hestnuts are roasting, the sleigh bells are ringing, lights are twinkling, and cheery Christmas carols can be heard world round — the festive season is well and truly upon us.
And arriving with it — and that of Rudolph’s ever-so shiny red-nose — is considered by many the most wonderful time of the year: the holiday (Christmas) party season. |
In essence one long (month spanning) festive celebration, its high time you took to revelling in all of its yuletide resplendence and fully basking (as well as carousing at will) in its busy social calendar in what would be considered a most sartorially astute manner by means of channeling its festive spirit through that of your personal style whether you are dashing through the snow whilst going about town shopping, heading to the yearly holiday office party or family reunion, attending a glamorous Christmas black tie affair, or simply (are intent upon) relaxing in the lap of luxury come Christmas day.
Be that as it may, this is certainly not the time of year to carelessly compromise when its comes to matters pertaining to your personal style — especially if you consider yourself a true gentleman of style who see fits in wearing his pride upon what is an immaculately fashioned and well tailored sleeve.
But why?
Certainly not simply because all eyes may well be focused on you but rather due to the often neglected fact that there is indeed far more then meets the eye when it comes to properly dressing for the season at hand — and all of its differing social calling cards and dress codes — then desperately resorting to the sporting of an ironic and ugly Christmas jumper come every social twist-and-turn (i.e. to any and all holiday occasions).
Be that as it may, this is certainly not the time of year to carelessly compromise when its comes to matters pertaining to your personal style — especially if you consider yourself a true gentleman of style who see fits in wearing his pride upon what is an immaculately fashioned and well tailored sleeve.
But why?
Certainly not simply because all eyes may well be focused on you but rather due to the often neglected fact that there is indeed far more then meets the eye when it comes to properly dressing for the season at hand — and all of its differing social calling cards and dress codes — then desperately resorting to the sporting of an ironic and ugly Christmas jumper come every social twist-and-turn (i.e. to any and all holiday occasions).
So, if you have not already taken to properly prepping for what lays ahead, here's an inspirational style guide that channels the spirit of the season in the form of a yuletide-inspired capsule collection of well fashioned looks that will settle in nicely at five (5) of the most celebrated and traditional staple events of the festive season.
All but guaranteeing that you will cut a handsome and dashing figure all season long, each one of these aspirational looks (being both formal and casual in nature) is capable of making you the best dressed gent in any room — whether it be a resplendent ballroom, the family den, or the finest restaurant in town — for what will assuredly be (for some) the hazy eggnog-induced weeks that lay ahead.
Now, as for the small talk, personal charismatic charm, and the mental fortitude that is needed to navigate through it all (the festive rounds as it were), those I humbly cannot assist with and are solely your responsibility to handle.
Style on the other hand, well here is what to consider wearing and how to wear it this holiday party season…
All but guaranteeing that you will cut a handsome and dashing figure all season long, each one of these aspirational looks (being both formal and casual in nature) is capable of making you the best dressed gent in any room — whether it be a resplendent ballroom, the family den, or the finest restaurant in town — for what will assuredly be (for some) the hazy eggnog-induced weeks that lay ahead.
Now, as for the small talk, personal charismatic charm, and the mental fortitude that is needed to navigate through it all (the festive rounds as it were), those I humbly cannot assist with and are solely your responsibility to handle.
Style on the other hand, well here is what to consider wearing and how to wear it this holiday party season…
~ THE MIDAS TUX ~
Keep it simple and understated yet a step above the typical sea of black if the party dress code calls for black tie attire with this sartorially elevated white shawl collared tuxedo dinner jacket that will work wonders at any holiday black tie soiree.
An eye-catcher in every respect that is a touch more festive in its discerning palette (then that of black that is) as well as a piece that will help you own the night, this opulent number from Kingsman simply exudes refined flair in spades whilst being expertly tailored with a fastidious attention to the finer points of detail.
Impeccably well cut from a masculine yet pristine white cotton with a full canvas construction that affords its elegant, slim profile a hold that will prevail for years to come and marked by both its contemporary single button fastening and its texturally accented faille shawl lapels (which are lined with smooth satin for the most luxurious of finishes), no gentleman will regret sporting this exquisite piece come this years festive black tie affair.
