Style Scenario: The Smart Casual Holiday Party

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.

 

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.