‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings.
While getting dolled might be fun for some, dressing up can be challenging for most guys – especially after 18+ months of working from home and wearing sweatpants.
Dean Handspiker, vice president of retail at Indochino shares his top tips for being the best dressed party guest – and it doesn’t always require donning a suit!
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings. While getting dolled might be fun for some, dressing up can be challenging for most guys – especially after 18+ months of working from home and wearing sweatpants
Dean Handspiker, vice president of retail at Indochino shares his top tips for being the best dressed party guest (and it doesn’t always require wearing a suit!)
To look like a better-dressed version of you, Dean suggests a monochromatic look
To look like a better-dressed version of you, Dean suggests a monochromatic ensemble.
‘Tans, grays or navy from head to toe make a style statement,’ said the expert.
While the popularity of the ugly sweater has snowballed over the years, if you want to look and feel festive at a casual get-together, Dean says to opt for a chunky or fine gauge red sweater and to avoid anything with reindeer or Santa.
Plaid pants are also a good option.
While a check shirt is a staple in a man’s winter wardrobe, patterned pants can be trickier to pull off.
‘Pair with a simple turtleneck,’ recommends Dean.
‘You can layer up with a velvet blazer or a slim fitting jean jacket.’
‘Tans, grays or navy from head to toe make a style statement,’ said the expert
Looking the part at a seasonal soiree shows respect for the host and the other attendees. If the invitation says formal, be advised that that doesn’t have to mean a suit and tie
Looking the part at a seasonal soiree shows respect for the host and the other attendees.
If the invitation says formal, be advised that that doesn’t have to mean a suit and tie.
‘Consider a fine gauge turtleneck with tartan trousers, or a jewel-toned velvet jacket, crisp white shirt and dark denim,’ says the style expert.
But when the dress code is unclear, Dean advises wearing a suit.
‘Men should default to a suit, or a sport coat at least. If you end up being over-dressed you’ll still be the best dressed.
‘Crisp white shirt, grey suit, polished black shoe. The lightest of grey flannel is the newest twist on this combo.’
Repeating the same jacket to several events in the next two weeks is perfectly okay. People are unlikely to notice if worn differently. Styling options Dean suggests are: ‘with a button down shirt or fine-gauge sweater, with dress trousers or dark denim.’
If the invitation says formal, be advised that that doesn’t have to mean a suit and tie. ‘Consider a fine gauge turtleneck with tartan trousers, or a jewel-toned velvet jacket, crisp white shirt and dark denim,’ says the style expert.
‘Pockets squares can add color and pattern to a basic suit and a more refined shoe or boot also ups the style factor.’
‘Men should default to a suit, or a sport coat at least. If you end up being over-dressed you’ll still be the best dressed. Crisp white shirt, grey suit, polished black shoe. The lightest of grey flannel is the newest twist on this combo.’
Figuring out how to appear polished isn’t as difficult or as expensive as you may think.
According to Dean: ‘Pockets squares can add color and pattern to a basic suit and a more refined shoe or boot also ups the style factor.’
And don’t feel the need to splurge on multiple outfits. Repeating the same jacket to several events (i.e. Christmas dinner and New Years Eve party) in the next two weeks is perfectly okay. People are unlikely to notice if worn differently.
Styling options Dean suggests are: ‘with a button down shirt or fine-gauge sweater, with dress trousers or dark denim.’