Keep it simple and understated yet a step above the typical sea of black if the party dress code calls for black tie attire with this sartorially elevated white shawl collared tuxedo dinner jacket that will work wonders at any holiday black tie soiree.
An eye-catcher in every respect that is a touch more festive in its discerning palette (then that of black that is) as well as a piece that will help you own the night, this opulent number from Kingsman simply exudes refined flair in spades whilst being expertly tailored with a fastidious attention to the finer points of detail.
Impeccably well cut from a masculine yet pristine white cotton with a full canvas construction that affords its elegant, slim profile a hold that will prevail for years to come and marked by both its contemporary single button fastening and its texturally accented faille shawl lapels (which are lined with smooth satin for the most luxurious of finishes), no gentleman will regret sporting this exquisite piece come this years festive black tie affair.
Beyond that, simply finish off your ensemble with what is a rather fine collection of traditional black-tie fixings, albeit with a more yuletide-leaning agenda in mind: a freshly pressed white cotton dinner shirt (Turnbull & Asser), black velvet slippers (Trickers; or patent-leather polished black Oxfords if you prefer), wool and mohair black (striped) tuxedo trousers (Kingsman), snow flake cufflinks (The Tie Bar), cashmere (Ralph Lauren tuxedo-clad martini bear) socks, a (rakish) polka dot bow-tie (The Tie Bar), a formal navy cashmere polka dot scarf (Kingsman + Drake's),and perhaps a thin black evening (dress) watch (Junghans; not shown) as well as a classic black or charcoal grey overcoat (Noose & Monkey; not shown) of your choosing.
~ Flawless. Graceful. Resplendent ~
~ Flawless. Graceful. Resplendent ~
~ FESTIVE ROLL-UP ~
Often touted as an opportunity to let loose (so to speak), the holiday office party is an occasion that arrives with a festive veneer that covers up a harsh reality that one is always under the watch of "big brother" and that he should not see fit in acting upon all his yuletide-induced urges nor take the liberty of making an appearance whilst wearing anything that would stand to reason against his characteristic dignity nor prevailing sartorial aptitude — ugly Christmas jumper included.
Mind you, dressing for an office Christmas party will only truly be a cause for concern if you fail to read between the lines and misjudge the dress code incorrectly…which many stand guilty of doing year after after.
So, what is the key to mastering its dress code parameters whilst also changing it up?
Often touted as an opportunity to let loose (so to speak), the holiday office party is an occasion that arrives with a festive veneer that covers up a harsh reality that one is always under the watch of "big brother" and that he should not see fit in acting upon all his yuletide-induced urges nor take the liberty of making an appearance whilst wearing anything that would stand to reason against his characteristic dignity nor prevailing sartorial aptitude — ugly Christmas jumper included.
Mind you, dressing for an office Christmas party will only truly be a cause for concern if you fail to read between the lines and misjudge the dress code incorrectly…which many stand guilty of doing year after after.
So, what is the key to mastering its dress code parameters whilst also changing it up?
Just add a shot of holiday cheer and festive dash to your standard business attire by substituting out your average blue or grey wool suit for that of a rustic country-gent inspired grey, brown and blue checked alpaca wool number (Suitsupply) that is fancifully juxtaposed by a playfully plush burgundy fine-gauge cashmere rollneck (William Lockie; standing in for the tried-and-true shirt and tie combination) and a luxurious pair of classic cocoa-hued patent leather Gucci bit loafers.
A truly charming sartorial placebo in sheer visual pleasure to what is often the most confusing of all holiday party dressage conundrums, this look strikes the perfect balance between keeping the office status quo and channeling the festive spirit of the season before finally being topped off with what may be a rather unexpected starring outerwear player: a nylon quilted, fur-hooded black parka (Todd Snyder x Rocky Mountain Featherbed).
The rest? Close it out with a stainless steel silver meshed watch (Mondaine), a pair of burgundy argyle socks (Marcoliani), and a “Deck The Halls” festive burgundy pocket square (The Tie Bar).
