Similarly, you should also avoid any lace-less shoes, like loafers or moccasins. Even if you wear smart casual or jeans on a day-to-day basis, it pays to have at least one Cocktail Attire outfit ready in your closet for short notice events. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. The proportions of this suit are very moderate. You will often see it as the suggested dress code for many weddings, private parties, galas, and even professional occasions, ranging from networking events to retirement parties. Here's where to start. Feel free to contribute! So would it be ok to use it anyway? The answer: it depends. Play it by ear with certain smart-casual items, like. When that email hits your inbox, dont cut off contact with your hosts immediately (and definitely dont be like your pal Rob); seize the opportunity. Use these examples to inspire your creativity and achieve a benchmark for how formal and informal different ensembles should be. DO wear your best-fitting dark suit, even if you usually reserve it for work it will be appropriate for the occasion and the superb fit will make you look all the better. In this way, your pocket square will heighten the other aspects of your look without distracting from them. Join GQ to receive full access to GQ.com, Clean Summer Sale - Up to $200 off Dyson technology, Free standard shipping on all orders at Tuckernuck, Redeem Moda Operandi coupon code to save 15% off your first Trunkshow purchase, Order back-to-school shoes from $13 at Boscov's, Avail the music & entertainment plan for only $1 with this SiriusXM promo code, Up to 80% off select perfumes at FragranceX, 2022 Cond Nast. In order to decide whether to craft a Cocktail Attire ensemble that is more casual or more formal, you will primarily be guided by the nature of the event you are attending. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac6d04c715d9b0049ef39a8a4c6db35e" );document.getElementById("b4b925cb6b").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Display a Gravatar image next to my comments. Through the rest of the 20th century, the cocktail hour rules applied to any occasion in an upscale setting where drinks were served and guests were expected to socialize. It often entails a look akin to Cocktail Attire or Black Tie Optional, and in many cases, when hosts use the phrasing Semi-Formal, what they have in mind is basically a Cocktail Attire look. Formal Attire refers to any of the Formal dress codes, and can include Morning Wear for daytime occasions, and Black Tie Optional, Black Tie, or White Tie for evening occasions. Cocktail attire might not be the first phrase that comes to mind when you think of freewheeling sartorial expression. As with neckwear, less is often more with a pocket square. Ad Choices. Even though the above guidelines for cocktail attire may seem a bit subdued, they will be appropriate for most weddings. The Building Blocks of Cocktail Attire for Men, How to Wear a Trench Coat With Style Plus Some Inspiration, Best Hoop Earrings For Men: Cool, Stylish & Extremely Versatile, 13 Best Honey Fragrances For Men: Incredibly Sweet & Sophisticated, Best Mens Kimono Robes: Unique, Comfortable & Stylish, Best Hair Powder For Men: Achieve Your Desired Look. Patience, we can not follow them and fail to respect the sacredness of the ceremony. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. That being said, at more informal Cocktail Attire events, especially those taking place during the day, a blazer or sports coat can be acceptable. Divya. Socks are an often overlooked component of menswear, but the Cocktail Attire dress code affords many opportunities for visually exciting socks that are still refined enough for the occasion. It is possible to make this look work for you today, but it will require impeccable color combination and an attentive eye for quality materials in particular, you want to ensure that your shirt does not appear overly shiny. Cocktail Attire may not be a strictly formal affair, but in keeping with the refined atmosphere of the occasion, you will be best served wearing a suit that is darker in tone. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Yes, some kind of neckwear, whether a necktie or bow tie, will be expected for nearly every Cocktail Attire occasion. You hear cocktail attire and picture relaxed-yet-slightly-formal events where drinks and light hors doeuvres are served. These days, mens dress codes have developed some layers, with business formal and business casual being beneath formal dressing and smart casual situated below business casual but above true casual dressing. Keep in mind that the standards of Cocktail Attire are often dictated by the nature of the event attended, so keep some commonsense rules in mind while crafting your ensemble. Although you might perceive the equivalent as being your nice chinos and a structured blazer, complete with a button-down underneath and loafers, different situations dictate different garments, so theres no one true definition. Theres nothing wrong with that combination, but it doesn't quite