Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to Wear to a Holiday Party

19132 autosave v1 what to wear a holiday party header
Image used with permission by copyright holder
So, you’re wondering what to wear to a holiday party … we’ve got not one, but two ways to help you with that. The best menswear to put on for a holiday party is a tricky balance, a blend of classic pieces you know and love, plus ones with a bit of flair. For the man who likes straightforward, sharp classics, we’ll show you how to style a crisp cardigan with winter-ready boots. And for the guy who dresses with holiday fun in mind, the second outfit in this feature ought to do the trick nicely. Check what to wear to a holiday party off your list of concerns this season — we’ve got you covered.

Genevieve Poblano/The Manual
Recommended Videos

The Classic Outfit

  • The Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Cardigan – $98
    Abercrombie & Fitch does a great job making simple, subtly stylish staples — this cardigan, with just a bit of holiday flair, is a prime example. It’s the perfect antidote to any ugly holiday party sweaters.
  • The Dress Shirt: Mizzen+Main Kennedy Dress Shirt – $125
    Crisp, sharply tailored and easily wearable the rest of the work week, the Kennedy Dress Shirt from Mizzen+Main is anything but ordinary. Again, it’s the proper response to the guy who might have a laughing snowman on his sweater.
  • The Trousers: Mizzen+Main Vice President Charcoal Chino – $135
    Going with a look that’s a bit more tailored this holiday season? This refined pair of charcoal chinos has your name all over ‘em.
  • The Tie: Seize Sur Vingt Dark Navy Herringbone Tie – $140
    Leave the holiday printed novelty tie at home — at least, that’s our recommendation. This classic tie is supremely well-made — the sort of tie James Bond might pair with a charcoal suit. That means it’s more than suitable for your holiday party.
  • The Watc: MVMT Watches White Gold Classic Watch – $110
    It’s tough to find a subtly stylish watch that doesn’t cost a boatload — this handsome rose gold watch from MVMT leaves you plenty of money to splurge on a fine bottle of wine for your holiday party host (or yourself).
  • The Boots: Johnston & Murphy Conard Wingtip Boots – $179
    Navigating winter’s treacherous terrain is no fun — Johnston and Murphy is here to help with stylish, affordable wingtip boots.
the fun outfit
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The “Fun” Outfit

  • Bonobos Capstone Italian Wool Tuxedo Jacket – $700
    Now, for the man who wants to dress with a bit more pep in his step this holiday season … we think this tailored, well-made Bonobos tuxedo jacket is the perfect starting point.
  • J. Crew Everyday Cashmere Cardigan in Deep Navy – $148
    It’s different than a black vest or a cumberbund, and because we’re having fun with this outfit … that’s a great thing. This cashmere cardigan provides both warmth and visual interest when it comes to an extra layer against the chill of winter.
  • Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt – $128
    There’s virtually no wrong way to wear a sharp white dress shirt — that’s great news for you, because this simple option lets the striking tuxedo jacket do the talking.
  • The Tie Bar Solid Satin Bow Tie – $19
    A holiday party calls for only your best ensemble, right? And there’s nothing sharper than a neat twist on a black-tie ensemble — this satin bow tie echoes elegant refinement.
  • Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Blackwatch Plaid Pants – $248
    Here’s perhaps the most “fun” part of this outfit — a pair of blackwatch plaid pants that exude vintage cool and a dash of sly style. Plus, who doesn’t love getting dressed up in tailoring from Brooks Brothers?
  • Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxford – $395
    Because this outfit is based on a few statement pieces, there’s not a more elegant style move than black Oxfords for a smooth finish — Allen Edmonds makes some of the best out there, perfect for your holiday party.
  • Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch – $229
    To keep the focus on the plaid pants and burgundy tuxedo jacket — as sharp and stylish a combo as any — reach for a cleanly designed dress watch that’s a statement in and of itself.

Special thanks to our friends at Raven & Rose and The Rookery Bar in Portland, Oregon for allowing us to use their beautiful and historic restaurant and bar as a backdrop for our photo shoot. 

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
The 8 Best Crewneck Sweatshirts for Men in 2022
young handsome man on the streets of Amsterdam.

As temperatures start to drop, sweaters inevitably become the foundation of our wardrobes. Crewnecks offer the versatility of looking comfortable and cool without even trying. Whether it’s a heavyweight sweatshirt or patterned jacquard fine knit, there's a crewneck sweater out there for you.

The crewneck is a classic sweatshirt that was originally an all-cotton jersey but has made its way into men's wardrobes and has become a staple. The crewneck is simply called a sweatshirt and has a round neck with no collar. Here’s our roundup of the most eye-catching crew necks for every occasion.

Read more
How To Wear Desert Boots: Fall Styles and Outfits for Men
How to dress up desert boots for men.

There are certain style essentials we look forward to wearing each and every time the seasons change, especially as fall rolls back into town and brings with it the chance to dress with deeper textures and more rugged materials. Take desert boots, for instance. They look great in every season, sure, but there's something about fall that makes it a great time to really nail down how to wear desert boots. The desert boot is a modern style staple for plenty of reasons, chief among them the fact that it's both classic and modern, easy to dress up or dress down.

It's got an enduring history, too, starting from its origins as a literal desert boot, then fashioned with a crepe sole and worn by British soldiers, and on to its current status as a favorite of celebrities and stylish guys the world over. Desert boots are now available in a wide array of colors and materials, including suede and leather, but the most classic desert boots come from the brand that started it all: Clarks, which developed its own take on the boot decades ago after coming across a style worn by soldiers in Africa. There are quite a few pairs of desert boots that look like Clarks, but when you can get the original (and when you can style it a ton of different ways), why deviate from a perfect style essential? Here are a few desert boots outfits to really get you inspired when it comes to fall style.

Read more
The 15 Best Men’s Underwear You’ll Want To Wear Right Now
best underwear for men mack weldon

Guys, it's time to start to forget the saying, "Out of sight, out of mind" (at least when it comes to picking out underwear). Believe it or not, style is very important when it comes to choosing underwear -- even when it won't be on display for the masses. When choosing underwear you want to select styles that keep you comfortable throughout the day.

As one of the first pieces you put on and the last to take off, choosing a quality and durable underwear should be a priority. Underwear left the common, tighty-whitey world long ago. It’s now possible to find it in so many styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns that making a decision about what pair to wear is almost as complicated — and statement-making — as the rest of your wardrobe. Here we’ve attempted to cut through the noise a bit, offering our selects for the best boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs in various price points and styles.

Read more