What to Wear to the Office Christmas Party: A Men's Guide for 2026
December arrives and with it the office Christmas party, one of the evenings of the year when everyone looks at how you are dressed. It is a work event, but it is also a celebration: the key is to look a little more festive than on a normal day without overdoing it. This is our guide by dress code, with the accessory that makes the difference in each case.
1. Smart casual (the most common)
Dark trousers, a shirt and a blazer, no tie. To make it look like a party and not like a Tuesday, add one festive detail:
- A silk pocket square in the jacket. It is the easiest touch and it does not need a tie.
- Or a silk neckerchief tied at the neck with the shirt open: one of the trends of the season (we explain it in the silk neckerchief).
- A fine merino or cashmere turtleneck under the blazer also works perfectly.
2. Business (suit and tie)
If the dinner is at a restaurant or a hotel, a navy or charcoal suit is always right. The tie is where you can bring the Christmas spirit:
- Colours: burgundy, bottle green, deep blue or a touch of gold.
- Textures: silk jacquard has a soft sheen that looks great under evening light. In winter, a wool tie or a silk-wool tie is warmer and more relaxed.
- Prints: small medallions, paisley or polka dots. See our paisley ties and polka dot ties.
Add a pocket square that does not match the tie exactly, but picks up one of its colours. Our guide how to choose a tie to match your shirt and suit will help you.
3. Cocktail or gala
When the invitation says cocktail or the party is at night in an elegant venue, this is the moment for the bow tie. A silk bow tie in black, navy or burgundy with a dark suit is festive, original and very easy to wear. If you dare, a velvet jacket or a patterned bow tie will make you the best-dressed man in the room.
4. Black tie
Dinner jacket, white shirt, black silk bow tie and, if you like, a cummerbund. Here there is no room for improvisation: the bow tie must be black and in silk. If you want to learn to tie it, read bow tie or tie: how to choose and how to tie a bow tie.
5 mistakes to avoid
- Christmas novelty ties with reindeer or Santa: leave them for the family dinner.
- Wearing exactly the same as every day at the office.
- A tie and pocket square from the same fabric: too matchy.
- Forgetting the coat and scarf: you will spend time outside. A cashmere scarf completes the look.
- Very worn shoes: polish them the day before.
And if you are buying a gift…
If there is a secret Santa, a silk tie, a pocket square or a bow tie is a gift that always works. See more ideas in Christmas gift ideas for the elegant man. All our silk ties are handmade in Barcelona since 1973.