gel with your hard-earned reputation as a devoted reader of GQ. Today, wed call this happy hour, and similar rules apply: Strict business dress is too formal, yet its too socially loose and uninformed to arrive in a T-shirt and jeans, even if theyre the more fitted, cleaned-up variety. DO employ elegant color combinations that are visually pleasing without being flashy this usually means pairing different shades of warm and cool colors, rather than contrasting colors. So, before you assume youve got to wear a tux or even a navy suit, for that matter heres what you should know about the cocktail attire for men as a dress code. They were confused with their searches on this cocktail attires, they needed in their annual function. Muted knitwear such as a vest can be worn under a jacket at casual Cocktail Attire events, but a sweater or cardigan is not an acceptable substitute for a jacket. Ironically, a cocktail party does not necessarily call for Cocktail Attire. To add personality to leather shoes without reverting to unusual styles or colors, consider adding a pair of unique shoelaces that pick out another color in your outfit. If the lady in blue were to step aside, you would see that the trousers of this suit are without cuffs, which raises the formality bar by another notch. Hence, relatively formal dark suits, shoes, and neckwear were the norm for gentlemen. It would be great if you could write back to me. If not, consider that cocktail parties are supposed to be relaxed occasions, and although not wrong per se, a classic dark suit such as navy or charcoal is probably a tad too formal. DON'T forget a tie or bow tie some kind of neckwear will be expected at any Cocktail Attire event you are likely to attend. But a dress shirt in a funky, left-field pattern ups the ante considerably, without veering too far into *checks notes* smart casual territory. Instead, youll be expected to shift your clothing according to the occasions social rules: for instance, black is nearly always for funerals and job interviews and shouldnt be worn to an upscale happy hour, while no one at a wedding, even with the best intentions, should upstage the bride and groom. Again, this dress code is confusing because it is relatively broad, but in most cases today, any invitation asking guests to wear Formal Attire likely indicates that Black Tie is desired. In reality, Cocktail Attire is intended to fill the sartorial void that exists between these two spheres: it offers the refinement and cohesion of more formal ensembles mingled with the creativity and opportunities for self-expression of the more casual. A significant benefit of the range of looks within the Cocktail Attire dress code is its versatility. Do I have to wear a jacket as part of a Cocktail Attire ensemble? Semi-Formal literally means Half or Nearly Formal and refers broadly to any style of dress that is not formal but also is not casual. The shoe should be relatively simple, without excessive detailing, like brogueing. Roughly a century ago, cocktail attire distinguished itself as an after-work, pre-dinner dress code amongst upscale social communities. This look exudes classic charm and has considerable vintage appeal, combining timeless colors with antique detailing that is all united with the use of shades of red. Do I have to wear a tie as part of a Cocktail Attire ensemble? Cocktail Casual refers to a dress code similar to Cocktail Attire but noticeably less formal, usually allowing for bright colors, unusual patterns, and combinational outfits. As a general rule, you should keep in mind that the more patterns and colors, other than navy and gray, you have in your outfit, the less formal it will be. Do I have to wear Cocktail Attire to a cocktail party? Debonair looks too good on you to second guess. DO utilize unique accessories to add personality to your Cocktail Attire look, but remember that less is often more, so employ a quality-over-quantity approach. Note that in this illustration, the red stripe appears very vibrant, but as seen in the fabric swatch below, it appears much more sedate in real life. Called after 5 in some circles initially, the formal-but-not-too-formal attire was expected for pre-dinner drinks and canapes. DapperConfidential.com is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For instance, a wedding that takes place in a church with a reception at a historic hotel hints at a more dignified occasion that requires a more formal look. But it's less complicated than you think. As part of a more modern look, you can potentially wear a blazer or sports coat at a casual Cocktail Attire event, but this will not be in keeping with the traditional rules of the Classic Style. When Cocktail Attire is called for as the dress code at your next event, now you know what you need to wear to look and feel great. This rust brown subdued windowpane over-plaid on a gray sharkskin suit is worn as a 3-piece suit with an ivory-colored shirt and navy-red club tie. The essential elements for a wedding dress: dark suit, white shirt, micro-pattern tie, black lace-up shoes (better oxford). I live in Venezuela, in this country wearing suits or jackets (even the sport ones) it is not very common, Ill get to the point, this weekend is my brothers wedding, its not going to be a huge fancy wedding but we were told to go formal, for us here, formal means suit, the tux is only for the groom, the thing is, I have a dark gray jacket that Id like to use with a back vest, black pants and a white dress shirt with back tie (I dont have a black suit and to be honest neither have the money to get one right now) the thing is, my friends keep telling me to not to use a white shirt with back tie because thats what waiters use here. Can I wear a blazer or sport coat as Cocktail Attire? If youre gearing up for a warm weather occasion, creamy trousers are a pro movebonus points if they come pleated and with a high waist. Traditionally, formal attire would mean white tie. Nows your chance to bust out the statement-making jewelry, sleazy tinted shades, or tie thats a little too jazzy to wear to work. If the hosts of the cocktail party have specified a dress code, follow it. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. DO proactively determine how formal or informal your outfit should be based on the time of day, location of the event, and what you know about the hosts. Two-Tone Knit Tie in Charcoal and Cognac Yellow Changeant Silk, Wine Red, Yellow,Blue, Green, Orange Silk Wool Medallion Pocket Square. In the past, jewel-tone dress shirts, in blues, greens, reds, and purples, were often worn as part of Cocktail Attire. No black suits unless theyre distinctively and clearly textured. You dont have to bother with any of the stultifying accessories of more formal events. Thats where we come in. Posted June 29, 2022 in Accessories, Clothing, Fashion Illustrations, Miscellaneous, Our Best Articles, Outfits, Pocket Square, Shirts, Suits, Tie & Bow Tie, Videos, Waistcoats, Wardrobe, Clothing and Accessories, Wedding. Which begs the question: what, exactly, does cocktail attire mean in 2022, after two years of quarantining at home cozily ensconced in head to toe fleece? I am the bride and I am planning to make a surprise suit for me on that day. I will add that picking up a freshly cut bouquet at the florist or grocer will give somewhere between one and two weeks of fresh boutonnieres in non-extreme weather. A T-shirt and blazer might sound okay on paper, but in practice you're apt to look like you got lost en route to an SAE wine mixer. Nowadays, Im into wearing a casual gentleman attire consisting of a sporty sportcoat, a dress shoe, a pair of jeans, and always smelling good with a sophisticated smelling cologne. This guide will help explain precisely what Cocktail Attire is, so you are perfectly dressed and able to enjoy yourself. Blue blazer, grey slacks, white shirt and moderate tie are a bit of a Friday uniform in more than a few US cities. For this reason, cocktail attire for men is relatively easy to do. Finally, many modern gentlemen, including those interested in the Classic Style, have embraced the dress sneaker on an increasing number of occasions. A shirt with French cuffs, provided that the accompanying cufflinks are sufficiently sedate, is perfectly acceptable, as are barrel cuffs. The burgundy of the striped socks also offers bold color that is kept in check by the midnight blue. It is also appropriate for funerals and other solemn occasions when formality is required. Solids or subtle patterns are both equally acceptable, provided that they are rendered in sedate colors. In this case, a solid dark navy or charcoal suit can be worn if you dont own a black one, and your accessories should be muted, such as a black grenadine tie, black leather oxford dress shoes, and a solid white shirt. Traditionalists will point you to a windowpane blazer, solid-colored chinos, and classic leather dress shoes. DO remember that the Cocktail Attire dress codes affords opportunities for tasteful and elegant personalization, so do not be afraid to add your personal touch to your outfit. Part of the confusion stems from the name: if you associate cocktails with a glamorous evening at a fancy bar or restaurant, you would not be remiss in thinking that a more formal ensemble, such as a tuxedo, would be appropriate. Therefore, you can feel free to experiment with more bold colors and patterns, wear combinationals, or even forego neckwear. Thanks Potential color choices include Medium Blues, Dark and Medium Greens, and most shades of Brown. Thanks for the amazing tips. Probably wont work in Minnesota and other terribly cold climates during the winter, as the flower is quite likely to freeze when out and about. If youre breaking up a suitor plan on ditching your jacket ASAP to hit the dance flooryou'll need trousers that can anchor your fit all on their own. For more formal occasions, you will want to select colors that coordinate with your shoes, trousers, and socks, while on more casual occasions, you can be more creative and opt for shades with more contrast. The base of the outfit, a navy blue double-breasted suit, is