Holiday Dressing Tips For Men Only

As the holiday season hits full swing, it's time to pull your look together to hit the soiree circuit. Whether it's an office party, drinks with your college buddies, a family gathering, or the dreaded party down the street at 'the Jones's', it's important to put some thought into your evening outfits.
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As the holiday season hits full swing, it's time to pull your look together to hit the soiree circuit. Whether it's an office party, drinks with your college buddies, a family gathering, or the dreaded party down the street at "the Jones's", it's important to put some thought into your evening outfits.

IT'S IN THE FLANNEL

Instead of the typical holiday sweater in red or green, consider wearing a gray flannel blazer or even full flannel suit. I am a believer in breaking up your suit and wearing the gray flannel jacket on its own with jeans or cords. If you do break it up, try wearing a pocket square in a rich texture that will compliment your shirt. Depending on your coloration, you can go light, medium or dark charcoal. All tones are acceptable when dressing for evening. No tie necessary in this case because the pocket square will complete this more casual approach.

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Image courtesy of Suit Supply.

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Image courtesy of Suit Supply.

THE SUIT ROUTE

If you go the full suit route, I would suggest either a tie or pocket square, or both. Keep it simple by wearing a crisp white shirt with a white linen pocket square, adding an eggplant, bright blue or even wine colored tie. A burgundy wool tie provides incredible texture and a bold splash of color. I also like wearing a lightweight v-neck sweater in the same tone as the suit jacket, it's all about layering.

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Burgundy wool slim tie, image courtesy of Charles Tyrwhitt.

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Flannel suit, image courtesy of Brooks Brothers.

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Images courtesy of J. Crew.

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Image courtesy of Made Clothing Co on Tumblr.

GET TEXTURED

Texture is in this season! Go for neckwear in wool or cashmere as opposed to traditional silk. Not only is it trendy, but also more practical. To add more texture, you can try a slim wale corduroy shirt in a saturated color, think blue, emerald, eggplant, or another shade of gray with dark denim jeans on the bottom. You can also look at a dressier solid cotton flannel button-down, which will look great with cords. A gray-washed cotton flannel shirt with white detail is incredibly chic with a gray jacket and white pocket square.

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Wool tie and English herringbone pocket square, mages courtesy of J.Crew.

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Image courtesy of Charles Tyrwhitt.

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Corduroy and flannel shirts, images courtesy of Uniqlo.

THE WING-TIP MAN

For shoes, go with the wing-tip boot. There are many options available at every price point. Wear your wing-tips with a suit or a jacket and jeans. It will give your look a slightly sportier feeling and will allow you to stand out in a tasteful and subtle way.

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Images courtesy of Frye and Massimo Dutti.

Remember, great taste is in the details. Happy Holidays! Follow my men's column on the Visual Therapy blog for more tips.

Earlier on Huff/Post50:

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