Written by Tanya Zhang

It happens all the time: you've received an invitation to an event, and your host has included a dress code for all attendees. Whether it's black tie or formal, semi formal, white tie, smart casual, or business casual it can take some work to suss out what is actually expected of cocktail attire for men

An essay by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City cites the history of cocktail attire and how "the cocktail affair generally took place between six and eight p.m. Cocktail garb, by virtue of its flexibility and functionality, became the 1920s style uniform for the progressive fashionable elite."

When it comes to menswear in cocktail attire, it can be difficult to know what's expected. We'll take a look at everything you need to know about cocktail attire for men, and how to wear it properly.

 

When to Wear Cocktail Attire?

Cocktail attire for men is suitable for a range of occasions, especially those that fall somewhere between casual and formal. This dress code is popular for cocktail attire weddings, parties or garden parties, or even for less formal business gatherings. Since it has a sort of celebratory, lively feel to it, a cocktail outfit is versatile enough to work for a wide variety of events.

While cocktail attire for men was originated from the dress code of cocktail parties, the same vibe carries with it today. Think cocktail hour. If there's an occasion that requires a little bit of dressing up, and a fair amount of celebrating, it's a good chance that cocktail attire will suit the event. 

You wouldn't necessarily wear cocktail attire for a business meeting, but you could for a company holiday party. Likewise, you should stick to formal wear for black tie events; when the formality is scaled back a little, it's time to get into cocktail attire, though you can leave the bow tie or black tie at home.

What is Cocktail Attire for Men?

Cocktail attire can be difficult to define, especially for men. It's typically taken to mean attire that's more upscale than business attire, though more relaxed than formal, black tie attire. There's a feeling of elegance, with a splash of fun. 

In many cases, cocktail attire includes nice slacks and a blazer or more casual suit jacket. While a tie isn't always required (and a bow tie should never be worn), in many cases it's implied that it's more appropriate, especially if the gathering is being hosted by more traditional types - like with all things men's fashion the cocktail attire dress code for men can vary depending on the  context of the situation.

Cocktail suits should fit you well, and have a more tailored look. Here's a guide on how suit jackets should fit and whether you should get a suit tailored.

Unique accents (such as quirky, meaningful, or interestingly shaped cufflinks) are a staple of cocktail attire. Men's cocktail outfit also often incorporates other accessories that accent the outfit, like a nice dress watch or leather card holder wallet, for example.

  

Cocktail Attire Dress Code Weddings

You received a wedding invitation and want to put together the perfect party wear. Weddings are happy events, and there's a more festive, relaxed atmosphere than you'll find at most other formal occasions. Cocktail attire weddings can be different than other occasions requesting the same dress code, however. 

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Naturally, the hosts preferences have to be taken into consideration as well. Unless your host makes it clear they're looking for flashy cocktail attire, it's better to err on the side of being conservative. While you want to show your personal style and feel relaxed, you also don't want to draw attention away from the newly weds with your cocktail attire look.

 

You can add color and texture through your accessories and other pieces of clothing, however it's best to wear darker colored suits for cocktail attire weddings, such as a black suit with a blue shirt.

Neutral or dark hues like navy, charcoal, or even gunmetal gray are classics that you can't go wrong with. If you stick to these suit colors, you'll also have an easier time putting the rest of your cocktail attire outfit together even if it's a more casual wedding. 

We put together a few cocktail attire guides on how to match black suit with brown shoes, a blue suit with brown shoes, and grey suits with brown shoes.

 

Accessorize with Pocket Squares

Use a pocket square to give your navy suit a stylish, upscale feel to the cocktail attire dress codes. While you can stick to a similar color palette from your suit, or use some neutral accents (think camel, white, or a lighter gray tone), you can also have fun with it. 

Pocket squares are a great way to add a pop of vibrant color. Keep in mind you'll want to keep a consistent color scheme with the rest of your outfit; then, add a pop of color or pattern with your pocket square to accent your more neutral suit for the dress code.

It can be tempting to simply pair white button ups with your dark or black suit; there's nothing wrong with a white button down collar shirt (but be warned, the wedding party often has white dress shirts as their dress code). However, you can keep it more cocktail attired themed by choosing a light color dress shirt, which easily pairs with a dark colored suit. 

 

Find the Perfect Fit

Just as the tailoring of your black suit is an important feature of cocktail wear, so is the fit of your best dress shirt. This is one of our favorite slim fit blue dress shirts.

