Holiday Tips for the Well Dressed Man

By:  Joseph Rosenfeld

 

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, signifying that the holiday festivities are about to get underway.  If you’ve been invited for Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll need to wear something besides that Sharks sweatshirt.  Here are a few ideas that will make you look your best for Turkey Day and the rest of the upcoming holiday season.

Thanksgiving

No other holiday is as American as Thanksgiving.  It’s about football, food, and family.  As casual a day as Thanksgiving can be, it’s the one day of the year when even non-sports lovers pay attention to the TV, when everyone likes turkey, and tries to get along with their siblings.

A corduroy blazer in chocolate brown or black is as quintessential as Thanksgiving.  Choose a two-button version with a slim-wale and a classic lapel.  If your celebration is a bit more formal, weara dark shirt underneath, paired with a gray trouser and dark lace-up shoes.  For a more classic approach, wear the blazer with a shirt of medium contrast, layered it with a v-neck sweater or vest, paired with cotton twill pants and suede loafers.

Sportier sorts will appreciate a classic cut two-button leather blazer.  Pair it with a fine gauge cashmere sweater or merino wool knit, worn untucked, with dark blue denims.  If you’re a total sports freak, show your team spirit with a sweater or knit in yourfavorite team’s colors.

Holiday Parties

Here’s your golden opportunity to show the ladies in your office that you do wear something other than blue shirts and khakis.  You may even get the attention of your buddies, but not in a “Senator Craig” way.  Consider the attention as admiration.

A soft unconstructed jacket is a great option for guys who rarely have the occasion for tailored clothes, or for guys who want to show that they, too, can get comfy.  Choose a turtleneck sweater in either a monochromatic hue or a striking color that compliments your eyes, worn with dark tailored pants and shoes and you’ll be looking for mistletoe regardless of your religion.

Suit yourself if that’s what the occasion calls for.  But don’t wear your typical work-a-day neckwear.  Splurge on a tie in rich jewel tones that compliment your suit and facial coloring.  For example, if you have blue eyes, select sapphire; or if your face has a cool pinkish tone, pick a purple amethyst hued tie and you’ll just light up the room.  Remember to wear your high shine shoes.

New Years Eve

Nothing says casual elegance better than a velvet blazer.  It goes with and dresses up anything you all ready own.  Do as the Alannah Myles song suggests, “Black velvet, if you please,” or choose debonair midnight blue.  If you’re taking the hi-low approach of wearing a new velvet blazerwith stuff of your own, mix in some shine to keep with the theme.  For instance, try some patent leather shoes and work your way up with a sterling, stainless or hammered silver bracelet, or pendant hanging on a silver chain.  Don’t forget a chunky watch with a second hand so you can count down the midnight moments into the New Year.

This is a season of jackets, and the holidays are the best occasions to sport them.  So take advantage of your holiday bonus; take a look at the calendar and treat yourself to the must haves for the holidays.

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