Cocktail Attire Ideas For Men

When we get an invitation a a party, or any kind of event, it is always important to choose an attire that is appropriate for the occasion. We can usually mess up by showing up too formal or too casual, and we can't enjoy the event as much as we could have.

So, when you get an invitation, most of the times you will read Cocktail Attire, Black Tie, Black Tie Optional or formal. But are you completely sure about how you should dress even if the invitation says it? For example, how are you supposed to dress if it says cocktail attire?

Well, there are many ways in which a man can dress in a cocktail attire. Many times, everything depends on the style of that man specifically. But no matter what your style is, in a cocktail  attire you should always remember the following:

•Wear dark or mid-gray suit
•Wear a white dress shirt or of a muted color
•Wear a necktie in subtle patterns or plains
•Wear a pocket square
•Wear dress shoes with leather sole (preferably black or maybe brown)
•Wear a pair of over the calf socks that match the trousers or something else in your outfit
•Make sure you are clean shaven 
•Make sure you have a proper haircut
•Do not wear a tuxedo because you would be overdressed
•If you're going to a wedding, leave your bright colored and flashy garments and accessories at home. The couple should be the center of attention, not you.

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All cocktail parties are supposed to be relaxed occasions, so you don't need to stress over deciding which suit is more appropriate. Most of the times, a classic charcoal and even navy business suit is a little bit too formal for the occasion. 

Cocktail Parties are usually during the day or afternoon, so you can add some more colors and parters to your outfit. And if it is in the evening, you can't go wrong with a darker suit, fewer patterns and more muted colors.

So now you know the most basic things about cocktail attire, you know what to wear and what not to wear. But if you are still a little bit lost, you may want to know some of the styles that are on trend right now. Both of the following come straight from the 30s, but they're still super fashionable and appropriate.

Windowpane Overplaid Suit

A rust brown subdues windowpane overplaid on a grey sharkskin suit is one of your best options without a doubt. And the whole outfit will be even better if your suit is a three-piece and not a two-piece. So keep an eye out if you are shopping for a suit; a three-piece suit always looks more polished.

And to pair your amazing suit, you can add an ivory colored shirt and a navy-red club tie. Windowpane suits are very underrated in men's fashion, which is good for you because you will look different than the others without drawing too much attention.

Wide Stripe Worsted Flannel Suit

This suit will be one of the best options if the event is during the evening. You can always choose a navy blue fabric with red stripes. The stripes are always subdued, and it makes them perfect for the ocassion.

Choose a suit that is a three-piece too, and use a white crisp shirt colar, a Bordeaux tie and even a red boutonniere flower will complete the outfit and match the suit to perfection. You can choose different colors, but navy and red are one of the most classic combinations.

And those were only two ideas or inspirations for you when you do have to get your own cocktail attire. You can copy one of the styles completely, or you can use it to guide you, but either way, it is important that you don't forget about these factors when you get your outfit:

1. Tailoring

This is one of the most vital components of cocktail wear. It doesn't matter how styslish the design of your suit is, or what other accesories you add to it; if the suit is not well tailored, it will be a bad and wrong outfit altogther. Remeber no woman likes a guy in a baggy suit.

2. Shirting

Your shirt must be a crisp cotton dress shirt, and it should also be freshly laundered and well pressed. The difference is very noticeable. Also try to keep it simple and go for a pair of clean cut silver cuff links. 

3. Footwear

Leather Oxfords in black or dark tan are the standard choice and you can't go wrong with them, but you can also try a pair of monk strap shoes, which have had a recent revival. Or maybe even sleek tassel loafers can be a good choice.

4. Neckwear

Always make sure that your tie will compliment the rest of your color scheme. It doesn't matter if you want the tie to stand out or blend in, just make sure it is all works well together. And never ever use a bow tie if it is a cocktail attire event. Ever.

5. Sharp Accessories

These components are extremely important because they can either make or break your entire look. You should think of the same rules when picking a tie when you pick a pocket square. Remember that the basis of every solid outfit begins with good underwer, so use the best ones you have. And don't forget eyerwear if you are going to be outdoors. 

Pretty simple right? This are super simple things, but they make all the difference between success and disaster, so make sure you don't forget about them. You don't need a professional stylist to put your outfit together, you'll see how easy it will be with those tips.

Last, but not least, always wear whatever you are wearing with confidence, because confidence is the best accessorie of all. Without it, not even a Tom Ford suit would look good on you. So it is entireley your choice to look good or not.