![]() ![]() That flash of lazily stuffed (or neatly folded) silk in your breast pocket throws off the symmetry of the look to create a more rakish, party-ready aesthetic overall. That said, if you’re going for a dark tonal look, then a knitted silk tie might be the perfect way to add a touch of texture to the look.Ī pocket square is often associated with black tie since it’s a vital component, but you’re missing a trick by not wearing one with your cocktail attire. ![]() An open collar is more relaxed and comfortable at any rate. Where a lot of guys get flustered with cocktail attire is neckwear – to wear a tie or not? In short, a tie is absolutely not necessary and if you feel like the options you have in your wardrobe are too ‘business’ than definitely avoid. A simple black, white, navy or dark tone tee cut from heavyweight cotton or, better yet, knitted merino can be an excellent riposte to the smart cut of a blazer or suit jacket. Please, only crew neck versions, and definitely no patterns or logos. The plain T-shirt is by far the most casual alternative but it can certainly hold its own as a relaxed layer that doesn’t distract from your tailoring. Avoid bright contrast tones as this will look too jarring against a darker blazer – a better bet would be to wear a tone similar to the blazer, or at least in the same neighbourhood. Similarly, knitted polos are a smart deviation from the classic shirt, dressing down the look with that soft roll collar, two/three-button placket and subtle knitted texture. Just make sure you go for the most lightweight merino or cashmere that you can find, otherwise you’ll self-combust. It’s especially effective in dark tones worn with similarly dark tones – think a forest green roll neck with a burgundy velvet dinner jacket, or a charcoal roll neck and ivory flannel blazer combo. The merino turtleneck has, for example, long been considered a worthy alternative to wear with a smart blazer or suit given its minimal styling and neck construction, which naturally complements the blazer’s lapels. While we love a great shirt, cocktail attire doesn’t have to be married to the idea of collar and cuffs. The question you need to ask, essentially, is: does it look like I’ve made a special effort? If the answer in yes, then it’s cocktail time. You see where we’re going with this? Cocktail attire is ‘special’ and open to creative interpretation within the remit of ‘smart’. Ditto a burgundy linen double-breasted suit with contrast shirt and flamboyant tie. ![]() In short, it’s an eyeballed measure of tailoring (but never a business suit), a single shot of casual sophistication (we’re looking at you fine gauge turtleneck), shaken with equal parts fun and extravagance, and finally garnished with a slice of glamour.Ĭocktail attire is more commonly based around tailored separates, but suits are absolutely applicable so long as they are non-business related – rocking up in your 9-5 charcoal suit and black Oxfords and simply leaving your tie in your pocket does NOT constitute cocktail attire.Ī minimalist black suit and black silk polo is something different altogether, though. It’s as slippery as an eel at a jelly party is what it is. Let’s get into the rudiments of cocktail attire so that next time you receive an invitation for such an evening event, you rejoice rather than recoil. In fact, creative license within a relatively narrow remit is the best possible scenario – you get a broad sartorial canvas with a limited but not limiting array of paints with which to daub on. Glad that’s clear.ĭefining cocktail attire in a single sentence is like asking a room full of five-year-olds to draw a dog: sure, you’ll get plenty of floppy ears, but everything else is a matter of interpretation.ĭon’t let that perturb you though. ![]() Then there’s the dress code, which describes everything and nothing in two neat little words. What’s not to like? Well, the hangover for one, as anyone who has excitedly sunk top-shelf spirits in record time can testify. ‘Cocktail attire’: two of our favourite words, commingling the worlds of simultaneously looking good and getting rapidly drunk while revelling in the conceit of sophisticated socialising. ![]()
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