A good fit that flatters your proportions is paramount to great semi formal style; it's worth finding a well tailored shirt, or having one professionally tailored to make the most out of your ensemble. Here's how Nimble Made breaks down their perfect slim fit.

 

Match Your Shoes

When it comes to shoes for cocktail attires, it's an easy choice. Stick with derby or oxford shoes in the lace up format. These dress shoes are generally leather and traditionally in dark colors and are an absolute classic, and work for nearly any occasion.

Most men choose between black or brown, although similar dark or neutral hues are perfectly acceptable. 

 

However, make sure you avoid an age old faux pas: mixing black with brown. For example, if your pocket square is black, wear black shoes too. If you're wearing a dark charcoal colored suit, it's better to wear black shoes (since charcoal can look closer to black in certain light, and would clash with brown shoes).

You don't always have to go the route of lace up leather dress shoes, however. The important thing is to keep your look sharp. Loafers are a classic choice for laid back style, as are a pair of brogues. Oxfords can add personality to your ensemble, and keep you looking smart, much like a pair of classic derby shoes. 

Whatever choice suits your style, just make sure it works with the rest of your outfit, and keeps with your chosen color palette.

 

Adorn with a Tie

Of course, we can't forget the cornerstone of all levels of men's cocktail attire: the tie. While cocktail attire doesn't always merit a tie, when you're attending a wedding, you should still wear a tie for various formal dress codes. When you pick out your tie, feel free to have some fun with it.

With men's cocktail attire for weddings, the rest of your outfit should be streamlined and coordinated. This makes room for your tie to really stand out and showcase your personal style. To avoid overdoing it, balance out color and patterning or texture. If you're going with fairly bright colors, choose a calmer, less busy pattern. Or, if you prefer a bold pattern and texture, look for colors that are more subdued. 

However, you may be able to skip a necktie or bowtie in some instances. We'll get into some of these instances more in depth later. For now, keep in mind that you should assess how formal your outfit looks when put together before choosing your tie. 

Some cocktail outfits will look quite formal when you're wearing them, and a tie may push the outfit into 'formal wear' territory. It's a personal choice, and depends heavily on the wedding you're attending, but it's okay to skip a tie if it doesn't go with the cocktail dress code.

 

Consider Bowties

Bowties are an alternative to slim fit ties, and they fit in just as well with cocktail attire. Keep in mind the shape of a bowtie already adds some interest to the piece, and choose your colors and textures accordingly (and ensure the shape doesn't obscure any patterning you'd like to show off). Otherwise, you can follow the guidelines you would as if you were wearing a tie instead.

   

What to wear for cocktail attire for men? 

If you aren’t sure what you should wear for a semi-casual event like a cocktail attire party, it is important to look at the individual pieces and how they will work together.

 

Dress Shirt

You should never wear a t-shirt or tank top with a suit jacket. Instead, you should choose a button-up shirt that is not too large and look baggy, or too tight to look uncomfortable. Let it flatter your body and make sure it is tucked into your dress pants or is long enough to cover your belt and part of your zipper.

In more casual settings you can wear polo collar shirts as they are still much better than a t-shirt, but button downs are a safer bet than wearing polo shirts for cocktail attire.

 

Wear a Tie

More often than not, you should wear a tie or bowtie to a cocktail event. You can keep it simple and wear a clip on, but you must have it on. Don’t go for novelty ties and make sure it goes with the rest of your outfit. If there are special colors for the event, a tie is a great place to incorporate them. To add some extra flair add some tie clips.

 

Bring a Jacket

Jackets need to be tailored so they are not too big or too tight and should be a standard suit jacket. No embellishments, bold colors or other features that can come off as cheesy or obnoxious.

Instead, it is important to stay simple and go with a plain jacket in either a grey, midnight blue, or beige depending on the occasion. Check out our guide to wearing a blue suit with black dress shirt for more inspiration. We also list our favorite blazers for men here.

 

Use a Leather Belt

Keep your belt either dark brown or black and avoid any embellishments like beads, studs or custom belt buckles. Just stick with the basic leather belt. No novelty belt buckles or anything showy. The type of belt should not be in any way a focal piece.

 

Iron Your Pants

You should never wear shorts, capris or pants with holes in them to a cocktail party. Stick with pants that are tailored to fit your legs and will be the right length. Depending on the event you may be able to wear jeans, but otherwise it is trousers. Iron your clothing to make sure they're pressed for the cocktail dress code and other formal events in general.

 

Matching Socks

Dress socks should either be a plain color or a print that will compliment your tie, pocket square or skirt. They should be over the calf style socks and you should never wear a mismatched pair. Don’t wear anything with holes either.

