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 2, 2015 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also 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 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 Sportcoat: J. Crew Factory Grey Glen Plaid Blazer – $89.99 w/ EXTRA40. A little pattern, but subtle in color (because, y’know, it’s grey). Also, fear not when it comes to wearing brown shoes with a medium to darker grey blazer like this one. You bet it’s possible. And besides, check out the buttons on the jacket. Those are brown. Priced a bit high at post time, compared to the last few days, so maybe hold out for a sale? Should drop to $115-$120ish at some point. UPDATE: Or… it’s actually an extra 40% off now (it’s a clearance item apparently) with the code EXTRA40. Huge thanks to Brandon C. on Facebook for the tip!

The Sweater: J. Crew Factory Slim Merino V-Neck in “Caramel” – $34.50. We’re going for a dressed-down version of Stephen Colbert’s GQ suit & sweater bus outfit. If you tend to run warmer than most, skip the sweater.

The Jeans: Levi’s 514 Straight fit in Tumbled Rigid – $36.99. Or, whatever your favorite brand and cut of dark wash jeans happens to be.

The Watch: Timex Brass Case Field Chrono – $41.81. Rugged and inexpensive.

The Gloves: Topman Harris Tweed + Leather Gloves – $35.00. Honest to goodness Harris Tweed from Scotland for an oddly low price. Ships & returns free since they’re sold through Nordstrom, and that’s key, since Gloves can be tough to get the right fit on sometimes.

The Belt: Banana Republic Textured Italian Leather Belt – $29.50 ($49.50). Yes, you’re supposed to match your leathers, but when it comes to suede shoes, your belt & watch strap can be regular ol’ calfskin. That said, the extra pebbling here helps bridge that texture divide even more.

The Shoes: H&M Suede Chelsea Boots – $59.40 w/3229 ($99). Cheap alternatives to the outstanding brown suede chelsea from Jack Erwin. Finger’s crossed on these. They could either be a steal, or, a total dumpster fire. Efforting an in-person. Ships free w/ the stackable code 3247.

The Shirt: GAP Modern Oxford in White – $29.70 w/ HOLIDAYS ($49.50). A clean, simple basic that you can wear over and over again. One way to make this outfit look a bit more dressed up, but by only making subtle changes, would be to switch out this shirt for a standard, smooth poplin dress shirt, and then wear a more refined watch. Just those two switches will really dress it up noticeably, even with the denim in play.

The Coat: Nordstrom Wool Blend Topcoat – $177.49 ($295). Long enough to cover your sportcoat’s tail, but not the more formal, knee length topcoats you’d see at a more dressed up event. It’s Nordstrom, so expect solid quality for the price.

The Scarf: Orvis Made in Ireland Black Sheep Wool Scarf – $69. All hail the black sheep out there. Made in Ireland. Great cable pattern. The lack of dying is what helps it stand out. Ships free with the code SHIPFREE.

The Host/Hostess Gift: Hahn GSM – $13.99. Anyone who throws a party expecting their guests to bring host/hostess gifts is… questionable. But y’know what resonates with a host/hostess who’s busted their butt to get the shindig ready? A small bit of appreciation for them inviting you over to eat their food and drink their booze. Find a bottle of wine or whiskey that punches above its weight. Ask around if you’re not a self proclaimed expert in such matters. Bring it. Find them. Show them and thank them and then ask where you’d like them to have you put their newest bottle.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes, Watches Tagged With: 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.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

The Dappered Space: One Room, One Store – Target (and their Spring Home Sale)

The Dappered Space: One Room, One Store – Target (and their Spring Home Sale)

Looking toward the coming season of outdoor living.

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

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s
  • Dappered Space Steal Alert: Home Depot One Day Outdoor Sale

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.