MEN’S GUIDE TO PARTY WEAR: WHAT TO WEAR FOR A DINNER PARTY

• First impressions count: Arrive in the right outfit, and it’ll show that you care, that you pay attention to detail, and that you know how to navigate different situations.

• Make your mark: You want to make an impact for the right reasons - don’t be the guy in jeans and a hoodie at the formal event.

• Traditional dress codes: For some events, centuries of tradition dictate what we wear. While you can play with these conventions, it’s best to follow the spirit of the occasion..

• A sign of respect: Turning up in considered dinner clothes for men is a sign of respect to your host. It shows you take the event seriously, whether it’s a bar mitzvah, a wake, or just a meal at your friend’s place - especially if they’ve spent hours on the cooking!

FEEL FREE TO CHECK DRESS CODE

If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the host - most people will appreciate you checking. That way, you can dress confidently knowing that you’re guaranteed to get the right look.

IF YOU’RE NOT SURE, GO MORE FORMAL

If you can’t check the dress code, it’s always a safe bet to pick a more formal outfit - it’s easier to take off a blazer than it is to dress up a graphic tee when you’re already at the table. And what’s the worst that can happen? People might say how smart you look,  but it’s better than showing up underdressed and maybe offending the host.

STICK TO THE UNSPOKEN RULES

When you’re dressing for dinner, there are a handful of styles that everyone knows are off the cards. Yes, we’re talking about casual clothes. Unless you’re going to a mate’s house for pizza while you watch the game, you should steer clear of:

• Cargo trousers

• Sportswear

• T-shirts and sweatshirts with prints, images or loud patterns

• Shorts (except at garden parties or barbecues)

• Hoodies

• Baseball caps

• Old or tired trainers

Suave jacket

Opt for a dinner suit jacket or tuxedo. Black is always the safest bet, but navy and deep red velvets will also look the part.

Suit trousers

Pick a pair of dinner suit or tuxedo trousers in black, and your outfit is sure to hit the mark.

Dapper waistcoat

If the invite specifies black tie, you should choose a ‘horseshoe’ or U-shaped waistcoat in black. If it’s white tie, you need to go with white.

Smart shirt

Keep it simple with a white dress shirt. You might be able to get away with a light blue or pink one, but it’ll depend on the occasion.

Slick bow tie

Yes, these formal occasions call for a bow tie. It should be (you guessed it) black for black tie, and white for white tie.

Polished shoes

Complete your look with black dress shoes or Oxford shoes - but give them a good polish before you get dressed.

Minimal accessories

Keep it simple. A pocket square (or just a white handkerchief) will always do the trick. Add a leather strap watch and - for that seriously dapper finish - a silver signet ring or a tasteful silver bracelet.

Sleek jacket

Almost any suit jacket will do, but if you’re unsure, go with navy blue or grey. Just don’t wear your regular office jacket.

Refined trousers

Match the trousers to your jacket. If it’s a slightly more relaxed dinner, you can even make a pair of (very) smart chinos work.

Crisp shirt

You can’t go wrong with a classic white shirt, but other light tones that go with your suit colour will look just as good. Whatever shade you pick, make sure it’s a formal style - avoid obvious branding.

Waistcoat or jumper?

Both are optional, but if you’re wearing a three-piece suit, adding a waistcoat to match the jacket and trousers will always look slick - or you can mix and match colours, as long as they complement each other. If it’s winter or a more laid-back dinner, you might want to reach for a smart V-neck jumper or dark roll-neck instead, to keep you warm in style.

Classic tie

Choose a tie that’s simple, understated, and matches your suit’s main colours. This isn’t the time to pull out your novelty or ‘joke’ ties.

Sophisticated shoes

Brogues, Derby shoes and formal loafers should be at the top of your list. Whichever pair you go with, these are the shoes for stepping out in comfort and confidence.

Simple accessories

You might want to wear a pocket square, but they’re not essential here. We recommend keeping it simple with a slick watch - leather or link straps, the choice is yours.

