Men's holiday party outfits come down to one question: what's the dress code? A casual friends' party, an office party, and a formal event each need a different level of polish. Here's how to build a men's holiday party outfit for every dress code, with formulas you can copy and pieces you can shop.
The foundation: great dark jeans
Dark, clean, well-fitting denim works for more holiday dress codes than most men expect. A tapered fit looks sharp with boots or loafers and dresses up easily with a good shirt and a blazer.
Shop the Men's Signed & Sealed Taper Denim Jeans
1. Casual party at a friend's place
Formula: graphic tee + dark jeans + clean sneakers + an overshirt or jacket.
For a house party or friendsgiving-style get-together, a quality graphic tee with dark jeans is right. Make it holiday-ready with a jacket on top and clean white sneakers.
Shop the Men's Connection Glue Black Graphic Tee
2. The office holiday party
Formula: long-sleeve button-up + dark jeans or chinos + leather boots or loafers + optional blazer.
A long-sleeve shirt in a festive color shows you made an effort without looking overdressed. Red is the obvious holiday choice and pairs perfectly with dark denim. Tuck it in, add a leather belt, and finish with Chelsea boots. If your office leans formal, a navy or charcoal blazer over the same outfit takes it up a notch.
Shop the Men's Show Off Red Long-Sleeve Shirt
3. Holiday dinner or a night out
Formula: printed button-up + dark jeans + boots.
A printed shirt has more personality than a solid one and works well for a restaurant dinner, a bar, or a holiday show. Keep everything else simple so the print stands out.
Shop the Men's Samuel Spread Print Button Shirt
4. Formal or cocktail holiday events
Formula: suit or blazer and trousers + dress shirt + dress shoes, with an optional velvet or patterned accent.
If the invite says cocktail or black tie optional, jeans won't cut it. Go with a dark suit, or a velvet blazer for a festive twist, a crisp shirt, and polished leather shoes. A pocket square or a holiday-color tie is enough of a nod to the season.
5. New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the one night men can go a little bolder. Try a darker shirt with some shine or texture, dark trousers or jeans, and boots. If you're going out with a partner, coordinating colors makes great photos. See our New Year's Eve Outfits guide for her side of the look.
Men's holiday dress codes at a glance
| Event | Dress code | Outfit formula | Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| House party | Casual | Graphic tee, dark jeans, jacket | Clean sneakers |
| Office party | Smart casual | Long-sleeve shirt, dark jeans or chinos | Chelsea boots or loafers |
| Dinner or night out | Smart casual | Printed shirt, dark jeans | Boots |
| Cocktail event | Cocktail | Suit or blazer, dress shirt | Dress shoes |
| Black tie | Formal | Tuxedo or dark suit | Patent or polished oxfords |
Fit and styling tips for men
- Shoulders first: a shirt or blazer's shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder.
- Sleeve length: long sleeves should end at the wrist bone.
- Jeans: no stacking at the ankle for a sharp look; tapered fits help.
- Match your leathers: belt and shoes in the same color.
- One festive element: a red shirt, a velvet blazer, or a patterned tie, not all three.
Shop men's denim in Men's Jeans. Dressing as a couple? See our Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for her looks.