Men's Smart Casual outfits for Christmas
The countdown to Christmas is on!!! As the Christmas parties begin - are you prepared? Or will you be delving into your wardrobe for something to wear, only to find your trousers have “shrunk”, the moths have munched your failsafe Xmas jumper and your “good” jeans are now only fit for gardening?
Not to worry……I’ve elfed myself and scoured the shops to put together 5 outfits for the upcoming festive period.
I’ve deliberately kept them quite casual as I’m sure there’ll be a gazillion and one other blogs featuring black tie garb, when what you’d really like is ideas on what to wear to the pub for a festive lunch.
So here goes:
If you’re a jeans and jumper sort of guy and like to feel comfy, then this is how to do it: switch your blue jeans for some off white ones (even that’s optional), throw on a casual velvet blazer and add a cool scarf.
And voila…..you’ve instantly dressed up a basic jeans and jumper combo, taken it up a notch and now you’re ready to party!
'Baglietto' cotton blend velvet blazer - Massimo Alba at Mr Porter - £530
Mushroom shetland wool sweater - William Lockie at Mr Porter - £120
Off white 'Sonny' slim fit tapered jeans - NN07 at Mr Porter - £170
Brown 'Andrew split toe chukka boots - Mr P at Mr Porter - £265
'Payson printed cotton voile scarf - RRL at Mr Porter - £185
A dark shirt always differentiates your look from work, and if the shirt has a small print on it, then that’s enhanced even more. Wear a peacoat on top, keep the shapes simple and sleek, and pick out the brown tones in the shirt with your accessories.
By doing that you'll have a classic co-ordinated look that’s smart enough for a Christmas dinner, a party at someone’s house, or a carol singing concert.
Navy cotton slim fit 'director's camera' shirt - Paul Smith - £200
Standard fit indigo rinse 'crosshatch stretch' jeans - Paul Smith - £140
Navy wool / cashmere peacoat - Paul Smith - £475
Chocolate brown leather double keeper belt - Paul Smith - £130
Brown suede 'Gerald' Chelsea boots - Paul Smith - £235
Going to a low key party but still want to feel like you’ve dressed up and made the effort? This outfit should do the trick.
Add one cosy flannel shirt with a grandad collar (which rings the changes from office wear), a chore jacket (a bit more relaxed than a blazer), and some cords in a rich Autumn colour and there you have it. An outfit that feels very different to what you’d wear for business but is more dressy than your average weekend wear, and perfect for the upcoming festivities.
Blue cotton cashmere grandad shirt - Sirplus - £125
Navy cotton chore jacket - Sirplus - £250
Ginger drawstring cords - Oliver Spencer - £210
Beige suede German military trainers - Reproduction of Found at Oliver Spencer - £135
Orange, red and brown marled socks - Anonymous Ism - £24
Pine green is a great way to get that Christmas vibe going, whilst keeping things understated. A tartan shirt in tonal colours layered underneath goes perfectly, and means you’ll still look festive if you whip your jumper off when you get hot after all that dancing!
Dark green lambswool crew neck jumper - Sirplus - £125
Black plaid flannel 'Tomlin' shirt - Rag & Bone - £170
'Fit 2' stretch twill chino in 'Salute' colour - Rag & Bone - £170
Black leather 'Jarman' boots - Paul Smith - £400
Navy leather gloves - Hestra at Mr & Mrs Stitch - £90
Another easy hack to add some Xmas cheer to your wardrobe and make it look like you’ve got into the spirit of things (even if you’re being bah humbug about the whole thing!) is to wear red.
A cord over-shirt like this one from YMC will do the job nicely. Mix it with darker muted tones like airforce blue, and some high top trainers to keep it casual, and go forth and enjoy.
'Delinquents' burgundy overshirt - YMC at Mr & Mrs Stitch - £185
'Oli's ladlock' navy t-shirt - Oliver Spencer at Mr & Mrs Stitch - £49
Anthracite organic cotton trousers - Paul Smith at Mr & Mrs Stitch - £165
Woven elastic belt - Anderson's at Mr Porter - £89
Leather retro court mid sneaker - Rag & Bone - £275
"I didn’t know where to start, but a shopping trip with Sarah (together with all the amazing prep and follow up she did) means for the first time in my life I have a genuinely nice and varied wardrobe full of clothes suitable for any occasion. If you’re thinking about working with her, just go for it - the upside is huge."
If you're still unsure of what to wear this Christmas, then get in touch......I still have a few slots remaining before Christmas so we can dash around the shops, and fix you up with some cool outfits for all your Crimbo activities quicker than Santa can say "have you been naughty or nice?"
Or if you like the thought of shopping after Christmas for a general update, then click the button below and send the link to a loved one, who doesn't know what to buy you, and they can put a Gift Voucher under the tree for you this Christmas!
Did you like these ideas? Check these ones out too:
5 x ways to style a velvet blazer
5 of the best men's jumpers for 2022