Festive Attire for Men: A Tailored Style Guide

With the festive season upon us, every occasion calls for a touch of considered style. Whether it’s reuniting with old friends for a Christmas soirée or a Boxing Day stroll, this guide will help you master the festive dress code for men - balancing celebration and sophistication. 

Festive dress codes are designed for the season’s most memorable celebrations, where traditional tailoring meets that Christmas flair. Depending on the occasion, this might mean anything from cocktail attire to smart casual or black tie. During Christmas and winter gatherings, the goal is to combine warmth, texture and that little touch of something extra that captures the magic of the season. Think velvet dinner jackets, cashmere knitwear, wool trousers - all pieces that ensure comfort and refinement, ensuring you look as good as the occasion feels.

Every festive occasion calls for a different look. We’ve curated three key outfit archetypes to inspire your wardrobes this season - perfect for Christmas parties, festive suppers and relaxed weekend celebrations.

Formal Elegance: Formal Christmas Soiree or Gala

For the most refined events of the season, or perhaps even Christmas Eve, make sure your attire matches the moment. We suggest wearing a Velvet Dinner Jacket - a luxurious alternative to the classic black dinner jacket. Opt for a midnight blue, deep green or burgundy to capture the festive spirit. Part of our new Autumn / Winter ‘25 Collection, ‘House Rules’, our Pembroke Smoking Jacket in Navy Velvet with Quilted Lapels is an impeccable choice for a formal evening, or perhaps our Carlyle Jacket in Bordeaux Velvet. 

Pair this with a classic white Marcella dress shirt, featuring a classic or wing collar to perfectly frame your bow tie. Our Tartan Trousers or Pleated Dinner Trousers in Black Barathea are the perfect accompanying trouser, finished with a polished pair of Oxford shoes - a mark of true refinement. A silk scarf or pocket square can elevate the ensemble - our Polka Dot Italian Silk Tube Scarf would be the perfect touch. 

A Smart Casual Festive Look: Christmas Day 

For more intimate festive family affairs, or even Christmas Day itself, your festive attire can be more relaxed yet still refined.

Start with a pair of tailored chinos or wool trousers, such as our Flat Front Trousers in Drago Flannel. Available in grey, navy or brown, they’re versatile essentials that pair effortlessly with a range of seasonal looks. On the top, consider a fine-knit jumper; our Shetland Crew Neck Jumper in Olive Green adds that festive touch, and layers perfectly over one of our Tattersall Shirts. Complete the ensemble with a pair of smart loafers, such as our Penny Loafers that offer both class and comfort. When heading out, layer up with our Raglan Sleeve Overcoat - its relaxed silhouette and natural drape makes it easy to layer over your outfit beneath, providing the perfect finishing touch for those bitterly cold British days. 

Relaxed yet Refined: Boxing Day Style 

For more casual gatherings - perhaps that Boxing Day countryside walk surrounded by your nearest - choose outfits that effortlessly transition from cozy pub lunches to country strolls.

As a base, opt for one of our Regular Fit Shirts in Brushed Cotton Midnight, paired with some of our Heavyweight Corduroy Trousers or Tweed Trousers, available in a rich palette of seasonal shades from olive to amber. Layer up with one of our Lambswool Quarter Zip Jumpers for that touch of warmth, and complete the look with our Field Coat in Loden Green and classic Chelsea boots. When the temperature drops further, throw on one of our Merino Wool Check Scarves.

Seasonal Colours and Fabrics

Remember that winter calls for a richer colour palette and tactile fabrics. Deep greens, burgundy, red and navy are tones that feel inherently seasonal yet sophisticated. Fabrics such as velvet, rich wool and cashmere not only elevate your look, but they provide warmth and texture essential for refined festive dressing.

Common Festive Style Mistakes to Avoid

While knitwear remains a winter essential, there’s a fine line between tasteful and tacky. Avoid novelty Christmas jumpers at formal gatherings - they may spark a laugh but diminish the refined impression. Instead, choose one of our Fine Merino Wool Waistcoats in Wine for that extra layer of body warmth.

Equally, avoid leaning too far into casual wear - trainers and denim are best reserved for the most relaxed settings.

Whether you’re attending a formal Christmas gala or a relaxed weekend celebration, refined tailoring and thoughtful styling will ensure you look and feel your best this festive season. We invite you to shop our collection online, or visit us in-store where our expert team are on hand to make sure you look your best, whatever the occasion. Find our stores here.