You’ve just been invited to an event. Let’s say it’s your friend’s daughter’s wedding, and there it is, in faux calligraphy script:
“Dress code: Cocktail attire.”
Or worse: “Dressy casual.”
Now you’re probably wondering, “What does that even mean?” Do you wear a tux? A suit? Or — shudder — are cummerbunds, ruffles, and velvet involved?
You’re not alone. The cocktail dress code can throw off even the most savvy guys. In a Reddit poll, 29% of people said cocktail is “a little fancier than semi-formal,” but almost half (43%) said semi-formal is “a little fancier than cocktail.” To complicate things, 22% said they’re exactly the same.
Confused emoji.
The good news is that decoding cocktail attire doesn’t require a style intervention by Georgio Armani. We’ll show you the basics and how to confidently own the cocktail look. Plus, we’ll share how to decipher any invitation with ease. Consider this your essential guide to turning WTF into “well-tailored fella.”
Sound good? Let’s start with a history lesson.
Where did cocktail style come from?
If you’re thinking “cocktail attire” sounds like something Frank Sinatra would wear, you’re not too far off. The style has its roots in early 20th-century cocktail culture. People wanted a look as stylish as black tie, but casual enough to go from dinner to dancing to martinis on the rooftop. Think of the effortless chic of Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany’s — sophisticated, yet understated glamor.
As social landscapes changed and the formality of events relaxed, men adapted the cocktail style into what we see today: simple, stylish outfits that strike the right balance between formal and casual.
What are the elements of cocktail attire for men?
Officially, cocktail attire for guys is a dark suit, dress shirt, and tie — impeccably tailored and perfectly matched.
Not intimidating at all.
Unofficially, cocktail attire doesn’t have to stick to the suit-and-tie formula. Sure, there will be times when you’ll need to wear a suit. But there'll also be plenty of times when you can get creative and still nail the cocktail aesthetic. You can go for casual sophistication with a blazer and dress pants, or dress things up with a silk pocket square and bow tie. As always, the key is knowing the territory and looking your best.
Let’s go through a few scenarios.
Well-dressed man: The basic cocktail outfit
We’ll start with the basic outfit that'll get you through 90% of cocktail attire occasions.
The suit
Wear a well-tailored suit and you’ll never have to worry if you’re dressed properly for most cocktail attire events. Dark blue, gray, and black are classic, versatile color choices. Pay attention to weight — wear a lightweight suit for summer or outdoors events, and opt for a heavier fabric in winter.
The shirt
Match your suit with a dress shirt. White is a timeless color choice, and darker shades add sophistication — especially at evening events. Make sure your shirt fits perfectly and is freshly ironed.
The tie
Complete the look with a good-quality silk tie that complements your suit and shirt. The world is your oyster when it comes to colors — just be sure the tie matches the event. Understated tones and patterns are more suitable for formal events — like your friend’s daughter’s wedding — while brighter colors and styles are more suitable for cocktail parties.
The shoes
Black dress shoes are a safe choice to pair with gray and black suits. You have a few more choices with blue suits: You can stick with black, or add a touch of personality with a pair of oxblood brogues.
The belt
Finish the look with a leather belt. Understated is the rule here — save the big-ass trucker buckle for your jeans. And whatever you do, please make sure your belt matches your shoes.
With this outfit in your closet, you’ll always hit the target when it comes to cocktail style. It’s also a great foundation for building a versatile capsule wardrobe. However, if you’re like us, you’re probably reading this article because you want to wear something different than the usual suit and tie. Let’s talk cocktail attire mixology.
Mixing your own: Tasteful cocktail dress alternatives
While the basic suit, shirt, and tie are perfectly adequate, you can elevate your cocktail style by playing around with different elements. Think espresso martini versus classic gin and vermouth.
Wear a blazer and pants
If the occasion allows, swap out the suit for a blazer and neutral-colored pants. You can’t go wrong with a navy blazer paired with olive wool pants, but you’ve got plenty of other options. Dial up the style by matching the classic navy blazer with Jack Archer Bourbon Brown tech pants. Add some color up top with a dark green or burgundy blazer — or pair a gray blazer with our Bering Sea tech pants for a cool take on an old school look.
Wear a sweater
Unleash your inner Rob Lowe by adopting his classic sweater and jacket look. Go for a casual-but-elegant look by matching a black roll top with a navy or gray suit. Or spruce things up by combining a navy or green blazer with a black Jack Archer Legacy polo sweater.
