’re done! You can elevate this look simply by wearing a more formal dinner jacket. ​​ 

  If you don’t have an evening shirt that you like, replace the shirt with a T-shirt layered with a 3/4 zip up sweater, or if its chilly, go with a turtleneck/blazer.  A dark colored blazer works well here, or of course my favorite, tweed. 

Pro tip: Don’t focus on holiday colors or themes when getting your gear together.  Holiday spirit is implied because you are at a holiday event. If you must, you can add some holiday socks or perhaps a snowman lapel pin.
 
If you must show your holiday spirit, go with this special number, but you didn’t hear it from RealGear4RealGuys. 

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