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Figuring out a men’s holiday party outfit sounds simple until he reads festive attire on the invitation, stares into the closet, and seriously considers the light-up reindeer sweater from 2014. The best holiday looks for guys are usually one step dressier than normal, with a single seasonal detail doing all the work.
These are the outfits that cover the office party, the family dinner, and the New Year’s countdown without anyone looking like a mall Santa.
1. Burgundy Velvet Blazer, Black Turtleneck, and Black Trousers
A burgundy velvet blazer is the most confident thing a man can wear to a holiday party without saying a word. The texture reads festive from across the room, and a black turtleneck underneath keeps it modern rather than smoking jacket cosplay. Black trousers leave the blazer as the only statement, which is exactly the point. Save it for a cocktail party or a dinner where the host definitely bought a new tablecloth. Black suede loafers and a simple watch finish it, and he should be ready to answer where did you get that blazer at least four times.
The navy suit is still the safest bet at the office holiday party, but it does not have to be boring. Swap the usual silk tie for a dark green knit tie, and the whole outfit suddenly feels seasonal. It is a small change that says he made an effort without making a spectacle of himself. The crisp white shirt keeps everything clean for that inevitable photo with the CEO. Brown leather shoes and a matching belt ground the look, and a tie bar keeps the knit tie from dipping into the punch bowl.
3. Cream Cable Knit Sweater, Blue Oxford, and Gray Flannel Trousers
There is a cozy kind of polish that only happens when a cream cable knit meets gray flannel trousers. Let a light blue button down collar peek out at the neck, and it looks thoughtful in a very home for the holidays way. This one belongs at the in-laws’ dinner, ideally somewhere with a crackling fireplace and a dog under the table. Brown suede chukkas keep it relaxed. He will look like the guy in the holiday catalog who always carries the pie in from the car without dropping it.
4. Slim Black Suit, Black Turtleneck, and Chelsea Boots
Some men want to look festive, and some want to look like they own the lounge, and this outfit is firmly the second one. A slim black suit over a fine merino turtleneck is sleek and modern, made for evening parties and New Year’s Eve. Skipping the shirt and tie keeps the mood relaxed rather than corporate. Black Chelsea boots continue the clean line all the way down. A silver watch is the only jewelry he needs, and then he can lean fully into the mysterious guy at the bar energy.
Tartan trousers are for the man who is ready to be the most festive person in the room in the most tasteful possible way. A green and navy plaid feels instantly holiday, and a solid navy crew neck sweater keeps the top half calm. It is exactly right for the family party where Grandpa already wears his own plaid vest and will be thrilled to have company. Brown loafers finish it off. Expect a few compliments and at least one relative asking whether he picked them up in Scotland.
6. Dark Green Corduroy Suit and Cream Turtleneck
Corduroy suits have made a real comeback, and a dark green one might be the best holiday party suit a man can own. The wale gives it warmth and texture, and the color is festive without shouting about it. A cream turtleneck underneath keeps things cozy and a little literary. It lands in that sweet spot between casual and dressed up, which covers most December invitations. Brown suede boots complete it, and he will look like a man who owns records and makes a genuinely good mulled wine.
7. Quarter Zip Sweater, Oxford Shirt, and Dark Jeans
The quarter zip has quietly become the uniform of the casual holiday party, and honestly, it earns the spot. Over a crisp Oxford shirt with dark jeans, it looks put together without the stiffness of a blazer. Choose merino in forest green or charcoal for a slightly richer feel. This is the right call when the invite says casual but everyone knows it means clean. White leather sneakers or brown boots finish it, and he can unzip it a notch once the room warms up and the second round of eggnog appears.
8. Classic Tuxedo with a Velvet Bow Tie
When the invitation says black tie, the tuxedo still wins, but a velvet bow tie keeps it from feeling like a rental. Keep the tux classic, black with satin lapels, and let the bow tie bring the holiday in deep burgundy or midnight blue. Gala nights and the fancy New Year’s Eve countdown are where this really shines. Patent leather shoes and simple cufflinks complete the look. He will look like the dashing spy in every holiday movie, which is a mood the whole party can get behind.
9. Fair Isle Sweater and Olive Chinos
Not every holiday sweater needs to light up, sing, or feature a reindeer mid sneeze. A classic fair isle sweater brings the festive spirit with none of the cringe, and it looks great with olive or khaki chinos. This is the move for the ugly sweater party when he flatly refuses to wear an ugly sweater. Brown leather boots and a canvas watch strap keep it casual. He still gets to feel festive, and he will never have to explain a pom pom in the family photo album for years to come.
10. Charcoal Blazer, Muted Plaid Shirt, and Dark Jeans
A charcoal blazer over a subtle plaid shirt is a smart way to dress up jeans without committing to a full suit. The plaid carries the holiday touch, and the blazer brings enough structure to walk into any room with confidence. Keep the shirt pattern muted, maybe a deep red and navy check, so it reads festive instead of lumberjack. Dark jeans and brown leather boots finish it. It moves easily from the office party at five to a friend’s dinner at eight, and it photographs well at both.
A double breasted navy blazer has a little old Hollywood in it, and that is precisely why it works at a holiday party. Pair it with light gray trousers and a crisp white shirt, then tuck a red or green silk pocket square into the breast pocket. Brown loafers finish it with ease. Picture the cocktail party where a jazz trio plays in the corner and someone is definitely going to give a toast that runs long. He will look like he has attended many such parties and enjoyed every one.
