A Complete Guide to Cocktail Attire for Men

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So, you've been invited to an event and the invitation states "cocktail attire". There comes a time in every man's life where the moment comes, whether you're suiting up for a wedding, a work function, a fancy dinner, or another formal party or event. Lest you stick out like a sore, non-cocktail-attired thumb amongst the crowd, you need to know how to dress for success. We've got you covered.

Cocktail attire is, essentially, a suit and tie. It's elegant and elevated, but not stuffy. It's not as fancy as black tie, but it's fancier than business casual. Traditionally, you'll want wear a suit in navy or gray (black can lean a little severe) and pair it with a white or light-colored shirt, a darker tie, and dress shoes. Oxfords are never a bad choice, but you can dress it down (just a little) with loafers or derbies or brogues, too. Accessories—a pocket square, a belt—are also on the table. And considering the fact that the rules of fashion are shifting, you could even mix things up with a sport coat and odd trousers or chinos, so long as the look retains the necessary level of dressiness. Whatever look it is you have in mind—whatever occasion your cocktail attire look calls for—the best traditional and non-traditional picks are right here.

Cocktail Attire Suits

If you want to keep things easy for yourself, snag a suit. Two-piece, three-piece, single-breasted, double-breasted...whatever you prefer (though it's worth noting that a single-breasted, two-piece suit tends to feel less intimidating to a lot of guys). You can buy it as a package deal, of course, but suit separates are also totally fine—especially if the range of sizes makes it easier for you to tune in the fit right off the rack. Even if you pretty much nail that fit, though, you'll likely need a few alterations to look your best, so build in some time for that process. Not sure what suit to go for? Take a stab at one of the options below.

Flynn Classic Fit Solid Wool Suit

Virgin Wool Suit

Modern-Fit Bi-Stretch Suit

Wool Twill Suit

Slim-Fit Wool Suit

Slim-Fit Wool Suit

Cocktail Attire Sport Coats

If you only need to buy a jacket by itself, you have plenty of options to fit into the cocktail attire theme. Traditionally, again, you're looking at navy and gray for colors. Maybe black, if you're feeling a little edgy. And for the bold and brave, there's always the option of something tonal, perhaps patterned.

Shelton Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

Tech-Smart Trim Fit Stretch Wool Sport Coat

Hutson Wool Blend Sport Coat

Tailored-Fit Tattersall Blazer

Knit Madison Sport Coat

Apsara Slim Fit Velvet Single Breasted Blazer

Cocktail Attire Pants

As far as pants go, you're going to need dress trousers or chinos (the latter of which should be employed strategically; you don't want to look too casual). Something you're comfortable in, something that pairs harmoniously with your jacket and shoes.

Josh Slim Fit Wool Tuxedo Suit Pants

Mayer Pant

Bowery Dress Pant

Modern Classic Heather Suit Trouser

Stretch Weekday Warrior Dress Pants

Relaxed Fit Chino

Cocktail Attire Shirts

There's never, ever a wrong time to wear a white dress shirt. Some options are crisp and slim, some are more relaxed—they all work, really. Or, play around a little bit. A black shirt with a gray, burgundy, or olive suit can be absolutely stunning. A pastel paired with black always adds some class. Just make sure you have a tie to go with.

Slim-Fit Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Pinstriped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Slim-Fit Ludlow Shirt

Dress Shirt

Cedrick Shirt

Cocktail Attire Shoes

Don't be that guy who has his entire cocktail attire look figured out... minus the shoes. These are an important part of your look! You don't need to go as far as wearing tuxedo shoes, but something classy and elegant, like a loafer or oxford, is the perfect choice.

Moccasin with Gancini Ornament

Siena Brogue Oxford

Dax Plain Toe Derby

Valencia Wholecuts

Scott Polished-Leather Penny Loafers

Logo-Detailed Leather Loafers

Cocktail Attire Ties

If you're a tie guy, you're in luck. To bring things from casual to dressy enough for cocktail attire, a tie is a must-have. A solid color is always the safe, classy move. A print will take things up a notch and look more visually interesting. And if you have the style prowess to wear something more offbeat? Well, you'll be the best-dressed guy at the function.

Gancini Silk Tie

Huck Silk Tie

Italian Solid Tie

Formal Skinny Silk Tie

Silk Tie

RWB Selvedge Super 120s Twill Necktie

Cocktail Attire Accessories

To make your look complete, don't forget about the accessories! A suit, tie, and shoes are great, but a spiffy belt (in the same shade of leather as your shoes, of course) and a pocket square are what will truly take things to the next level and tie your whole look together.

Skinny Belt

Double Stitched Leather Reversible Belt

Basic Dress Belt

Silk-Twill Pocket Square

Panel Silk Pocket Square

Italian Pocket Square

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