Erin Lane
Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by Team Experts
What is cocktail attire, and how do you pull off one? Simply put, cock-tail attires are semi-formal clothing you wear to an event called cock-tail parties. These are usually held in the late afternoon and can be any kind of event, including weddings, corporate dinner, and other occasions. If you’ve recently received an invitation for one, you might be unsure of what to wear exactly.
Everyone doesn’t need to follow the exact dress pattern and be in uniform. But at least you should follow the mentioned dress code. The color of your attire should be per the theme of the event. If you’re still unsure of what to pick, here’s a guide to help you.
1. Accessorize With a Wristwatch
A wristwatch is a staple in every man’s wardrobe since most men only wear minimal jewelry. The perfect wristwatch for this kind of an occasion is both versatile and stylish. The Omega Seamaster has a collection of watches you can choose from. From those with a stainless steel clasp to a leather strap, it can match your formal attire. If you are not a fan of Omega, you can check out other reputable wristwatch brands like Oris, Rolex, Hublot, among others.
Most men like to have more than just one watch, especially if the occasion would last for more than a day. For instance, if you are going to a formal event like a corporate seminar, it is best to have at least two watches because you can always change as the occasion changes.
Leather and stainless steel watches have always been favorites because they are easy to use, convenient, and versatile. They can be used in a variety of settings and match with most of your outfits. Gold-plated watches look great with the most luxurious dress shirts or suits.
Your choice of a wristwatch may vary according to the type of coat or tie you are wearing in a black-tie event. For a formal tuxedo event, you may want to choose a black or silver-tone wristwatch.
2. Wear a Suit
A suit is simply a collection of women’s or men’s clothing consisting of a thick jacket, trouser, and inner shirts. And it is worn preferably with a matching necktie, dress shoes, and a short-sleeved dress shirt. English king Charles II originated suits in the 17th century. King Charles created the suit as a dress code in the courtroom, where men were expected to dress in a uniform style of clothing that conformed to society’s definition of what a male should look like.
Since then, the suit has evolved, becoming more widely used in various business settings, including corporate clothing for executives and employees. You can wear suits to a cocktail party, in addition to more casual events like weddings, parties, and social events.
Different designers have created new styles of suits that revolved around other colors, patterns, and designs throughout the years. The suit was further refined to include a collar, making the entire ensemble much easier to wear. These changes, combined with the popularity of the suit, made it the ultimate go-to choice for men during a formal event.
Whether you are a businessman heading out to meet your client or you are attending a special event with your date, you want to feel comfortable and confident in a suit.
3. For Shoes, Wear a Loafer
For men’s loafers, leather is a preferable choice. The neutral tones of brown and black are subtle, making them an excellent pick for almost every formal occasion. Men’s loafers are also available in suede and other materials. There are so many different types of men’s footwear that it can be challenging to choose the proper shoe for the occasion. However, with loafers, you can hardly get it wrong.
The accessories for a formal event need to coordinate the attire. For example, tuxedo pants need not match your buttoned-up shirt. You don’t want to have an all-black ensemble and a brightly colored shoe.
Loafers are traditionally made with leather, so you will want to consider that when choosing your outfit. However, if you are unsure whether you like leather or not, you can choose one made of other materials.
On the other hand, if you want to be more stylish while still following up the party theme, go for sneakers. Sneakers are something that can blend in with any kind of outfit yet still giving you the perfect look with style. Having that said, you can choose a pair of sneakers online that fit to your requirements. We would recommend Vegan sneakers as they are in trend now. Search for some quality vegan sneakers brand just like Loom Footwear. Loom is the pair of shoes everyone should have in their cupboard! Waterproof, breathable and on top of all, vegan friendly. You definitely want to check out to these vegan sneakers!
4. Cufflinks
Cufflinks go with shirts; they hold the hem of your shirt in place. When choosing what type of accessories to wear with a French cuff shirt, the first thing that should come to mind is cufflinks. For a more formal look, it’s usually best to choose a designer pair of cufflinks.
The material that your cufflink is made out of is also important. It should be able to appear subtle and not too shiny. Avoid bright colors like red as the base material because it tends to show more easily. Instead, go with a material such as black or silver, which will make sure that your silver cuff remains classy.
5. Bow-Tie
A bow-tie is a kind of semi-formal necktie designed to be worn on very formal events. Before the 19th century, there was no such thing as bow ties, but they have gained popularity since then. They are an excellent option to wear at a formal event if you don’t want to go with neckties. Bowties come in different materials and are worn to match other subtle parts of a suit, like the pocket square.
If you are attending a less formal occasion, wearing your bow ties with simple shirts can make you look less formal. Of course, the choice to wear one depends on the situation and your taste.
Conclusion
As long as you follow the dress code and avoid mismatching colors, your cocktail look would turn out fine. You can always wear a pair of black trousers along with a black tuxedo for a more sophisticated look.
Other men’s attire for a formal event can include a tailless coat, bracelets, brogue shoes, etc. Remember to always check the event rules before selecting your attire. Additionally, avoid wearing very revealing clothing unless it’s a semiformal occasion like a friend’s birthday party. When it comes to accessories, avoid wearing an item that is too showy or doesn’t blend with your general outfit. When it comes to men’s accessories, watches are one of the safest options.
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