Considered jacket

If you’re entertaining the bigwigs or eating in a high-end restaurant, go for a suit jacket. If it’s a more relaxed occasion, a roll-neck jumper would look the part.

Neat trousers

Rocking a suit jacket? Style it with the matching trousers. Going for a more laid-back top? Team it with a smart pair of chinos.

Classy top

For more relaxed meals, a long-sleeve polo or crisply-ironed white t-shirt will look spot on. But if you’re unsure how formal to go, aim smarter with a shirt in neutral tones like white, blue or grey.

Add a tie?

A tie is only really needed if you’re wearing a shirt, but if you decide to wear one, make sure it’s plain, simple, and in a colour that matches your suit jacket.

Snappy shoes

Brogues and Derby shoes will always be a good choice here. But if you’re looking for a pair with a bit more personality, consider some suede desert boots instead.

Stylish accessories

As always, a nice watch will add the polished finish that you’re looking for, but even smart watches have earned a spot at more relaxed work dinners.

Jacket for the forecast

Sun’s out, linen suit jacket’s out. On a cooler day, you might want to choose a fine-knit cardigan or a cashmere V-neck one instead.

Top of choice

An Oxford shirt or breathable linen shirt will look just right at garden parties, and short sleeves will be a go-to on hot days as well. Most colours are on the cards, and you can even have fun with patterns - florals will always be a winner, but we’d stay away from check shirts here (they’re just a touch too casual).

Weather-ready bottoms

Chinos will be your safest bet for an outdoor dinner like this. If it’s warm out and the vibe is pretty chill, then you might be able to get away with shorts - but make sure they’re a smart cut.

Comfy shoes

You’ll need something smart and comfy, so try slip-on shoes, loafers, boat shoes or smart boots. For less formal garden parties, open-toe sandals or a pair of (clean!) white leather court trainers would also look the part.

Seasonal accessories

While the sun’s out, rock a pair of sunglasses and a peak hat to finish off your look. A light scarf can be a nice addition for when the temperatures drop, too.

Sharp layer

A smart blazer will never look out of place, especially in high-end restaurants. If it’s a more laid-back spot, you could reach for a cashmere roll-neck or fine-knit cardigan instead.

Tasteful top

A long-sleeved shirt will always have your back, no matter the colour or style. You can mix up your look with a fresh polo shirt or t-shirt with minimal branding instead - just make sure it’s crisply ironed.

Versatile bottoms

You can’t go wrong with trusty chinos here, or a pair of dark jeans without fading or distressed detail.

Spotless shoes

Anything in leather or suede will add the slick finishing touch to your outfit, especially if it’s a pair of our Derby shoes. White court trainers would also work, as long as they’re spotless.

Jacket to impress

You won’t need to keep it on all night, but show up in a navy, brown, grey or tweed blazer, and you’re guaranteed to make a good first impression. A Harrington jacket or Mac would also look the part, or a smarter V-neck or crew-neck jumper when it’s not quite as cold.

Trusty top top

Any long-sleeved shirt will do the trick. Avoid garish colours or over-the-top designs - keep that Hawaiian one for the beach! A polo, smart t-shirt or even some rugby tops can work, depending on whose house you’re going to.

Essential bottoms

Chinos or a pair of fresh jeans are the way to go. They’ll look good with anything, they’ll keep you comfy, and they’ll always hit the dress code here.

Easy-wear shoes

Shoes aren’t quite as important for your outfit this time - you’ll probably just take them off at the door. But step into a pair of brogues, loafers, desert boots or clean white trainers for the journey, and you’ll start the night right.

Fresh socks

On that note… Because you might be taking your shoes off, you need to think about socks. Make sure they’re fresh and, most importantly, that they have no holes!

Feel-good accessories

A smart leather belt will finish off any outfit perfectly - dinner party looks included. And don’t forget any extras that make you feel fresh, whether it’s your go-to watch, an edgy ring or slick bracelet.