The magic of the holidays is knocking at the door, and no man wants to be caught unprepared. As the saying goes, the way the New Year finds a man is the way his whole year will go. And since holiday preparations include the festive wardrobe, we thought we would lend a hand. So, for those who want to look like a million dollars on New Year’s Eve, here are 4 stylish options.
1. Black tie: the ideal outfit for a festive New Year’s Eve
An invitation to a refined event calls for black tie, for any man who wishes to respect the dress code. A two-piece suit in black, burgundy or navy, a white shirt, a tie or bow tie, plus black shoes are the elements of a black tie outfit. A double-breasted dinner suit, with peak lapels and supple lines, brings refinement and distinction. The cummerbund, cufflinks and patent leather shoes are not obligatory, especially today, when black tie can be reinterpreted more creatively.
2. Business formal: discreet elegance that never disappoints
Just because the English named it “business” does not mean it is reserved for doing business. A two- or three-piece suit in all-season wool, in an understated colour, is excellent for an evening with symbolic weight. And since New Year’s Eve is just such an evening, a charcoal grey suit with a black polo neck and matching Oxfords is a choice that stands out, not in any old way, but precisely through its discretion. The watch strap, the pocket square and (perhaps) the spectacle frames should belong to the same colour family. In any case, there is no need to be a show-off. The aim is to look good, not to distract everyone with all manner of accents, colours or accessories. The great advantage of this outfit is its flexibility. It can be worn on other occasions too, whole or broken up into separates. The jacket, for instance, can join smart casual outfits with a pair of jeans. And the trousers can go into relaxed combinations, with an everyday shirt or a bomber jacket.
3. Business casual: freedom without too many compromises
Outfits built on a sport jacket with contrasting trousers are increasingly popular today. For those who want to break the mould a little, where the setting allows, business casual is all it takes. A sport jacket, not too colourful, can be worn with lighter trousers or even chinos. A blazer (a jacket with metal buttons) can take the place of the sport jacket. The shirt can be plain, checked or striped. A tie is not a must, but for those who cannot part with it, patterned ties in bold colours or knitted ties are the way to go. On the feet, Derbies (with or without brogueing) or monk straps (single or double).
4. Smart casual or below: New Year’s Eve at home, in style
For a New Year’s Eve at home with loved ones that still looks festive, there are solutions. Smart casual offers all the freedom needed. The shirt can give way to a jumper, and jeans or corduroys can take the place of wool trousers. The jacket can be more playful, and ready to come off when the party heats up. Without the jacket, the outfit turns casual: the most relaxed way to see in the New Year. There are no strict rules here, but T-shirts or sweatshirts with superheroes, prominent logos or other follies are best left in the drawer.
In short, any dress code can supply a unique outfit for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Once the venue for the night between the years is known, the wise sartorial decisions follow. Happy New Year!
