What To Wear to a Christmas Party for Men: Festive Fashion

Have a Christmas party or two to attend and don’t know what to wear? This is a big topic — here’s everything you need to know.

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the energy, the carols, and, of course, the Christmas trees. Heck, I even appreciate going to Christmas service at church — something I found dreadfully boring when I was a kid. And I love the plethora of holiday parties that come our way. In fact, I go to as many as I can. Between that and my gig as a style writer, I’m quite the expert on what to wear to a Christmas party. 

Remember, not one holiday shindig is like the other. An office event will have a different vibe (and therefore wardrobe) than a friend’s house party. Some will be more or less formal than others. I also understand that holiday outfits for men are even more challenging if you don’t love red, green, or flamboyant styles in general.

I will break down every possible type of holiday celebration and guide you through each one. Let’s get into it, starting with what to wear to a holiday work party.

What To Wear to a Work Christmas Party

Let’s begin with a potentially challenging environment to navigate: What to wear to a company Christmas party. It’s a party, so you want to add festivity to your combination. However, how fun and informal can you go if you work in a highly formal, white-collar office requiring professional attire? If you’re in a more casual office, do you go slightly dressier than usual to be more celebratory?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Where is the party taking place? If it’s at a nice restaurant, then yes, you might need to step it up a notch even if you work in a t-shirt and jeans office. Perhaps think cocktail attire for men.
• Is there a theme? If the theme is something fanciful, like “Christmas in Candyland,” then there will be an expectation to add some color. Even if you work in a black-suit office.
• Will there be activities? If so, how mobile will you need to be?
• Will there be clients or visiting C-level staff that you need to stay professional-looking for?

Find answers to these questions. They’ll help you determine how far you can stray (or should stray) from your everyday work clothes.

Often, if you’re at a traditional office, you can make sartorial concessions even if the party is onsite. Here’s what I mean by this. Perhaps you typically wear a gray suit, solid tie, and white dress shirt to work. You can often pick a reasonably festive tie, maybe a green and red plaid or stripe. Or perhaps you add a Scandinavian sweater vest or cardigan underneath your suit jacket.

Some office parties are markedly casual. Perhaps it’s an ugly sweater party. You’ll look like a wet blanket if you don’t participate a little. This doesn’t necessarily mean going all out. Perhaps you just throw on a novelty sweater over your dress shirt for your work Christmas party and call it a day.

What To Wear to a Formal Christmas Party

When thinking about what to wear to a formal Christmas party, the most important consideration is how formal it is. Is it business formal or black-tie?

If it’s black tie, then you have one, perhaps two options. It all depends on how strict the event is. If it’s highly traditional, then you’ll definitely need to wear a traditional tuxedo. Sometimes, festive waistcoats are allowed, but I’m sure the hosts would mention that on the invite. Find some fun cufflinks if you want to add something Christmassy to your outfit.

I’ve never come across a black-tie event that doesn’t allow a midnight blue suit. I only own one tuxedo. It’s midnight blue, has a black velvet shawl lapel, and comes with a goldenrod waistcoat. 

Most black-tie events allow a proper, slick black business suit. There are many tuxedo-suit hybrids on the market today. Wear it with a white dress shirt and, naturally, a black tie. If you have shiny dress shoes, go for those. Otherwise, a traditional pair of black leather Oxfords will do.

If you aren’t sure how strict the black-tie event is, check in with the hosts. My biggest advice regarding dress codes is to be overly respectful to the hosts. Be a gentleman.

If the event is formal but not necessarily black-tie, then a business suit will definitely do. You can even go for charcoal or navy if you don’t have a black suit. If it’s dark enough, you might get away with olive or maroon, both being red and green versions — very Christmassy. 

Otherwise, wear maroon and olive accessories — ties, pocket squares, and socks. Again, consider holiday-themed cufflinks and oxblood or burgundy leather shoes.

What To Wear to a Family Christmas Party

For the most part, you know how to dress around your family for the holidays. Likely, especially if you’re a younger man, you’ve spent most Christmases, Hannukahs, and winter-time holidays with your family exclusively. 