inherently more formal, so to add more informal whimsy, contrasting buff neckwear has been added, as it will lighten up the blue of the suit and create unexpected visual interest. Its high-contrast color and simple elegance will help the other aspects of your outfit shine. Neckwear is an ideal opportunity for injecting color and vibrancy into an outfit, but when selecting a necktie or bow tie for a Cocktail Attire affair, a more muted option will likely produce the best results. In the present day, this dress code is employed in various locations and can be worn on multiple diverse occasions. Occupying its central position within the larger progression of dress codes does mean, however, that Cocktail Attire garments can vary drastically in their overall formality. Fashion illustrations are a window into a bygone era when every man seemed to be dressed to the nines. The bar is in full swing, and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside, until the air is alive with chatter and laughter, and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot, and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each others names.. Beyond the historical developments, cocktail attire for men is essentially a cobbled-together version of other dress codes, and thus, putting together your basics is relatively straightforward. To that end, ensure that your garments are neatly pressed and recently cleaned, if needed. Loud or colorful neckwear will generally be too casual for many Cocktail Attire occasions, especially those that take place in the evening. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. Maybe even a purse! If you do opt to wear combinations, make sure that they are in dark, similar colors, especially for evening events. A dusty-hued pair of derbies or some sleek-as-hell Chelsea boots will help you look reception-ready while you guzzle gratis bubbly and do your darnedest to avoid fixing the boss combover. Conversely, if you associate drinking with a rollicking good time with friends, you might assume that a more casual look should be in the offing. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. In general, black shoes are best suited to a Cocktail Attire event, although very dark brown or dark oxblood are also acceptable. If desired, light blue shirts will also achieve a similar effect while offering additional visual interest. Ultimately, the choice is yours, although in these situations dress sneakers are not typical of the Classic Style. This cocktail outfit used to be particularly popular for wear on Sunday afternoons and was often seen at the smartest cocktail bars. The whole-cut shoes have similarly been rendered in a more unusual oxblood shade, as they are otherwise very formally cut. Because Cocktail Attire events can run the gamut from relatively casual to relatively formal, it is essential to craft your outfit around the anticipated level of formality. I thoroughly enjoy your site, but must today take exception with one of your comments. Soon, Cocktail Attire, sometimes under the guise of Semi-Formal nomenclature, was preferred for even more formal events, such as dinner parties and even weddings. While the ladies may have an easy out for a cocktail party look, taking advantage of the appropriately-named cocktail dress, it is not as clear for men what attire they should wear to a cocktail party. If your gut instinct is telling you to reach for a sizzling camp shirt, youre on the right track. Cocktail Attire arose in the early 20th century with the development of Cocktail Culture in Europe and North America. As a unique finishing touch to your entire ensemble, it is always beneficial, but especially upon more formal occasions, to make an effort to match all of the leather components of your outfit, such as your belt or suspenders, shoes, and watchband. Can I wear a sweater or similar knitwear as Cocktail Attire? Cocktail Attire is traditionally associated with single-breasted suit jackets, but a double-breasted jacket is acceptable. The ideas for cocktail attire were great for the students of CBSE schools in Amravati. Today, the stroller is definitely the most formal of all the cocktail suits. (And as a general rule, white shirt + dark suit + solid-colored tie will never make you look like a bozo.) This three-piece flannel suit with stripes benefits from the peaked lapels, which provide a little more formality. DON'T wear pinstripes, bright colored ties, a bold paisley shirt, or flashy accessories at a Cocktail Attire event that is honoring someone else, such as a retirement party, reception, or wedding the person being honored should be the center of attention and not you. People who do not know the traditions confuse elegance with a waiters uniform? