Cocktail Attire For Men: A Complete Style Guide by Oliver Brown
As the festive season begins to unfold and the invitations start to pile up, the phrase ‘cocktail attire’ often appears on the dress code - and you may find yourself wondering exactly what that means. Rest assured, this guide will help you decode the cocktail dress code for the season ahead with confidence.
The term ‘cocktail attire’ is believed to have originated in the 1920’s, with its earliest known use recorded in 1932 in the New York Times. It describes the style of dress appropriate for social occasions such as parties and weddings - events considered elegant yet semi-formal. The phrase reflects the evolution of fashion and social customs during the rise of the cocktail hour, a popular pre-dinner tradition of the 1920s and 1930s where people tended to relax after work and enjoy some drinks, often cocktails with friends.
Image from The Coolist
Cocktail attire for men is somewhere between casual and formal, where you are expected to look elegant and polished without the rigidity of black tie. Traditionally a dress code seen at weddings, evening receptions and parties, it generally means you need to wear a smart suit, tailored shirt and smart shoes, however has much more flexibility than black tie. Think of it as your opportunity to look refined yet comfortable, making a stylish impression that feels natural.
Today’s men’s cocktail dress code has evolved beyond the typical navy suit and tie. Modern interpretations embrace relaxed tailoring, nice textures, and tonal dressing. Linen, wool blends, and soft cotton suits are becoming more popular - the modern cocktail dress code has shifted more towards refined ease, smart yet stylish.
Key Outfit Elements of Men’s Cocktail Attire
Building the perfect cocktail outfit starts with understanding its essential components, and how to alter the ensemble based on certain occasions or seasons.
Start with a tailored shirt - this lays the foundation for the whole look, so make sure it’s one you feel comfortable in. Classic white or soft pastels usually go best with everything, while cotton and poplin are ideal year-round fabrics. Explore our collection of shirts here.
The main event - the jacket, suit or blazer. Perhaps you want to choose a matching suit, or perhaps you’d like to go for separates. A tailored suit in navy, charcoal, or deep olive remains a go-to choice, while lighter linen tones work perfectly for spring and summer events. For this festive time of year however, deeper tones are best. New in for our Autumn / Winter ‘25 collection, our Single Breasted Escorial Wool Jacket in Brown offers an elegant nod to the cocktail dress code while providing that seasonal warmth. Alternatively, our Unstructured Jacket in Brown Drago Flannel with the matching Flat Front Trousers presents another polished option - perfect for a contemporary cocktail look.
In these cooler months, opt for structured wool or flannel suits with subtle patterns such as herringbone or windowpane. During warmer seasons, consider breathable fabrics like cotton-linen blends to keep your look fresh and comfortable. For a versatile approach, pair a sharp blazer with tailored trousers in a complementary tone - ideal for semi-formal events that lean a little more relaxed.
For footwear, a classic pair of polished oxfords will do the trick, however, if you want a more stylish, modern twist opt for some velvet slippers or suede loafers, like our Penny Loafers - available in Indigo or Chocolate Suede.
The finishing touches are what truly elevate a cocktail look. A well-chosen tie or pocket square can make all the difference - or, for a touch of flair, a silk scarf. This season, our Cotton Pheasant Handkerchief in Bottle Green offers a subtle yet festive accent, perfect for the Christmas period. Polka dots are also a key trend this year; explore the pattern across our silk handkerchiefs, ties, bow ties, and scarves.
What Not to Wear: Common Mistakes
Even the best intentions can go astray when dressing for cocktail events. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your look stays sharp and appropriate:
1. Too Casual: Skip jeans, sneakers, and T-shirts - cocktail attire sits firmly above smart casual.
2. Too Formal: a proper dinner suit is reserved for black-tie events; keep cocktail attire semi-formal and modern.
3. Poor Fit: Oversized jackets or baggy trousers can ruin an otherwise stylish look. Tailoring is non-negotiable.
4. Over-accessorising: Keep it simple. A pocket square, watch, or discreet lapel pin is enough.
5. Neglecting Grooming: A great outfit deserves attention to details - polished shoes and well-groomed hair complete the look.
Cocktail Attire for Different Occasions
Different occasions call for subtle variations when it comes to cocktail attire. For a traditionally formal cocktail event, keep it safe with a navy tailored suit - a timeless choice that never fails to impress. Our Eaton Classic Fit Suit in Navy Superfine Pinstripe Wool and Eaton Classic Fit Suit in Navy Soft Check both present options that add that little bit of texture to the ensemble rather than the classic plain navy. Pair with a crisp white poplin shirt, silk tie and polished oxford shoes. A subtle pocket square is always a good idea.
For a slightly more relaxed celebration, such as a party or work event where the dress code is cocktail attire, consider an Unstructured Jacket with a pair of tailored trousers and a crisp pastel shirt, alongside some suede loafers. We have a range of unstructured jackets available in the finest wool blends - perfect for keeping you warm during the winter months.
If the occasion leans more festive and formal, consider introducing a touch of velvet. A velvet smoking jacket in deep navy, dark green or rich burgundy captures the spirit of the season while maintaining that elegant formality. Explore our collection of velvet jackets here.
We invite you to visit our collection online, or visit us in-store where our expert team are on hand to help you with all your cocktail attire needs. Locate our stores here.
