Usually my posts and fashion tips are for women, but today my post is for men! Having lived in Pittsburgh for just over 16 years now, one thing I have noticed is that a lot of the local men do not seem too concerned about their daily attire. I think this is a shame, as first impressions are important, and a sloppy looking guy (or woman for that matter), definitely sends the wrong message.
I'm not suggesting that a guy needs to get dressed up on a daily basis, but it appears that over the past few decades we have seen an increase in casual-for-all-occasions attitudes, and it is no longer unusual to find men in jeans and T-shirts, even on the holidays. Though it may be more comfortable, appearing at a Christmas party or dinner dressed down will not impress! Keeping certain rules in mind will assure an appropriately festive Christmas look.
I would really appreciate feedback from the guys out there who actually bother to read this on what they think about this post, and what their thoughts are on fashion for men! I'm hoping my male friends will bombard me with their thoughts!
So with this in mind, take a look at how to dress appropriately for the following occasions....
Holiday Party
Unless the office environment is very casual, a suit is the best choice, in a dark, conservative color such as charcoal. Novelty ties are unacceptable, but you can show some seasonal flair with a bright pocket scarf or flash of colored sock. This is the time to pull out the well-shined oxfords and, if you have them, cuff-links. In a very casual workplace, wool trousers or heavier-weight khakis and a tucked-in striped or plaid button-down shirt are good choices. Roll up your sleeves at the office, then add a blazer for the party.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is typically less formal than Christmas Day, so khakis and a sweater is a good choice. Wearing a collared shirt under the sweater adds a level of formality - if the sweater has a pattern, match the shirt to one of the secondary colors. A cashmere v-neck sweater in a warm, seasonal color is luxurious enough to be worn over a dark, solid-color crew-neck tee. If your Christmas Even gathering is a cocktail party or formal dinner, opt for a jacket and tie.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day calls for thoughtful dressing that befits the significance of the holiday. Though Christmas dinner usually occurs early in the day, it is a formal meal. At the minimum, wear a sweater over a button-down shirt and a pair of trousers in a heavier fabric such as gray wool. Polished leather shoes are a must! Because most Christmas events occur during the daylight hours, it is appropriate to opt for lighter colors, such as camel or French blue.
DON'TS
The most grievous sin of holiday dressing is the theme sweater (think Colin Firth in Bridget Jones Diary!). Also, avoid green and red together. It may seem like an inspired choice for Christmas, but the combination is as tacky as the novelty sweater! Couples that coordinate their clothing - another big NO!! Please, keep your matchy matchy sweaters (even worse in a Christmas theme!) at bay. Trust me, it does not look cute! And finally, football jerseys are NOT APPROPRIATE for Christmas! If you absolutely must enjoy holiday kitsch this Christmas, themed boxers are fine - just be sure to keep your pants on!
I'm not suggesting that a guy needs to get dressed up on a daily basis, but it appears that over the past few decades we have seen an increase in casual-for-all-occasions attitudes, and it is no longer unusual to find men in jeans and T-shirts, even on the holidays. Though it may be more comfortable, appearing at a Christmas party or dinner dressed down will not impress! Keeping certain rules in mind will assure an appropriately festive Christmas look.
I would really appreciate feedback from the guys out there who actually bother to read this on what they think about this post, and what their thoughts are on fashion for men! I'm hoping my male friends will bombard me with their thoughts!
So with this in mind, take a look at how to dress appropriately for the following occasions....
Holiday Party
Unless the office environment is very casual, a suit is the best choice, in a dark, conservative color such as charcoal. Novelty ties are unacceptable, but you can show some seasonal flair with a bright pocket scarf or flash of colored sock. This is the time to pull out the well-shined oxfords and, if you have them, cuff-links. In a very casual workplace, wool trousers or heavier-weight khakis and a tucked-in striped or plaid button-down shirt are good choices. Roll up your sleeves at the office, then add a blazer for the party.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is typically less formal than Christmas Day, so khakis and a sweater is a good choice. Wearing a collared shirt under the sweater adds a level of formality - if the sweater has a pattern, match the shirt to one of the secondary colors. A cashmere v-neck sweater in a warm, seasonal color is luxurious enough to be worn over a dark, solid-color crew-neck tee. If your Christmas Even gathering is a cocktail party or formal dinner, opt for a jacket and tie.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day calls for thoughtful dressing that befits the significance of the holiday. Though Christmas dinner usually occurs early in the day, it is a formal meal. At the minimum, wear a sweater over a button-down shirt and a pair of trousers in a heavier fabric such as gray wool. Polished leather shoes are a must! Because most Christmas events occur during the daylight hours, it is appropriate to opt for lighter colors, such as camel or French blue.
DON'TS
The most grievous sin of holiday dressing is the theme sweater (think Colin Firth in Bridget Jones Diary!). Also, avoid green and red together. It may seem like an inspired choice for Christmas, but the combination is as tacky as the novelty sweater! Couples that coordinate their clothing - another big NO!! Please, keep your matchy matchy sweaters (even worse in a Christmas theme!) at bay. Trust me, it does not look cute! And finally, football jerseys are NOT APPROPRIATE for Christmas! If you absolutely must enjoy holiday kitsch this Christmas, themed boxers are fine - just be sure to keep your pants on!
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