~ The true calling card of a yuletide bon-vivant indeed ~
A truly charming sartorial placebo in sheer visual pleasure to what is often the most confusing of all holiday party dressage conundrums, this look strikes the perfect balance between keeping the office status quo and channeling the festive spirit of the season before finally being topped off with what may be a rather unexpected starring outerwear player: a nylon quilted, fur-hooded black parka (Todd Snyder x Rocky Mountain Featherbed).
The rest? Close it out with a stainless steel silver meshed watch (Mondaine), a pair of burgundy argyle socks (Marcoliani), and a “Deck The Halls” festive burgundy pocket square (The Tie Bar).
~ The true calling card of a yuletide bon-vivant indeed ~
~ HAIL THE PEACOAT ~
It’s often forgotten that for most life is not one endless turnstile of festive black tie clad Gatsbian parties where resplendent formality is the only par for the course.
Case in point being the quite structurally undefined yet eminently popular casual holiday soiree that can see a gent venturing anywhere from the nearest pub (bar) to the neighbourhood holiday block party — all in a single given night.
So, if your Christmas season plans require a look that can effortlessly transition from Christmas shopping in the afternoon to evenings that are whiled away anywhere from your go-to gentleman’s club and fine-dining restaurant to the finest local watering hole (pubs, neighbours bars, etc) or neighbourly holiday shindig, then this ensemble should be your port of call.
It’s often forgotten that for most life is not one endless turnstile of festive black tie clad Gatsbian parties where resplendent formality is the only par for the course.
Case in point being the quite structurally undefined yet eminently popular casual holiday soiree that can see a gent venturing anywhere from the nearest pub (bar) to the neighbourhood holiday block party — all in a single given night.
So, if your Christmas season plans require a look that can effortlessly transition from Christmas shopping in the afternoon to evenings that are whiled away anywhere from your go-to gentleman’s club and fine-dining restaurant to the finest local watering hole (pubs, neighbours bars, etc) or neighbourly holiday shindig, then this ensemble should be your port of call.
Excelling in exuding a rather charming aesthetic aura that is both festive in spirit and practical in transitional nature, its gorgeously pristine, warm and undeniably sophisticated faux fur collared light camel peacoat (from Reiss) leads the way and pairs particularly well with its accentuated partners in style: light grey herringbone wool trousers (Topman), black suede Dean Chelsea boots (Paul Evans), and a rather unexpected fluffy black-and-white striped mohair jumper (Topman).
Finish it off with grey cashmere cable-knit socks (Corgi), thick black rimmed aviators (Tom Ford), a minimalist black dress watch (Daniel Wellington), and a Prince of Wales checked lambswool scarf (Scotch & Soda) should you desire standing out for all the right reasons this holiday season and wherever the night takes you.
~ Simple & Refined ~
Finish it off with grey cashmere cable-knit socks (Corgi), thick black rimmed aviators (Tom Ford), a minimalist black dress watch (Daniel Wellington), and a Prince of Wales checked lambswool scarf (Scotch & Soda) should you desire standing out for all the right reasons this holiday season and wherever the night takes you.
~ Simple & Refined ~
~ PREPPY WINTER WONDERLAND ~
Chances are likely in favour of your family reunion being somewhat of a pared-back affair, but that needn’t mean that you should endeavour to carelessly dialling it in when it comes to what you wear (i.e. no sweats nor hoodies please) as these are after all the people you care about most in life and who deserve the upmost of respect in all manners of speaking — which includes how you present yourself to their (unjudgemental?) eyes.
That said, this is also not the time to suit up in your finest bespoke formalwear nor to pull all your sartorial punches but rather an occasion where appearing very well kempt whilst maintaining a certain level of comfort and familiarity with your styling is in the cards.
Your best bet: aim to look sharp and well put-together in what is a more leisurely and festive manner then is typically expected from year-to-year.
And as it so happens this ensemble manages to accomplish just such a feat by means of keeping it fresh yet refined and never carelessly sloppy in its various components.
