Cocktail Attire Dress Code Explained
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ธ.ค. 2018
- Ace the Cocktail Attire Dress Code, click here: gentl.mn/cocktail-attire-men
More about Dress CODES: gentl.mn/2JkKAln
DRESS CODE PRIMER: gentl.mn/2LqitTU
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL DRESS CODE EXPLAINED: gentl.mn/2CkVI0u
SHOP THE VIDEO:
1. Madder Silk Tie in Dark Blue, Light Blue and Red Macclesfield Neats - gentl.mn/2A362ZA
2. Collar Bar - gentl.mn/2Bqz8lx
3. Silver Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls - gentl.mn/2GoOb55
4. Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Grey and Light Blue - gentl.mn/2QEXgeA
What's meant by cocktail attire today then?
While it is still a relatively formal and somewhat strict dress code, there is a little bit more room for creativity and expression in today's interpretations of cocktail attire. It can apply to traditional cocktail parties, of course, but also to other events like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and so on.
If you will be attending a wedding or another event of similar pedigree, you will want to stick to the more traditional interpretation of cocktail attire.
What exactly should a man wear to an event that has a dress code of cocktail attire?
So, let us break down that traditional, conservative interpretation of the dress code first and discuss some of the variations along the way.
The most traditional option for a cocktail attire suit, which is to say, of course, that being jacket, trousers, and optional waistcoat are all cut from matching fabric, is in a medium gray color, as I am wearing here today. Of course, going for something even darker such as charcoal, gray, or navy blue is also perfectly acceptable.
Conversely, a black suit would be much too somber for cocktail attire and should be avoided.
No matter what color of suit you choose, solid colors are safest. You can go with a faint pattern such as a light windowpane or maybe a Glenn check but keep in mind that that pattern should be conservative and not overly loud.
To provide contrast with a more medium to dark suit then, your shirt should typically be lighter in color. White is standard, of course, but you can also go for off-white or pastel colors like pink, yellow, or blue. A Winchester shirt which is to say a shirt with a white collar and sometimes white cuffs, paired with a colored and occasionally patterned body, can also be an acceptable choice for cocktail attire so long as the color that is incorporated in the body of the shirt is similarly light and subtle. Dark shirts or shirts in jewel tones, take, for example, burgundies, eggplants, and so on, are too modern and too Avante-Garde for traditional cocktail attire.
Regarding ties, solid ties are a safe and acceptable choice, of course, but traditional patterns like small dots or micropatterns, as I am wearing here today, are also a smart choice.
When it comes to shoes, black oxfords are your best bet. They should ideally be plain toed but a conservative cap toe can work equally well. Black derby shoes, if well shined, in a similarly conservative style are also acceptable. If you have a pair of oxfords in a deep brown or oxblood and they've been polished to a mirror shine, you can feel free to wear those as well.
To be most conservative, your socks should ideally match the color of your suit's trousers. You can match them to another element in your outfit, say, for example, your tie if it is conservatively styled but this is a slightly bolder option. It goes without saying, however, stay away from anything in bright colors or crazy patterns as that is simply too informal for cocktail attire.
As with the somewhat closely related black tie optional dress code, the area where a man has the greatest amount of latitude in traditional cocktail attire is with his accessories.
Cufflinks can be silver, gold of any shade, or any other type of solid metal and can incorporate stones or engraving.
Tie bars, collar clips, and rings can also be incorporated into your ensemble so long as they are conservatively styled too.
Pocket squares should ideally echo the shirt. That is to say, white pocket squares for white shirts and squares incorporating an element of color if you are wearing a colored shirt.
Finally regarding boutonnieres, something light to medium in color and overall understated is a smart choice.
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#cocktailattire #dresscode #notsponsored - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Preston passed the Turing Test with flying colours, and looked fabulous doing so.
🎩
Lol this is the smartest comment on this channel evah!!
@@ripper021_py you mean referencing a Turing Test?
Preston is a deepfake
*When wearing cocktail attire, refer to everyone as „Old Sport“
Yes, and be sure and have your P. G. Woodhouse copy handy for quick reference should you happen to meet anyone who deserves a dashingly scathing insult.
I'm going to be honest, I like this dudes style. He has an authentic swagger, salute to you my brother.
My first cocktail party was a work christmas party, hosted by a doctor and his team. Honestly, getting ready for the event, I had various Gentlemen's Gazette tips on my mind from previous videos and I hadn't even watched one in a couple months! And now this video comes along.
I know it's rarely stated in the videos and sometimes it comes off as pretentious old timey nostalgia, but a semi fancy work event with professionals is totally the place to "use" the kind of guidance and advice learned on this channel... It felt good to not be totally green, being one of the younger people in attendance. For that I am grateful, thank you Sven.
How did it go?