 

Laced-up Shoes

Shoe choice can vary based on the type of formal events you are going to. A plain black pair of leather sole shoes like oxfords are always a great option. But you may also be able to wear business casual sneakers or one of these best leather shoes.

They must be clean, in good shape, laces need to be done correctly. If the weather is bad you should wear another pair of shoes to get to the event and then change once you arrive.

 

Men’s Casual Cocktail Attire

Men's casual cocktail attire typically allows for a more relaxed dress code than traditional cocktail attire. While cocktail attire for men usually involves a suit and tie, casual cocktail attire often permits a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to forgo the tie.

The emphasis is still on looking polished and put-together, but with a slightly more casual and comfortable approach for this modern cocktail attire. In general, the key to achieving a successful men's casual cocktail attire look is to strike a balance between looking sharp and feeling comfortable.

This can be achieved by choosing high-quality, well-fitting garments in classic styles and colors, and accessorizing with subtle, stylish touches like a pocket square or statement watch.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a stylish, sophisticated look that feels appropriate for the dress code while still allowing the wearer to feel relaxed and comfortable.

 

Tips on Cocktail Attire for Men 

To make sure you are on point with your outfit, it is important to consider certain factors and make sure that you are reflecting the event requirements in your outfit. Just because cocktail attire or semi-casual is the dress code, doesn’t mean you don’t need to tailor it to the individual event and environment. 

To make sure you look good and fit in with the party, you should take in certain things when picking the proper men's cocktail attire.

 

The Occasion

The occasion you are dressing for is key in picking out your outfit. You should always pay close attention to the invitation and contact the hosts if you are unsure what the dress code is. 

You need to make sure you are not going against their wishes and you should try to make them happy with your attire. This is especially true for weddings or business casual functions where you don’t want to steal the show or draw unwanted attention.

 

The Environment

You need to consider the climate you will be in when choosing your outfit to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather. If you are going to be in a colder climate, you need to wear heavier socks, a thicker jacket and go for warmer accessories like woolen ties.

In hotter temperatures, you want to make sure you aren’t going to overheat and sweat in your suit. No matter how good the outfit is, sweat stains are not appealing. We have a guide to the best breathable dress shirts for hot weather.

Choose lighter fabrics like linen and cotton and more breathable clothing to prevent getting too warm. You can also choose lighter colors to avoid heat absorption.

 

The Color

While black goes with most things, it is important to avoid using it as your suit jacket color. This is because black jackets are associated with tuxedos or funeral attire for men, making it inappropriate for a semi-casual event. Instead, opt for a dark navy (which match with these ties), midnight blue, grey or even a deep purple. 

You want to avoid overdoing it with colors, keeping it simple and flattering to your complexion, without looking to bold. This can be unflattering and come off as obnoxious. You can however, utilize accessories like ties and pocket squares to bring some more color to your outfit. Here are all-white party outfit ideas.

  

Conclusion

Just because you aren’t a style guru doesn’t mean your appearance needs to suffer when adhering to dress codes. By following basic rules, and getting profession tailors involved, you can fit in at any event and pull of cocktail attire.

 

FAQs about Men's Cocktail Attire

What does cocktail attire mean for a man?

Cocktail attire for men is a semi-formal dress code that strikes a balance between casual and formal wear. It typically involves a well-tailored suit, which can be either a dark or medium shade, depending on the event's formality and season.

A dress shirt, often in a complementary or neutral color, is standard, and shoes should be polished and formal, like leather dress shoes. Accessories like a tie and pocket square can add a touch of elegance.

Do I need a tie for cocktail attire?

While a tie is not strictly mandatory for cocktail attire, it's often recommended as it enhances the formality of the outfit. If the event is less formal or if you know that the host prefers a more relaxed style, you might get away without a tie. However, wearing one is generally a safe choice and adds a sophisticated touch to your look.

What is cocktail attire basics?

Cocktail attire basics for men include:

• A well-fitted suit in a dark or neutral color.
• A dress shirt, typically white or light-colored.
• Leather dress shoes, polished and in good condition.
• Optional accessories like a tie, pocket square, and a wristwatch.
• The goal is to look stylish and put-together while still being slightly less formal than black-tie attire.

Are khakis ok for cocktail attire?

Khakis are generally too casual for cocktail attire. For a cocktail event, it's best to stick with a tailored suit and dress pants, as they align better with the semi-formal nature of the dress code. If you're unsure about the formality, it's better to err on the side of dressing more formally rather than too casually.