Sep 28, 20262 min read

Men's Christmas Party Outfits: What to Wear for Every Dress Code

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026

The short answer: for a smart Christmas party, wear a dark suit or blazer with velvet loafers or polished shoes, and add one festive touch: a velvet or patterned bow tie, a burgundy or green tie, or a bright pocket square. For a casual party, try a knit, dark trousers and suede loafers or Chelsea boots. Check the dress code first: "black tie" means a dinner suit.

Christmas party outfits by dress code

Dress code	Outfit	Shoes
Black tie	Dinner suit, black bow tie	Black patent Oxfords or velvet loafers
Smart / cocktail	Dark suit, white shirt, festive tie or velvet bow tie	Velvet loafers, black Oxfords
Smart casual	Blazer, open collar or roll-neck, dark trousers	Suede loafers, Chelsea boots
Casual / Christmas jumper	Knit, dark jeans or chinos	Chelsea boots, leather trainers

Shoes for the Christmas party

Velvet loafers: the most festive choice. Black Lennox or burgundy Lennox Bordo.
Patent: for black tie and cocktail events, the Duke or a patent loafer such as the Dayton.
Polished Oxfords: black or dark brown for the office party in a suit.
Chelsea boots: practical in winter weather, smart with dark tailoring. See our Chelsea boots guide.

You'll be on your feet for hours, so choose shoes you have already worn in. See how leather shoes should fit.

Festive accessories

A velvet bow tie in black, burgundy or champagne, such as the Champagne Retro Bowtie.
A tie in deep green or burgundy.
Crystal or coloured-stone cufflinks, such as the Zirc Ruby.
A silk pocket square in a festive colour.
Patterned socks, for a quiet joke that only shows when you sit down.

Choose one statement and keep the rest simple: see how to match men's accessories.

What not to wear

Trainers to a smart or cocktail party.
Novelty everything at once: pick one festive piece.
Brand-new, un-worn shoes for a long night.

Frequently asked questions

What should a man wear to a Christmas party?

A dark suit or blazer with velvet loafers or polished shoes and one festive touch, such as a velvet bow tie or a green or burgundy tie. For casual parties, a knit, dark trousers and suede loafers or Chelsea boots.

Can you wear velvet loafers to a Christmas party?

Yes: they are one of the best festive shoes, with a suit, dinner suit or dark trousers.

What shoes go with a Christmas jumper?

Chelsea boots, suede loafers or clean leather trainers with dark jeans or chinos.

What does cocktail attire mean for men at Christmas?

A dark suit with a tie or bow tie and smart shoes, such as velvet loafers or polished Oxfords.

Shop the pieces in this guide: velvet loafers · bow ties · cufflinks · Christmas gifts for him

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