Garlic Girl it went well, I got to know a lot of new people and didn't make a fool of myself haha. The red wine started creeping up on me toward the end, but luckily I had my girlfriend available to give me a ride home. My outfit was clean simple and appropriate dark grey suit and black leather accessories, gunmetal tie clip and watch, white shirt and blue Paisley tie. Everyone complimented my appearance, but I still wish I had a cool pocket square or boutineer, maybe next time!
I live in a boot and jean world, yet I very much enjoy these videos.
So many people do not know the world is a very large place and you can
learn about style even when coming from a more casual background.
Well Done . Thank You.
I literally thought to myself today "I should refresh my knowledge on Cocktail Attire, GG probably has a video on it." because I wanted to apply the dress code to my birthday invitations... before you know it, there's the video, published exactly when I need it :D
Glad we could help. Happy early birthday!
- Preston
Impressive shirt, collar bar, and tie combo with that coat & pocket square! The clean crisp lines are flattering! Thanks for the video!
Hi Preston, first off I want to say that I love your work at GG but I feel you could hugely benefit by bringing in your pants and perhaps going down a size in the jacket department. Obviously your style is your own but I feel like you would look great in a more slim fit suit!
-James
- james
"Avoid anything too bold, like an oversized paisley for example."
I feel so called out right now.
This was perfect timing!!! I have a few Cocktail parties this month so I needed this great refresher!
Whoa Raphael looks different. 😉
Great information.
Attending a wedding next month requesting cocktail attire.
Glad that you are here providing this much needed information.
Gentleman your channel and a few others out there are doing a really wonderful service that's much needed in this generation 🙏🏼😄 I'm very grateful for the resources and the education and helping men level up their style game and have competence in different levels of attire 👌🏼 keep it up!
I had an early fall wedding a couple of years ago identifying "cocktail attire" and was so worried (not having this video): My biggest concern was to not wear anything "too loud," drawing attention away from the grooms (like you stated). But they each wore a tux, so I was relieved.
Great video! Love the channel and am currently building my gentleman’s wardrobe because of the Gentleman’s Gazette. Thank you for the inspiration!
Great video- very informative on a not very much covered dress code these days. It's good to see these making a comeback, though. You are a great addition to the GG team, and I look forward to more videos. I want to forward a saying that goes with any of these dress codes- "you wear the suit, don't let the suit wear you". Even a not so expensive suit can look like a million bucks when tailored properly.
When disobeying a rule or law, you are flouting it, not flaunting. Given how detail-oriented this channel is, I thought you'd like to know.
Thank you Preston! I thoroughly enjoy your presentations, keep up the great work!
I can honestly say this channel has genuinely changed my life for the better lol unfortunately now I have an incredibly expensive hobby
The video I've been waiting for! Thank you, Gentleman's Gazette.
I clearly still need some more items for my wardrobe. Thanks Preston & Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year GG 🤘🏼🎅
Longtime subscriber here. Preston, I love your presentations and they are improving every episode. I've recently started watching Mad Med and you carry that classic look elegantly. Thanks for all your hard work at GG.
Yep, Preston has his sea legs, and is 💯
We don't know who this guy is, but we like him!
Ella Bing he sounds and looks like a villain
@@abowloframennoodles6979 Is that Bad?
His name is Marcus Halberstram
I loved the video, I think you should make a video on writing/preparing an invitation for different events...
A good idea, certainly. We'll consider it!
- Preston
Mostly in my life I go directly from work to a party or a bar to have a drink then actually go home. Many of these tips are great to know. Thanks for sharing
I confirm as a woman: a man is the most attractive in a suit.
Yes!! I like this guy! I've waited for quite a while for him to come back
The Cocktail Attire Dress Code took an interesting interpretation of the rules at the turn of the 1960's. This was associated with counter culture personalities such as Leary and Alpert who were professors who would bring syncretic variations through the traditions within the Indian sub continent and the greater Americas.
I'm a bit miffed. Received an invite to a party which stipulated "cocktail attire." I loved your episode and I followed suit. The host shows up with a jacket and open shirt, no tie, no pocket square, no boutonniere. Likewise for all the other gents except me. Southern California venue. Is there a "California Exemption" for cocktail attire? Your thoughts please.
I’ll never forget, about 3 months ago, I had someone come into my store and I was helping him. I’m a wardrobe consultant, but most of my training was on the job, learning from others, and, tbh, Gentlemen’s Gazette, Real Men Real Style, and HeSpoke Style videos.
So when this guy asks for cocktail attire I realize, “uh, hang on 1 second, I’ll be right back with you.”
[*internally*
Oh my God, I’ve literally never had a customer ask about cocktail attire, or even seen someone ask about it. I know it’s dressy but I have absolutely no idea.]