Accessorize for extra points
If the event demands a suit and tie, you still have options. Add a pocket square to inject a little personality, or go with French cuffs and stylish cufflinks. Socks are also a great way to introduce a signature piece to your outfit. Choose an argyle or stripe pattern for a subtle personal touch, or make a statement with bolder colors or patterns. Just make sure your Yoda socks are appropriate for the event.
A quick note: Discretion is the rule when mixing and matching cocktail attire. Ensure your sartorial expression is appropriate for the occasion. In other words, do your homework and check what other people are wearing first.
On that note, let’s talk about what to wear for specific occasions.
Cocktail attire for holiday parties
Holiday parties can be a sartorial minefield, especially when the invite says “cocktail attire.” If you’re in doubt, stick to the basic cocktail outfit and add a couple of festive touches like a red pocket square or a tie with a subtle holiday pattern. Note: A mistletoe hat is not subtle. But you do you.
If the invite specifies “festive cocktail attire,” you can safely incorporate more color and holiday elements into your outfit. Try a navy blazer with brown pants and a burgundy sweater for a stylish holiday take on cocktail style.
Cocktail attire for weddings
While a cocktail attire dress code allows you flexibility, a conservative approach is the best strategy when dressing for weddings. Your role is to blend in and not draw attention away from the happy couple. You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. For summer weddings, opt for a lightweight fabric, like linen or wool, to stay cool. Bring an umbrella if the wedding is outdoors, and make sure it’s big enough to keep you and your date dry. In cooler weather, switch to a heavier fabric and darker colors.
Keep in mind, people in wedding parties often wear matching solid-colored ties. Opt for a patterned tie in a neutral color to avoid being mistaken for an usher. Also, avoid wearing a black leather jacket and sunglasses to avoid being mistaken for Usher.
For less formal weddings, you can switch to a blazer and dress pants. Keep it classic. A navy blazer, blue shirt, and olive pants let you look great while staying firmly in the cocktail attire camp.
Cocktail attire for date night
First off, it’s highly unlikely your date is going to specify a dress code for your night out. But if the occasion calls for cocktail attire, you’ll definitely want to dress to impress.
Odds are, if you’re dressing up for your date, it probably includes dinner and dancing and maybe a concert or show. That means your outfit needs to be comfortable and versatile — you don’t want your pants to split and show off your tighty whities when you bust out your running man on the dance floor.
If you’re going somewhere formal, opt for the classic navy blue suit and tie, paired with a dark shirt and a nice tie. Remember, shoes are one of the first things women notice, so forgo the black dress shoes for a more interesting pair in brown or oxblood.
If the date isn’t as formal, lose the suit and go with a more personalized outfit. You can’t go wrong with a sophisticated, dark blazer and flattering shirt or sweater. Complete the outfit with Jack Archer tech pants. They stay fresh and wrinkle free all night, resist any potentially embarrassing stains, and — most importantly — make your butt look great. For evenings out, we like the sophisticated and sexy Space Black in slim fit or the classic style of Charcoal Gray in straight fit.
Dos and don’ts for cocktail attire
You know the drill. Here are the things you should do (and should absolutely avoid doing) to rock cocktail style.
Do
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Get your clothes tailored: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, fit is everything. Buy clothes that fit and invest in tailoring to look your best. (However, if you're wearing Jack Archer Jetsetter pants, our wide range of waist and inseam sizes ensure no tailor will be needed!)
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Be subtle: The essence of cocktail style is understated elegance. Don’t show off. Let your impeccable sense of style send the message.
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When in doubt, go classic: You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true suit and tie.
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Blow the budget on shoes: They’re the first thing people notice about your style.
Don’t
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Be a goof: Leave the novelty tie at home. This is still a formal style.
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Dress up, not down: As a minimum, your outfit should always include a jacket, fine pants, and sometimes a tie.
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Clash: Make sure your colors and patterns match and complement each other.
Last call: So long, style anxiety. Hello, sexy confidence.
The sexiest thing a man can wear is total confidence. You’ve navigated the cocktail attire minefield. Free from sartorial anxiety, you’ll stride into every event looking and feeling your best.
Remember, if you’re looking to elevate your style, you know where to find us.
