Classing up men’s holiday fashion

Men: It’s all about you and how to dress for the holidays.

It’s that time of year again. Time for all kinds of holiday parties, from family gatherings to work get togethers and even full blown formal galas. What is a man to wear to all of these different occasions through the season, which at least goes through New Year’s and may go well into January?

Women, if you have any men in your life, you’ll want to read this (and have them read it) so you can assist them in looking their best when attending occasions with you.

Let’s start with family gatherings, which usually are the most casual. Yes, you can probably get away with wearing sport team sweats, but why don’t you have a little more class this year (oh yeah, I said it) and throw on a pair of nice (no holes, stains or old ones) jeans and a new, non-offensive long sleeve t-shirt or sweater. You’ll be comfortable and look nice. Trust me; you’ll get extra points with mom. Extra credit: even if you’re not asked to, bring a dish to pass at the gathering; people will be amazed and delighted.

Next is the work get-together/party. There of course are different types of work parties from very casual to quite elaborate affairs. If it’s just an at the office, after hours potluck, you can get away with just leaving on what you wore to work. For a touch of whimsy, even if you’re wearing a casual, bring a fun holiday tie (this is the only time holiday ties are appropriate in the office) and put it on with the shirt you’re already wearing. Yes, it’s a funky look that you need to have the attitude for, but it will pay dividends in fun conversations.

If the work party is at a nicer restaurant or other nice spot, and you don’t have time to go home and change (I’m assuming you’re currently dressed casually), bring a colorful sweater or semi-casual jacket and put it over what you already have on. You can also add a tie to amp things up. Obviously you need to plan ahead so the colors and patterns coordinate.

If you work at a company that still has a full blown formal holiday party, either go home and change into a pair of dress pants, button up shirt and tie or suit if appropriate. If you don’t have time to go home, bring a change of clothes with you for a quick change. I don’t think there are any companies that still have a black tie event, but if there are and you work at one, black tie means tuxedo. Suck it up and put it on. I guarantee, you’ll look awesome. I’ve never seen a man in a well fit tuxedo that wasn’t incredibly handsome. Buy a tuxedo. You’ll wear it more than once (and may actually enjoy it).

If you’re attending a friend’s party, don’t dress like you’re going over on a weekend to hang out. Take it up a couple of levels and at minimum, wear some darkwash jeans and a semi-casual button up shirt. If you really want to impress, dress pants and a button up vibrant colored dress shirt will bring admiring looks. Have fun with the semi-casual button up by choosing one with bright colors and/or pattern. I love the ones with the cuffs and inside neck that are a different pattern/color than the rest of the shirt. They’re a great conversation starter if you’re the shy type.

If you’re going to a place of worship this season, be safe by wearing a minimum of khakis and a semi-casual button up shirt with non-athletic shoes. Feel free to be dressier.

I strongly believe that you can never be overdressed (within reason of course, no suits to beach parties). No matter what the event, if you show up and you’re dressed up more than other attendees, don’t worry about it. You most likely have the advantage because if you think about it, people usually think the best dressed person in the room is the leader, most successful, etc. Work the room! Meet new friends, possible clients, future employers and if you’re single, a possible significant other.