I asked my manager, who’s been a clothier for like 30 years, for help.
I looked this video up later that day.
Please do a much needed "How To Wear Hawaiian Shirts" video and be sure to go into detail the best ways to pair them with sock suspenders, love the channel, keep up the good work and merry X-mas.
I just found this site. It comes handy and ontime when trying to better understand cocktail attire. Thanks
Please consider doing a video on how to love like a gentleman. By the way I love your vidoes you are my favourite thing to watch. Thank you for everything
I love Preston's scholarly approach..Kudos!!
Very informative & enjoyable. Thank's for providing.
Great and very helpful video!
Thanks for the well researched presentation.
Today is Mad Friday here in England. Perhaps you could do a guide on what to wear to this most traditional of Christmas events.
Very informative content and crisp presentation as always!
I was rather surprised by that glen check tie at 11:06 though. Is That something you would recommend? For me both colour and pattern are a bit too close to the suit.
I went to my first Quineniera this past weekend. I know the mom and grandparents are a bit hippyish, so I busted out my favorite suit. It is purple Glen check three piece suit with a double-breasted waist coat. For a shirt I wore a purple and white plaid Winchester with French cuffs. The cufflinks were purple/ blue gemstone to match the fine blue lines in the suit. My braces were black with purple paisley. The pocket square for the jacket was black with white paisley, and the pocket square for the waist coat was solid black. The tie was purples and black box. I wore highly polished black captoe oxfords. When I got there I noticed my suit coordinated with the celebrant's dress. I didn't intend to. As informal a purple suit is, I was by far the most formal. Some wore a shirt and tie without a jacket. The majority, my friends, dressed like the Clampetts come for dinner. The invitation said "dress to impress", which to me, means a suit. I felt overdressed until a female guest told me that I wasn't overdressed, everyone else was underdressed.
Keep up the good work, Preston!
Great vid. Thx guys!
This is utterly hilarious and entertaining dudes, well done!!!
I have a men’s get together at a private lounge at 1230 on Sunday. Would a navy suite with light pinstripes work as cocktail attire?
Life is all about Preston's awkward shuffle when he spins to model those clothes. Don't ever change Preston!
Yes hand in there Preston. You are clearly living your dream of talking and educating us on fine clothes. Just goes to show you don't have to be a model or look particularly well in any pants to be effective. 😁
Now we need a video like this for Women's attire!!! PLEASE!
Great video. I understand now that cocktail attire isnt much different with business suit.
Bravo! Well done review!
First, great video Preston, second I want to ask if knit ties are fine in a less formal cocktail attire events?
This is an interestingly different interpretation. I've usually found that they mean loud peacock it's been loud peacock variations on business formal. For example a 3 piece double breasted navy suis the navy suit but with a maroon is maroon shirt and day glow Violet tie and maroon Belton oxfords.
Similarly you see bold patterns that would not normally be appropriate for business formal like Paisley. Is or a 3rd thing I've seen a lot is is is swapping of the contrast on is interest on the traditional conservative suis conservative suit. That is a bright suit with a dark shirt and tie
How to wear a suit jacket with odd trousers. Would you make this video please? It is difficult to determine when a suit jacket can pass for a 'sports jacket' and not just look like half a suit. Especially today many manufactures sell their suits as all separates. Thank you.
Excelent video. Too few host cocktail parties nowadays. :-)
My goodness Sven! What lotion did you use this morning? It made you look so young!
Enough good sleep and hydration would be my bet
What about a label pin instead of a boutonniere?
Preston, I love your style. I hope you don't mind, but you remind me a little bit of Anthony Lemke when he played Marcus Halberstram in American Psycho. It's a good look.
I am planning on going to a gala that calls for cocktail attire. Thank you!
Thanks
Recommended video
I admire your copious vocabulary.
I surmise that you read books, and if that is right could you please recommend me one? Thank you very much.
You look like the men in the drawings that you show. Sharp...dapper...all that. Thanks for the help
I know they are out of style commonly, but could you cover walking-sticks? Not the practical one for bad legs, but the casual retro fashion item. Its traditionally a very gentleman's thing. Could you still make them work without looking like a grand-pa?
Dude we gotta bring back the walking stick
I recently saw "casual elegant" as dress code on an invitation. Could you discuss this? Thank you.
I like the olive green.
Recommendations for watches and/or watch straps?
I'm leaning towards "Cocktail Attire" dresscode for my wedding, but I'd like guests to be a little creative. How does one communicate that on an invite? "Creative cocktail attire"? Honestly, that sounds a little try-hard to me. Your thoughts much appreciated!
Very well produced
what about a balmoral dress boot in very dark brown almost black colour?
