If you’re going to dress up at any time of the year, it’s during the Christmas season. Dress however you like for eleven months, but when December comes, it’s time to get serious about your Christmas outfit. Dinners with family members, drinks with old friends, gatherings, the workplace Christmas party, and even the odd night out with friends are all times that need you to step up your game.
Low-Maintenance Outfits
When the weather becomes nasty, no amount of hairspray will keep a quiff in place. So, while a pompadour may fit with the pomp and ceremony of party season, consider switching to a more manageable mop.
“Avoid high-maintenance trends,” adds Denis Robinson, artistic director of Ruffians, who recommends keeping things simple with cuts like a free sweep back or a mid-length cut with natural waves. To conclude, all you need is a little texturizing product like sea salt spray or volumizing powder.
Preparation
While putting together a list of Christmas gift ideas long enough to put you in the red may be a top priority at this time of year, it also pays to plan for pre-Christmas gatherings in addition to stockings.
“A stress-free party season requires preparation,” says John Harrison of famous Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes. This is especially true if you’re going to a black-tie event. A few weeks ahead of time, spend some time looking through your outfits, making sure you have everything and that it’s been dry-cleaned or, in the case of tailoring, steamed, so it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Ties
Most dress rules allow for some flexibility, especially when it comes to ‘Hollywood black tie,’ but there are nearly always some traditions that must be followed for your outfits.
“Make sure you knot your bow tie yourself if the gathering is black tie,” suggests etiquette expert James Field. “It’s a lot wiser, and it should never look flawless as pre-tied bow ties do.” If you’re not sure how to knot a bow tie over your neck, practice by tying one around your knee.”
Spice Things Up
A normal shirt and trousers aren’t going to satisfy your boss at the next company Christmas party. Your Christmas outfit should at least have a hint of red or
Think about investing on one killer jacket and trouser for your outfit. You should vary it up with a nice knit, open-neck shirt or a formal shirt and bow tie to feel a little different and proper for the dress code at each event.
Bring A Bag
Even if it means stumbling into an ex or that guy who still thinks you cheated him out of a promotion, you must stay at the party for at least a half-hour in the name of politeness. This implies that you should not appear as though you’re simply passing through. “Never go up to a party with a weekend bag or, even worse, a backpack,” Martin advises.
The very maximum cargo allowed is a small pouch bag. This should be enough to contain an invitation, cardholder, phone, and keys while leaving your pockets free and maintaining your suit’s sharper-than-sharp profile. The bottom line is, you should always include a bag for your Christmas outfit.