Chances are likely in favour of your family reunion being somewhat of a pared-back affair, but that needn’t mean that you should endeavour to carelessly dialling it in when it comes to what you wear (i.e. no sweats nor hoodies please) as these are after all the people you care about most in life and who deserve the upmost of respect in all manners of speaking — which includes how you present yourself to their (unjudgemental?) eyes.
That said, this is also not the time to suit up in your finest bespoke formalwear nor to pull all your sartorial punches but rather an occasion where appearing very well kempt whilst maintaining a certain level of comfort and familiarity with your styling is in the cards.
Your best bet: aim to look sharp and well put-together in what is a more leisurely and festive manner then is typically expected from year-to-year.
And as it so happens this ensemble manages to accomplish just such a feat by means of keeping it fresh yet refined and never carelessly sloppy in its various components.
Highlighted by its — conversation starting — centrepiece, the black tuxedo and martini-clad festive Ralph Lauren bear jumper that stands as the staunch sartorialist's tastefully considered rendition of the so-called ugly Christmas jumper phenomenon, before being properly accentuated by it likel-minded and finely curated contingent of preppy wardrdrobe mainstays (Scotch & Soda hooded duffle coat, Ralph Lauren contrast collar plaid shirt, Topman black leather tasseled loafers) and festive pieces alike (Topman black-watch trousers and Nordstrom black-watch scarf + Express black cable-knit pom pom beanie), this look is a vertiable preppy style winter wonderland.
Painting a well though out sartorial picture that you will not regret for years to come when reflecting back upon the vast array of yultide editions of the Christmas family portrait, this family reunion inspired look keeps things both properly sophisticated and playfully festive without veering into either kitschy sweater or even garrish acessorizing territory.
~ Polished & Sincere ~
Painting a well though out sartorial picture that you will not regret for years to come when reflecting back upon the vast array of yultide editions of the Christmas family portrait, this family reunion inspired look keeps things both properly sophisticated and playfully festive without veering into either kitschy sweater or even garrish acessorizing territory.
~ Polished & Sincere ~
~ THE PRINTED FESTIVE FINISH ~
Stocking having been pillaged, gifts properly unwrapped and Christmas morning brunch is well in the books, one would image it would be high time to transition from one’s leisurewear into something a touch more civilized should you be intent upon venturing out into the “real” world (and cold).
My advice: fashion an outfit out of your newest sartorial acquisitions or take a glance above to channel a look that works whether you are set upon taking an afternoon leisurely stroll in the countryside with that special someone or fancy venturing into the city to bask in (for one last time) the height of the Christmas spirit and all the festive tidings (from the decorations to the twinkling lights) of the season.
Offering what is a masterclass in layering that is neither overworked nor overdone (or carelessly misappropriated mind you), whilst retaining what is a most welcome level of comfort and endearingly sophisticated polish, this peculiar look should prove capable of making your life easier (and a touch more festive) with its reliance upon timeless gentlemanly wardrobing staples that have been reimagined and repurposed in elevated (winter-ready) forms.
Pared-down and unifying in its properly layered beauty and totality, the piece de resistance is by and large the navy-and-gold Moncler quilted wool down navy blazer, which is a winter-ready take on the traditional wardrobe stalwart and an unsung holiday hero piece in its own right.
Stocking having been pillaged, gifts properly unwrapped and Christmas morning brunch is well in the books, one would image it would be high time to transition from one’s leisurewear into something a touch more civilized should you be intent upon venturing out into the “real” world (and cold).
My advice: fashion an outfit out of your newest sartorial acquisitions or take a glance above to channel a look that works whether you are set upon taking an afternoon leisurely stroll in the countryside with that special someone or fancy venturing into the city to bask in (for one last time) the height of the Christmas spirit and all the festive tidings (from the decorations to the twinkling lights) of the season.
Offering what is a masterclass in layering that is neither overworked nor overdone (or carelessly misappropriated mind you), whilst retaining what is a most welcome level of comfort and endearingly sophisticated polish, this peculiar look should prove capable of making your life easier (and a touch more festive) with its reliance upon timeless gentlemanly wardrobing staples that have been reimagined and repurposed in elevated (winter-ready) forms.