You list a stroller as being on the higher end of formality for cocktail attire: does this work for evening events, or is a stroller only acceptable/accurate for daytime events? ...How about an "evening" (7pm) cocktail wear event, but as it is in the summer, it'll still be light out for a while? Is a dark gray/black jacket a poor choice in that last example?
What about military uniforms? I’m thinking navy service dress blues
Love your pocketsquare fold
When is the Daytime Tux AKA Stroller Suit video coming?
Great question! Until we get one in the works, you can see our brief discussion of the Stroller Suit in our Morning Dress video, here:
www.gentlemansgazette.com/morning-dress-dress-code/?
- Preston
would it be acceptable to substitute a dress shirt and a tie for a turtle neck?
A bit late in replying as I see this is a 2 year old video but was just invited to a private party in Vegas where it states Attire:Cocktail/festive
Happy to find this website to help in determining men’s cocktail clothing but curious on your thoughts for what “festive” would entail. Any thoughts/help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Preston, looking sharp!
Thank you sir
How about navy suit, medium brown shoes?
I only own 1 suit. It's a charcoal grey. It almost looks black in the right light. I have worn it to black tie optional events, but I have never had an invitation that said cocktail attire before.
I want you to post a video about how to wear Aloha Shirt
Top job Preston really enjoyed it as always 😊
What would you call that tie clip...
I wish this kind of video are more widespread these days. A lot of people have absolutely no idea what any of these dress codes are. At my own wedding I asked for semi formal with jacket as a requirement and people still showed up with short sleeves polo and jeans........
Good video! Great job Preston!
Cocktail attire is important!! I hate when guys wear just a t shirts. Great video by the way so inspiring Raphael:)
Paul Monroe Agree. I love a man in a smart suit. :) There’s nothing worse for a lady when she gets all dressed up for an evening event and the man turns up really casual (even a cardigan - yes that happened to me)
What about tweed suits? Is that acceptable? I personally believe that a fine tweed suits is well suited for casual events while looking smart.
Excellent video, sir. What would be one step down from cocktail attire?
Ambar Ku Traditionally, it'd be formal business, but it also depends on what kind of cocktail are we talking about.
Mario Burgos I see, thank you!
Mario's take is generally correct; if we consider cocktail attire to be right around the same level as conventional business attire, the next large step down would be to "Business Casual." You can take a look at our Scale of Formality infographic in the companion article to this video (in the description). Thanks for watching!
- Preston
Gentleman's Gazette I'll definitely take a look at that, thank you!
Ambar Ku I believe that is a day suit - light to mid-grey or navy.
Is this a remake of the old video on cocktail attire?
Not a remake so much as a supplement or expansion. The old video is still available here on TH-cam; consider it the "Quick Reference" at this point. Thanks for being a longtime viewer!
- Preston
Could you make a video about windy environments?
That's David Attenborough's job, lol.
I wish I was so perfectly dressed as this guy!
Should a hankerchief always be worn in cocktail attire? I am going to a wedding with a dark green two-piece suit, cap-toe derbys and a micro-pattern tie
You English is great!
Confusing. Cocktail attire is said to be more formal or about the same as business attire but then examples are generally less formal e.g. patterned shirts
I can understand your confusion, assuming you're taking "Business Attire" in its most traditional, white-collar mold, in which case some of the colors and patterns of Cocktail Attire would be a bit less formal and more festive. Because there's more latitude in Business Attire these days, the two dress codes are right around the same level, as depicted in the article in the description. Thanks for watching!
- Preston
what if i'm barely an adult? i can definitely go for more bold and modern options can't i?
Are chelsea boots acceptable?
Is a video on "The Story Of Festivus" too much to ask for? Thank you.
So my invite says “casual cocktail” for a wedding. Can I go with a short sleeve polo and sports jacket?
If they're using a nontraditional dress code it usually is pretty on the nose. Just take it a step down from this and you'll be golden.
Everybody wants to be Don Draper - but by trying to be you end up beeing Peet Campell
Awesome video good joob :)
One relatively novice question: why are exactly matching tie and pocket-square a faux-pa? It does somewhat go against logic.
The thinking behind this piece of advice is that a matching tie and pocket square project to others that you lack the forethought and creativity to find two different pieces that harmonize well together, and instead simply picked up a packaged set at a store. Find a tie and pocket square from different sources that have some element of similarity (like a color or motif), and you'll look both sharp and creative. Thanks for your question!
- Preston
@@gentlemansgazette Thank You for a quick and detailed answer. Looking from a professional standpoint (I'm an architect), pre-packaged consumer convenience does indeed trump creativity most of times (when it is a primary condition of choice).
We living in 2018 while mans living in 1938
I would like to dress nice like this all the time and have dress codes to stuff but I know none of my family or friends care enough about dress clothes nor do they own many.
Can I wear jeans?