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Casual Cocktail Attire is a subset of the Cocktail Attire dress codes in which the hosts want their guests to be more creative and casual in selecting their outfits. Be sure to keep an electric razor at the office to spruce up a bit. In the evening, you can wear darker suits, fewer patterns, and more muted colors. What to wear to your next rehearsal dinner, graduation party, or amorphous upscale drinks thing. It is considered on par with Business Attire, so in composition, it is very similar to an outfit you would wear to your office or an interview to create an excellent cocktail attire ensemble. (Were exaggerating, but only a little.) Eventually, Cocktail Attire assumed social occasions of its own, usually consisting of private parties or other more informal affairs that did not merit the full formal ensembles of a dinner party or gala event. If the bridegroom has a flamboyant personality or is someone who wears shorts and t-shirt, no matter what, try to adjust your outfit so you will not be completely out of place: for a more casual wedding, go with more colorful accessories and for a completely informal wedding, skip the tie and just wear a combination with a dark jacket and lighter colored slacks again, it is the bridge and grooms special day so you should try not to catch much attention with your outfit or risk overshadowing the wedding party. Check out our comprehensive breakdown of wedding attire here. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. As such, clothing that is more casual such as jeans, polo shirts, or casual sneakers has no place in the Cocktail Attire dress code, but neither does more formal menswear such as dinner jackets, formal waistcoats, or cummerbunds. For women, this dress code is perhaps one of the more straightforward and, in fact, correlates with actual cocktail dresses. I have never been to cocktail parties but as I will grow I am sure I will need to follow this attire. That being said, Semi-Formal is often used interchangeably with Cocktail Attire, although it can also sometimes be used to refer to Black Tie Optional. Conventionally, your jacket should be a suit jacket cut from the same cloth as your trousers. In recent years in the U.S., true formal attire has gone away as a standard dress in pretty much all classes, so what would earlier have been called semi-formal has been promoted to formal, while semi-formal is frequently used as a synonym for cocktail or business attire. (And if youre in a pinch, nows the chance to repurpose that navy blue number squirreled away in the back of your closet, provided you accessorize with gusto.). Photographs: Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. The Best Suits Under $1000 Are Crisp, Classic, and Downright Fun, The Best Suits for Men: The 4 Essential Styles That GQ Editors Swear By, The Best Wedding Suits for Men Deserve a Spot in Your Regular Rotation, The Best Linen Suits for Men Will Keep You Cool While You Bust a Move, Not a subscriber? Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Youre not wearing a tux, and your footwear should comport itself accordinglyso skip the patent leather pumps entirely. If you are attending a daytime Cocktail Attire event, usually taking place anytime before five pm, it would be appropriate to introduce lighter colored suit if desired. Because cocktail attire exists in the liminal space between those more casual/formal occasions, youve got plenty of leeway to imbue the mandate with elements of your personal style. Whether for day or night events, avoid high-contrast jacket and trousers combinations while following the Cocktail Attire dress code. Ignore the menswear forum blowhards: jeans definitely play, as long as the pair in question is dark and cut with a tailor's eye for precision. Burgundy Pocket Square with Paisley Pattern, White Pocket Square with Navy X Stitching. One Cocktail Attire look could appear to be just a few steps in formality above a Business Casual outfit, while another Cocktail Attire ensemble might, at first glance, seem only slightly removed from a formal ensemble. Is Cutting Out the Middle Man Just Marketing Hype. But it should be! This article give them hopes and fun to choose their attires. Such shoes convey the gravity of the occasion and will also prove far easier to pair with your larger ensemble. This jacket is a typical single-breasted stroller, peaked lapel style with two buttons and jetted pockets in a charcoalgray. Subtle neckwear in classic and versatile colors, with perhaps a subdued pattern, will ensure that the outfit is interesting while remaining sufficiently formal. The trousers are striped with a wide stripe in black and white. It is unlikely that you will find yourself invited to a Cocktail Attire event on the spur of the moment, and therefore you will have ample opportunity to ensure that both you and your clothes are in perfect order. The key to ensure elegance and versatility is to select a pocket square that features muted, classic colors that will enliven your ensemble without appearing too brash. Desperate for more dress code guides? This look is simply too casual for events of this formality. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. For the most part, contemporary dress codes fall along a spectrum of formality, anchored by anything-goes Vegas elopements on one end and glitzy black tie galas on the other.