The Holiday Party Style Guide

The holiday season is best thought of as postseason sports. You’ve been training all year — collecting accolades at the office, staying fit at the gym, managing relationships with friends and family — and then beginning in late November you hit the holiday party circuit for the ultimate test of your physical, social and intellectual mettle. Can you shake hands with your boss’s spouse while holding Champagne and eating a deviled egg? Can you give a toast that extols the virtues of a friend you only sort of know? Can you disarm a conversation between uncles about the presidential primaries? Most importantly, can you do it all while having a rollicking good time? We can’t help with most of that, but we’ll make darn sure you’re dressed the part.

The Office Party

The office holiday party seems like a time to loosen the tie, grab a beer and toast with your fellow colleagues. And it sort of is — except that it’s a time to keep your tie on straight, bring good Champagne and toast with your fellow colleagues. Office parties are a great chance to celebrate what you’ve accomplished with your colleagues and enjoy each other’s company as friends, but it’s still important to look and act professionally. Wear whatever your dressiest work outfit is — better yet, take it a notch up — smile a lot, and resist the urge to drink from the punch bowl.

Jack Spade Bonded Trench ($598) | J.Crew Ludlow Suit in Mini Herrinbone Wool ($650) | Taylor Stitch The Hyde in White Royal Oxford ($98) | Drake’s Black Woven Pin Dot Silk Jacquard Tie (~$159) | Hugo Boss Geg Belt ($135) | Crosby Square Stevens ($275) | Corgi Socks (~$83) | Gucci Medallion Print Silk Twill Scarf ($260) | Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label ($57)

A Watch for All Occasions: The Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Titanio

The Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Titanio-45mm is as technically savvy as it is classically stylish. Its unique case is made of two different types of titanium. The first imbues the case band with the lightweight feel the metal is known for, in addition to corrosion resistance. The second type, used around the bezel and crown, provides a sophisticated level of polish. Its completely house-made P.4000 movement is also the first automatic caliber to ever be fitted inside the Radiomir 1940 line, and Panerai’s first movement to boast an off-centered oscillating weight, which allows the case design to remain slim. Aesthetically, the special Super-LumiNova ecru, alongside the brand’s traditional minimalist dial, gives this watch a unique vintage appeal that’ll look at home on your wrist regardless of your situation. Buy Now: $10,700

The Family Holiday Gathering

For most of us, spending time in the comfortable, warm embrace of family is what the holiday season is all about. It’s nice to do that in sweatpants and hoodie, but it’s best to resist that urge and show your family that you’ve grown into a successful adult with a sense of style. Button-ups, sweaters and khakis are all appropriate. A sport coat is even better. Get dressed up but stay comfortable. After all, you’ll most likely eat too much and pass out on the couch with the nieces and nephews, watching football.

Ralph Lauren Carson Unlined Cotton Jacket ($590) | Corridor Indigo Railroad Stripe ($215) | Askov Finlayson Explorer Pant ($218) | Handvaerk Cashmere Scarf ($475) | Ball and Buck Belt ($118) | Anonymousism Socks ($21) | Oak Street Bootmakers Brown Plain Toe Blucher ($426) | Pierre Peters “Cuvée de Réserve” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($55)

The Holiday Party with Friends

Celebrating with friends is, by definition, casual. You can relax some of the tailoring and swap out the Champagne for something else fermented and bubbly, but we still suggest bringing your sartorial A-game with a nice shirt, good shoes and socks with a touch of flair. Pack some mistletoe in the pocket of your shirt jacket for good measure.

Mark McNairy New Amsterdam Waxed Cotton Shirt Jacket ($998) | Baldwin The 76 ($220) | Steven Alan Leisure Herringbone Check Shirt ($180) | Eve’s Cider, Northern Spy ($19) | Viberg Service Boot ($690) | Filson Mackinaw Cap ($75) | American Trench Fair Isle Socks ($100)

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