Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Style Scenario: The Smart Casual Holiday Party

December 9, 2014 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. This one is for the dressed down affairs that might be out, or, might be at someone’s house. These are the parties where most guys are in bulky uncomfortable sweaters. Jeans are acceptable, but dressing them up with a holiday appropriate blazer will absolutely take the look to another level, while not getting snooty. Top Photo: Elliot P.

Style Scenario: The Smart Casual Holiday Party | Dappered.com

 

The Blazer: Alfani RED Slim-Fit Velvet Sport Coat in Burgundy – $79.99. Jeans and a sweater might look too casual. Jeans and a deep burgundy velvet blazer? Sure thing. From the younger leaning Macy’s house brand Alfani RED.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Slim Button Down in Navy/Grey Plaid – $27.65 w/ HELP. Shades of Blackwatch here. Plus, a button down collar means you can skip a tie/collar stays for the evening. Some might be tempted to layer up with a sweater here. Don’t. The blazer is plenty. Plus, these parties are usually on the warm side with all the body heat and enclosed space, so, “don’t seal in all the juices” with too many layers. Code is good for 30% off and free shipping no min.

The Jeans: GAP 1969 Standard Taper Fit Jeans (Dark Resin Wash) – $41.97 w/ FESTIVE. Jeans are often excluded from GAP promos, but the 40% off code FESTIVE is working on them. Decent for guys with bigger thighs who still want some taper down at the ankle. Full review here. Sizes are getting limited.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic St Andrews – $130.37. Minimalism while still looking super-classic. Quartz movement. Mineral glass. Not the most impressive specs, but plenty of looks.

The Boots: J75 by JUMP Clancy Chealsea – $54.94. Sold by DSW and real friendly on the wallet. Has a glowing review too. Probably a safer play, in terms of quality, than the H&M alternatives at $99. Want to get spendy? Go for Jack Erwin.

The Belt: GAP Basic Leather Belt – $17.97 w/ FESTIVE. And still the grand champion of versatile, inexpensive, well made casual belts. Always on sale.

The Socks: Wigwam Men’s Merino Airlite Pro Socks – $11.18. Thinner than a standard hiking sock, but still merino & nylon based. Should do better on the floors than a pair of dress socks if the host is a “take your shoes off at the door, please” type.

The Coat: J. Crew Dock Peacoat w/ Thinsulate – $194.60 w/ MERRYMERRY ($298) As always, check your local Army/Navy surplus store first, but the J. Crew Dock Peacoat stands out in particular, in two ways: 1. The cut is a bit trimmer than most peacoats, and 2. the extra length will easily cover a blazer/suit jacket tail. That’s a must. Code MERRYMERRY expires today, 12/9.

The Scarf: Faribault for Target Made in the USA Wool Scarf – $39.99. A really smart holiday collaberation between Target and a heritage U.S. mill. Ships free.

The Gloves: Orvis Bison Leather Gloves – $98. Texture, durability, and warmth. Expensive, yes, but you’ll have these for a long time.

The Host/Hostess Gift (if applicable): Josh Cellars Cab – $12.99. Someone has invited you over to share in their walls & roof, their food, and probably their booze. Say thanks with a bottle of wine that outperforms its price. A rich one that’s still plenty drinkable. Part of the Joseph Carr family.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes, Watches Tagged With: holiday parties 2014, style scenario

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Mid Thursday Update: J. Crew has refreshed their final sale section.

The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe

The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe

Crews to Cardigans. Half Zips to Shawl Collars. Plus the pros and cons of each.

7 Reasons Why L.L. Bean Boots are Timeless Classics

7 Reasons Why L.L. Bean Boots are Timeless Classics

The argument for L.L.’s foul weather boots.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Spier’s Sweater Sale, BR Factory new arrivals, & More
  • 7 Reasons Why L.L. Bean Boots are Timeless Classics
  • Steal and Stock Alert: Spier has new core suits in stock
  • In Review: Nike By You Custom Sneakers – Blazer Mid ‘77

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.