12. Black Leather Jacket, Gray Merino Sweater, and Black Jeans
For the guy who would rather be at a concert than a cocktail party, a leather jacket over a gray merino sweater is the holiday compromise. Black jeans and boots keep it a bit rock and roll, while the soft knit adds a seasonal feel. December bar meetups and casual friend parties are its natural habitat. If the event runs slightly dressier, he can swap the leather for a wool overcoat at the door. Either way, it is simple and stylish, and it is very hard to get wrong.
13. Camel Overcoat Over a Gray Suit
Some outfits are all about the entrance, and a camel overcoat over a gray suit makes a very good one. The coat makes any suit look more expensive the second he walks through the door, and it keeps him warm on the walk from the car. Underneath, keep it classic with a white shirt and a dark tie. Brown leather shoes and gloves complete the picture. Whether it is a downtown party or a dinner where the coat check is half the experience, he will look ready for a holiday movie montage.
A long sleeve knit polo is the stylish middle ground between a sweater and a dress shirt, and in emerald it feels especially festive. With tailored navy trousers, it looks sleek and modern without trying too hard. Think dinner with friends at a nice restaurant, or a holiday cocktail where a tie would feel like too much. Brown suede loafers and a leather belt finish it. He will look put together and relaxed, and he will not spend the night tugging at a stiff collar.
15. Houndstooth Blazer, Gray Turtleneck, and Charcoal Trousers
Houndstooth has a dapper, slightly British charm that feels made for December. A black and white houndstooth blazer over a gray turtleneck and charcoal trousers creates a tonal outfit that looks sharp without a single loud color. The pattern does the talking, which makes it a great pick for men who dislike red and green but still want to look like they made an effort. Black leather boots keep it modern. He might find himself holding a glass of scotch and talking about a book he has not finished.
Every family holiday photo needs someone in red, and it might as well be him. A red crew neck sweater over a white Oxford shirt with navy chinos is classic and cheerful, and it will look great in front of the tree for decades. The collar peeking out keeps it neat, and the chinos keep it comfortable through a long dinner. Brown leather boots or loafers finish it. Mom will love it, and it will easily be the photo she frames and sends to every relative.
Some office holiday parties happen right after work, which means he needs an outfit that can do both. A chambray shirt under a navy blazer with khaki chinos looks polished enough for the office and relaxed enough for the party. The chambray adds casual texture, and the blazer keeps it sharp. Brown suede shoes finish it. He can loosen up by losing the blazer after the second drink, and he will still look like the guy everyone wants to talk to at the snack table.
18. Shawl Collar Cardigan, Henley, and Dark Jeans
For a holiday party at a friend’s house, a shawl collar cardigan is the coziest way to look put together. Over a waffle knit henley and dark jeans, it feels warm and relaxed, like he just walked in from chopping firewood, although nobody needs to know he bought the wood at the gas station. Charcoal or forest green feel the most seasonal. Brown leather boots finish it. The outfit is built for board games, one very good cocktail, and dozing off by the fire at eleven.
19. Midnight Blue Velvet Suit for New Year’s Eve
If there is one night a year to wear a velvet suit, it is New Year’s Eve. Midnight blue velvet looks rich and luxurious, and it catches the light beautifully at a party full of sparkle. Keep everything else simple, a black turtleneck and black loafers, so the suit gets all the attention it clearly wants. Champagne toasts and velvet were made for each other. He will look entirely ready for midnight, and he will be the best dressed man in every photo from the night, including the blurry ones.
20. Black Blazer, White Tee, and Dark Wash Jeans
The minimalist holiday party outfit looks effortless, but it takes a little confidence to pull off. A black blazer over a crisp white tee and dark wash jeans is sleek and very cool, the kind of thing that fits right in at a creative agency party. The key is fit, so the blazer should sit cleanly on the shoulders and the tee should be thick enough to hold its shape. White leather sneakers or black Chelsea boots finish it. Proof that men’s holiday style does not need to be complicated to land.
21. Unstructured Blazer, Merino Crew Neck, and Relaxed Chinos
Big and tall guys often get stuck in stiff suits at holiday parties, but an unstructured blazer changes everything. Paired with a merino crew neck and relaxed fit chinos, it looks polished without feeling like a straitjacket. A soft navy blazer with a burgundy or forest green sweater brings a festive touch without any loud pattern. Brown leather shoes finish it. He can raise a glass, hug his aunt, and reach for the last cocktail shrimp without a single seam complaining.
Burgundy chinos are a sneaky way to bring holiday color into an outfit without going anywhere near a Christmas sweater. With a navy button down and a gray cardigan on top, they create a smart, layered look that feels warm and seasonal. Brown suede boots or loafers finish it. The whole outfit has an approachable energy, like the guy who remembers everyone’s name. He will also, reliably, be the one who shows up with a genuinely good bottle of wine and a spare corkscrew.
23. Dark Suit with a Festive Patterned Tie for Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional is the most confusing dress code on any holiday invitation, and a dark suit with a festive tie is the easiest answer. A charcoal or navy suit keeps things formal, while a tie with a subtle holly print or deep red paisley adds personality without breaking any rules. A crisp white shirt and black leather shoes finish it. It fits right in at a gala or a December wedding. He will look perfectly dressed, and nobody will ever guess he googled black tie optional in the parking lot.
About the Author
Allena Rissa
Founder & Editor
Allena Rissa is the founder and editor of The Better Fit. She has been writing about clothes since she was twenty-two, and for nine years she has been the one dressing her husband, her kids, and herself for family photos, fall weddings, work conferences, and Christmas cards that had to land. On the site she covers five pillars: Her Style, His Style, Together, Occasions, and Foundation, the bras and fit mechanics that started it all. Her advice has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens, Insider, and NBC.