However, maybe you’ve recently moved out and are visiting your parents’ house for the first time. Or maybe you’re going to a friend’s, girlfriend’s, or fiance’s family’s house for Christmas.

Even at a casual party, you can never go wrong with a button-down, chinos or slacks, and loafers. Top it off with a third layer — perhaps a red or green crewneck sweater, a cardigan, or a chore coat. 

As a grown man, you have to step it up. You never know if a relative will bring a guest, and you always want to put your best foot forward in front of guests. I mentioned this in my Thanksgiving guide, but this is especially so if you are single. I once brought a platonic lady friend from college to Thanksgiving. My then-single cousin and she hit it off. They’ve been married for 15 years.

And, of course, just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own personal style. 

Are you a fan of workwear? You might consider olive-toned cargo pants, burgundy service boots, a crewneck t-shirt in a shade of red, and an open work shirt. Or, instead of a work shirt, go for a leather jacket. Make it yours.

If you like a casual and simple style, wear a waffled henley shirt, red chinos, and a green cashmere scarf. 

A Christmas outfit for men doesn’t have to be loud if that isn’t your thing! Going for tempered, earth-toned versions of classic Christmas colors allows you to be party-appropriate and still be yourself. 

Christmas Outfits for Men: Style Inspiration

Now that we’ve gone over some Christmas party men’s outfit ideas for the most common scenarios let’s create a toolbox. This will give you the freedom to pick and choose pieces, most of which will go together. I’ve categorized them into specific situations and dress codes. 

However, feel free to mix and match depending on what you need.

Semi-Formal Christmas Outfits for Men

The great thing about semi-formal pieces? They work for men’s work Christmas party outfit ideas as well as cocktail attire ideas. The more formal the event, the more you want the outfit to resemble a suit. Other than that, have fun with these essentials:

• Olive suit separates
• Maroon suit separates
• Rust red chinos
• Army green chinos
• A dress shirt in white, light pink, mint green
• Ties in shades of red or green or in festive patterns like tartans
• Tartan waistcoat
• Accessories in gold and silver with red or green gemsets: Cufflinks, tie-clips, watches, and pocket squares
• Cashmere sweaters, vests, and scarves — again, in shades of Christmas colors or festive patterns
• Classic leather dress shoes

You can also wear true reds and greens if you temper them with neutrals. A red blazer with gray slacks and a white dress shirt could work, dress code permitting.

Cozy Christmas Outfits

Who doesn’t love a cozy Christmas? Perhaps it’s at home with your family. Perhaps it’s a pre-Christmas party you’re spending with friends before you head to your hometown.

Here are some essentials for an elegant, cozy party outfit for men:

• Shawl cardigan
• Fisherman sweater
• Scandinavian outerwear (sweaters, zip-ups, cardigans)
• Button-down shirts
• Henley shirts
• Corduroys
• Chinos
• Flannel Pants
• Plaid flannel shirt
• Suede loafers

Now, here are some essentials for a highly casual, cozy party outfit for men:

• Christmas Sweater
• Lined flannel pants
• Heavy-knit crewneck t-shirt
• Cable-knit socks
• Classic low-profile white leather sneakers
• Moccasins
• Large, thick scarf

Casual Christmas Outfit Ideas

When it comes to men’s holiday party outfits, let’s be honest. We often overlook the casual situations. This is especially so if we’re with intimate loved ones. Even if you spend Christmas with just your immediate family, you should treat it like the celebration it is. 

You may not be that into the holidays but think about it. The kids are off from school. You might have some time off, too. At the very least, time spent with loved ones is a reason to get out of your athleisure!

