A Dark Blue Suit

Having this in your closet helps you in so many ways.  You can transition the jacket into a blazer for smart casual outfits, and use the navy trousers  for nicer looks.

Two Watches

Own a functional watch, such as a Fossil  or Citizen , and an old-world ticking minute repeater .  This throwback to a classy era makes you look more sophisticated.

Dark Denim

Nix the stone washed jeans  of the eighties and opt for a pair of new, unfaded Levis .  Wearing neatly pressed jeans also makes you look more presentable.

Loafers

No matter your age, loafers  are a classic shoe.  Pair them with trousers in the office or with jeans for a dinner out.

White Dress Shirts

Own a few.  Having a white button-down shirt  at hand gives you the option of wearing it with a suit or dressing it down.

Silk Long Johns

Having silk long johns  as an undergarment will keep your legs warm so you won't need to don a long overcoat --you can opt for a short and contemporary stye instead.

Cashmere Sweater

Having a high-quality, warm cashmere sweater  in your wardrobe takes you from days in the office to a date night out.

Dark Blazer

With a navy blue  or black blazer , you can always achieve a classic look. Try a dark velvet with a single button with nicely fitting jeans for sophisticated vibe.

The holidays are a time for coming out from behind your office door and letting yourself loose a little bit; however, this does not translate into donning that light-up tie and drinking too much eggnog .   

• Experts say to dress as you would for a normal office day, only with a more sophisticated twist that reflects your personal taste.
• If a suit  is your normal office wear, then try a bolder colour of shirt  underneath or a brighter tie , not both!   
• The office party is a showcase of everyone on the corporate ladder, and you won't want to risk losing an internal promotion because you dressed too flashy or too casual. 
• The corporate party is never the place to try out a new look, so save that new haircut for January.

Surely your friends, neighbours, and family will host a holiday get-together, and though this may not be so formal, you will still want to look your best.  Keep your look nice and neat and, most importantly, reflective of your own style.  Stick to the basics and you can't go wrong.

• For a casual feel, you can get away with dark denim and an Oxford shirt .  Add a blazer  or sweater vest  for extra sophistication.
• Tan chinos  or trousers  and a jumper  will also work.  
• Skip out on wearing your trainers  this time and opt for loafers  or a black shoe .

If the invite says formal, black tie, or black tie optional, your choice of dress is pretty limited.  You will need to buy or rent a dinner jacket .       

• Stay traditional and go with the standard black .  Even though it's the holidays, stay far away from a colourful cummerbund  or bright socks.  They are just tacky.
• For a more elaborate explanation on when and how to wear a dinner jacket , check out our guide to Men's Clothing for Special Occasions.

Layer Up

You never know how hot or cold the setting will be. If your hosts have a fire blazing, you want to make sure you don't overheat, but remember, wintertime is chilly and you'll want to have enough clothing to keep cosy. Layers are your best bet: a cotton underlayer  topped with a wool jumper  and a jacket  or blazer  (jackets are de rigueur for most parties you will attend this season) should work well for most environments.

 Invest in an Overcoat

• If you're heading out for a night on the town, think of the complete picture. You wouldn't want to put a ski ski parka  over your party clothes now, would you?
• The most important factor in selecting an overcoat  is that it fit your shoulders; everything else can be tailored.
• Pair with a smart-looking scarf  and some leather gloves  and you're good to go.

 Avoid Seasonal Prints

Definitely forget about that Christmas jumper or tie (if it's a gift from your dear old mum, avoid hurt feelings and wear it when you're home with your family). To avoid these awkward situations, gently suggest alternate gifts that you might enjoy. For brainstorming, check out our guide to Gifts for Men.

Make an Impression

Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd, whether it's with a daring velvet jacket  or, if you're more traditional, something that fits you to a tee.  If you can't look dapper now, when can you?

Be Flexible

• Experiment with textures and patterns, like stripes or velveteen.
• A black dress shirt is extremely versatile--you can wear it to the office or for after-work activities.
• For a hot new look, pick up a skinny tie. Silk ties in an unconventional colour like baby blue or light pink are great for looking sharp.

Wear the Right Size

Clothes that properly complement your size and shape make all the difference. If the invitation says "formal attire," then a great-fitting jacket is a must.

Wear a Blazer

Whatever else you may don (within reason), always wear a blazer. This is an item that can take you safely through any holiday party, even if the dress code is unclear. If an event you thought was casual turns out to require more of a dress code, this is an item that can instantly snazz you up and steer you through.

Confidence

Let's not forget the key ingredient: confidence. Knowledge that you offer so much more than your great style is vital no matter what you're wearing.