Pared-down and unifying in its properly layered beauty and totality, the piece de resistance is by and large the navy-and-gold Moncler quilted wool down navy blazer, which is a winter-ready take on the traditional wardrobe stalwart and an unsung holiday hero piece in its own right.
Distinctively luxurious in its fine heritage craftsmanship and lending itself particularly well to most any discerning festivity that may find itself on the Christmas Day docket, it is incredibly easy-to-wear and capable of functioning as a stand-alone outerwear foundation staple whether you see the day off at the skating rink or at your favourite romantic spot for a night of specialized holiday frivolity.
Paired here with a spirited Fair Isle jumper (Moncler) that is worn atop a classic white poplin button-down shirt (Todd Snyder; not shown) before being rounded out below the waist with slim-fitting white jeans (Ralph Lauren/Topman) and weather-proof brown suede double monk-straped shoes (Aquatala), one could say the look (in its sheer totality) is artfully masculine in its traditional underpinnings whilst characteristically embodying the sartorial passion and stylish fortitude of a man who is completely at ease in his own skin.
Tack on an insulating wool rib-knit beanie (Topman), a pair of striped navy-and-grey wool smartphone gloves (J. Crew), a light grey striped cashmere scarf (Cole Haan), and a set of navy wool-blend Fair Isle socks (Corgi) and what you have is the true calling card of a gentleman who is not satisfied with anything but the finer (and finest) things in life.
~ Festively Spirit & Sartorially Charming ~
Paired here with a spirited Fair Isle jumper (Moncler) that is worn atop a classic white poplin button-down shirt (Todd Snyder; not shown) before being rounded out below the waist with slim-fitting white jeans (Ralph Lauren/Topman) and weather-proof brown suede double monk-straped shoes (Aquatala), one could say the look (in its sheer totality) is artfully masculine in its traditional underpinnings whilst characteristically embodying the sartorial passion and stylish fortitude of a man who is completely at ease in his own skin.
Tack on an insulating wool rib-knit beanie (Topman), a pair of striped navy-and-grey wool smartphone gloves (J. Crew), a light grey striped cashmere scarf (Cole Haan), and a set of navy wool-blend Fair Isle socks (Corgi) and what you have is the true calling card of a gentleman who is not satisfied with anything but the finer (and finest) things in life.
~ Festively Spirit & Sartorially Charming ~
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Be it a resplendent black tie Christmas ball, an informal festive family brunch, or even a yuletide cocktail or (an oft dreaded) holiday office party, in truth dressing for the festive party season can be for some a confusing, sometimes frustrating affair while for others a pure, unadulterated sartorial pleasure that (by all accounts) delivers upon the hype of being the most wonderful time of the year.
Howbeit, and irrespective of whether or not you are plagued by any issues when it comes to "what to wear" or even gift, the five curated looks fashioned above are fully capable of functioning as either a sartorial panacea to what stylishly ails your holiday wardrobe or as an inspirational guiding light (of sorts) that demonstrates the underlying styling principles that rest at the beating heart of each respective event's stipulated dress code. That being said, and for members of both the former and latter camps, do keep in mind these 4 key holiday style principles should you desire looking (and feeling) your finest all season long: fit is king (ie. get your attire tailored to perfection); dress codes do in fact matter (so be sure to ask questions if you are unsure of what is required should you be confused); a holiday scent can make the difference; and don't resort to that ugly Christmas sweater (I guarantee no one will miss it). |
: Party Style Inspiration :
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And with that, ladies and gentlemen, I would just like to send you fashionable lot off by saying Merry Christmas as well as Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (in addition to any other holiday or festive occasion that traditional marks your calendar this season that I may have missed).
Cheers!
Cheers!
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Share your thoughts…
What invites have you received or parties have you already attended this season? And what decide to sport whilst attending such occasions? Also, what festive dress code most troubles you on a consistent basis?
Feel free to share your thoughs and musings below if you please and I will reply in turn…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Feel free to share your thoughs and musings below if you please and I will reply in turn…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
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24 Days of Gift Giving: The 2016 Style Advent Calendar
- Festive Formal Charm: A Guide To Wearing Black-Watch Tartan
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