Here are some easy, casual options that you don’t have to think about:

• Well structured t-shirt
• Henley shirt
• Cardigan
• Sweater
• Chinos
• Long-sleeve polo
• Moccasins
• Sneakers
• Well-fitted dark jeans
• Quarter-zip sweater
• Cinched-hem joggers in colors like khaki or blue; they look more like traditional everyday pants than ones in black, gray, or white.
• Chambray shirt
• Unlined utility shirt

Last-Minute Christmas Looks for Men

So, how does one handle a last-minute invitation? You don’t have time to think about your outfit, much less source anything new. I have some steps you can take to achieve a (mostly) universally appropriate look.

First, start with a slightly more formal, smart casual look. Remember, this category is a safe bet whether you’re at a networking event or a sports pub. Consider a dress shirt, chinos, loafers, and a blazer.

What if the party seems way more casual than you expected? No problem. Just take off the blazer and coat-check it — or hold onto it. If a lady can hold her purse the entirety of a party, you can hold a blazer.

Second, add something Christmas-appropriate or winter-appropriate. You might opt for red socks or dark red chinos. Perhaps your dress shirt is a faded mint green. You may even consider a sweater vest, cardigan, or crewneck sweater with a Scandinavian print.

Finally, wear your best accessories. Go for your nice belt, your most luxurious watch, or, if you like, a nice ring or tennis bracelet.

Congratulations, you’ve just built a last-minute outfit that’ll work at most Christmas parties. You can take off layers if needed. Additionally, nice accessories are celebratory but won’t register as overkill, even in the most casual situations.

Men’s Christmas Outfit Ideas: Do’s and Don’ts

So, we now have some in-depth overviews and a toolbox of garments. What’s still missing are some do’s and don’ts for men’s holiday outfit ideas. Let’s get into it.

Do:

• Follow the dress code. As always, this is the most important thing to consider. If the party is formal, you can’t show up in a novelty Christmas sweater.
• Consider the activities. I once went to a company Christmas party with a blow-up slide. It’s a good thing I changed out of my suit before I arrived.
• Have fun with holiday motifs. Christmas parties have a built-in theme. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb because you ignored the Christmas of it all.
• Have fun with layering. Not only is this practical, but it’s a great way to add holiday motifs to your outfit. A neutral outfit can become more Christmasy with an on-theme sweater, scarf, or vest.

Don’t:

• Forget your shoes. Good shoes can make or break an outfit.
• Sacrifice comfort. Again, consider the party activities. Moreover, don’t forget that Christmas time is a cooler time. No matter how good it looks on you, don’t go for a T-shirt-and-chino outfit if it’s freezing out.
• Ignore your hair or facial hair. It doesn’t matter how slick your suit is if your hair is a greasy mess. Even a casual party requires proper grooming.
• Forgo Christmas themes in general. Get in the spirit! Now that you know you can add holiday vibes to even the most understated outfits, there’s no excuse not to be a good sport.

FAQs About What To Wear to a Christmas Party

Do you still have questions about men’s Christmas party outfit ideas? No problem. Here are common questions, along with their answers, of course.

What Colors To Wear for Christmas Pictures?

Many traditionally associate red and green with Christmas. Try to incorporate shades of both. If you want to choose just one, red requires less context than green does. You can temper true reds and greens with neutrals (a red jumper, mint green button-up, and gray trousers). Or, you can go for tempered shades of red and green, like olive and maroon.

Is It Appropriate To Wear Jeans to a Christmas Party?

Yes, jeans are appropriate for men’s Christmas party attire if the event is casual enough. An ugly Christmas sweater party is a good example. You can wear your sweater, jeans, some loafers or sneakers, and even top it off with a Santa hat.

Can You Wear White to a Christmas Celebration?

Yes, winter white is an appropriate and often elegant color to go for, as it’s reminiscent of the snowy season. White khakis, dress pants, or sweaters contrast beautifully with Christmas colors. 

Conclusion: Men’s Christmas Party Outfits 2024

Considering what to wear to a Christmas Party can admittedly be confusing. This is especially so if you have several to go to, all with different dress codes. 

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with using a smart casual template and tempered Christmas colors. From there, you can add and subtract, make it more or less formal, and turn the volume up or down on the colors.

How many Christmas parties do you attend? Do you have go-to outfits? Let us know in the comments!