Holiday Attire for Corporate and Social Occasions

What in the world does Christmas “Festive” or Holiday “White Tie” really mean? To add to your already harried holidays, you have to worry if you will be dressed appropriately. Well, worry no longer; the following is guide for your “must-attend” holiday event. Use this guide as a reference when crafting your own holiday invitation and memorize it for your next holiday party.

For Men

White Tie or Formal – The most formal of holiday evening wear

Black tailcoat
Black pants with 1 or 2 satin stripes running down the side of the trouser
White pique bow tie and white pique vest
White or gray gloves - yes, I said gloves!
Black socks and black patent shoes (No leather loafers)

Black Tie – Very formal

Black tuxedo
Black bow tie and matching cummerbund
White shirt with tasteful cufflinks
Black socks and black patent shoes
No gloves - unless it's cold, and worn with your very expensive overcoat

Black Tie "Festive" or Black Tie "Creative" - Lighten up and have some fun, wear your Santa socks!

Black tuxedo
Colored bow tie and cummerbund
Black shirt with no tie (a trendier alternate to a white shirt with a bow tie)
Good quality black shoes

Black Tie Optional

Your choice between a tux or a sharp looking suit, however, if you opt for the suit, wear a tie

After Five, Cocktail or Semi-formal

A good quality, 100% dark worsted wool suit
A 100% white cotton shirt (a white shirt is a powerful statement)
Leather dress shoes

Business or Dressy Casual

Sport coat
Khakis or navy slacks
Opened collar shirt (tie optional)
Leather shoes

Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid

• Too many rings or overdoing it on the jewelry
• Anything linen - You are totally out of season
• Clothing that jingles, sings or blinks
• Short socks - Calf hair is not festive
• Heavy perfume - No one will tell you but they'll avoid you like the plague
• Casual shoes with your tux
• Chunky, thick rubber soled shoes
• Dirty nails, shoes, collars or cuffs

For The Ladies:

White Tie or Formal

Floor-length evening gown
Satin or dressy leather shoes with a heel

Black Tie

Floor-length evening gown or knee-length cocktail dress
Elegant evening separates

Black Tie "Festive" or Black Tie "Creative"

Follow the “Black Tie” dress code but dress it up with distinctive jewelry or creative color

Black Tie Optional

A stylish cocktail dress or a dressy two-piece set

After Five, Cocktail or Semi-formal

Opt for the chic “little black dress” or
A charming skirt and top that suits the occasion and venue

Business or Dressy Casual

Dressy pants
Nice sweater or top (Avoid wearing graphics of Santa and his eight reindeer.)

Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid

• Too much jewelry
• Too much makeup
• Too much cleavage
• Too much perfume
• Unpolished shoes
• Summer shoes
• A “Band-Aid” wrapped fingernail to cover that chipped nail