Cocktail Attire Dress Code Explained

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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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Gentleman's Gazette
#cocktailattire #dresscode #notsponsored

[jaysikes]

Preston passed the Turing Test with flying colours, and looked fabulous doing so.

[dperez]

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.

[rushedandlost]

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.

[bobdole]

I'm going to be honest, I like this dudes style. He has an authentic swagger, salute to you my brother.

[Gullimann]

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

[dainforsythe]

Impressive shirt, collar bar, and tie combo with that coat & pocket square! The clean crisp lines are flattering! Thanks for the video!

[jamess.]

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

[paula]

Great information.

Attending a wedding next month requesting cocktail attire.

Glad that you are here providing this much needed information.

[nurweilichschwarzbin]

*When wearing cocktail attire, refer to everyone as „Old Sport“

[papabutpaste]

This was perfect timing!!! I have a few Cocktail parties this month so I needed this great refresher!

[ronaldmalcolm]

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.

[sbentsen]

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!

[darrenlennie]

I loved the video, I think you should make a video on writing/preparing an invitation for different events...

[EllabingBowTies]

We don't know who this guy is, but we like him!

[ONITruh]

"Avoid anything too bold, like an oversized paisley for example."
I feel so called out right now.

[toddsmith]

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.

[splashpont]

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.

[cameronmcpeak]

Great video! Love the channel and am currently building my gentleman’s wardrobe because of the Gentleman’s Gazette. Thank you for the inspiration!

[BBoYSHaDoE]

The video I've been waiting for! Thank you, Gentleman's Gazette.

[jonathanedwards]

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.