A Complete Guide to Cocktail Attire for Men

So, you've been invited to an event and the invitation states "cocktail attire". There comes a time in every man's life where the moment comes, whether you're suiting up for a wedding, a work function, a fancy dinner, or another formal party or event. Lest you stick out like a sore, non-cocktail-attired thumb amongst the crowd, you need to know how to dress for success. We've got you covered.

Cocktail attire is, essentially, a suit and tie. It's elegant and elevated, but not stuffy. It's not as fancy as black tie, but it's fancier than business casual. Traditionally, you'll want wear a suit in navy or gray (black can lean a little severe) and pair it with a white or light-colored shirt, a darker tie, and dress shoes. Oxfords are never a bad choice, but you can dress it down (just a little) with loafers or derbies or brogues, too. Accessories—a pocket square, a belt—are also on the table. And considering the fact that the rules of fashion are shifting, you could even mix things up with a sport coat and odd trousers or chinos, so long as the look retains the necessary level of dressiness. Whatever look it is you have in mind—whatever occasion your cocktail attire look calls for—the best traditional and non-traditional picks are right here.

Cocktail Attire Suits

If you want to keep things easy for yourself, snag a suit. Two-piece, three-piece, single-breasted, double-breasted...whatever you prefer (though it's worth noting that a single-breasted, two-piece suit tends to feel less intimidating to a lot of guys). You can buy it as a package deal, of course, but suit separates are also totally fine—especially if the range of sizes makes it easier for you to tune in the fit right off the rack. Even if you pretty much nail that fit, though, you'll likely need a few alterations to look your best, so build in some time for that process. Not sure what suit to go for? Take a stab at one of the options below.

Peter Millar Flynn Classic Fit Solid Wool Suit

$895 at Nordstrom

BOSS Virgin Wool Suit

$895 at Nordstrom $895 at ShopBop

Nautica Modern-Fit Bi-Stretch Suit

Now 75% Off

$100 at Macy's

Cocktail Attire Sport Coats

If you only need to buy a jacket by itself, you have plenty of options to fit into the cocktail attire theme. Traditionally, again, you're looking at navy and gray for colors. Maybe black, if you're feeling a little edgy. And for the bold and brave, there's always the option of something tonal, perhaps patterned.

Tom Ford Shelton Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

$5,080 at MR PORTER

Nordstrom Tech-Smart Trim Fit Stretch Wool Sport Coat

$299 at Nordstrom

BOSS Hutson Wool Blend Sport Coat

Now 40% Off

$357 at Nordstrom

Banana Republic Factory Tailored-Fit Tattersall Blazer

Now 23% Off

$200 at gapfactory.com

Todd Snyder Knit Madison Sport Coat

$698 at Todd Snyder

Reiss Apsara Slim Fit Velvet Single Breasted Blazer

$515 at REISS

Cocktail Attire Pants

As far as pants go, you're going to need dress trousers or chinos (the latter of which should be employed strategically; you don't want to look too casual). Something you're comfortable in, something that pairs harmoniously with your jacket and shoes.

Ted Baker London Josh Slim Fit Wool Tuxedo Suit Pants

$298 at Nordstrom

Theory Mayer Pant

$225 at Theory

J.Crew Bowery Dress Pant

$128 at J Crew

Banana Republic Modern Classic Heather Suit Trouser

Now 40% Off

$90 at gapfactory.com

Bonobos Stretch Weekday Warrior Dress Pants

$119 at Bonobos $108 at Nordstrom

Todd Snyder Relaxed Fit Chino

$268 at Todd Snyder

Cocktail Attire Shirts

There's never, ever a wrong time to wear a white dress shirt. Some options are crisp and slim, some are more relaxed—they all work, really. Or, play around a little bit. A black shirt with a gray, burgundy, or olive suit can be absolutely stunning. A pastel paired with black always adds some class. Just make sure you have a tie to go with.

Tom Ford Slim-Fit Cotton-Poplin Shirt

$675 at MR PORTER

Bottega Veneta Pinstriped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

$850 at MR PORTER

Dunhill Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Now 40% Off

$315 at MR PORTER

J.Crew Slim-Fit Ludlow Shirt

$128 at J Crew

Calvin Klein Dress Shirt

$50 at Amazon $85 at Macy's $48 at Zappos

Theory Cedrick Shirt

Now 60% Off

$66 at Theory

Cocktail Attire Shoes

Don't be that guy who has his entire cocktail attire look figured out... minus the shoes. These are an important part of your look! You don't need to go as far as wearing tuxedo shoes, but something classy and elegant, like a loafer or oxford, is the perfect choice.

Ferragamo Moccasin with Gancini Ornament

$850 at Ferragamo

Allen Edmonds Siena Brogue Oxford

$395 at Nordstrom $395 at Zappos

Nordstrom Dax Plain Toe Derby

$100 at Nordstrom

Beckett Simonon Valencia Wholecuts

$219 at beckettsimonon.com

Mr P. Scott Polished-Leather Penny Loafers

$355 at MR PORTER

Gucci Logo-Detailed Leather Loafers

$920 at MR PORTER

Cocktail Attire Ties

If you're a tie guy, you're in luck. To bring things from casual to dressy enough for cocktail attire, a tie is a must-have. A solid color is always the safe, classy move. A print will take things up a notch and look more visually interesting. And if you have the style prowess to wear something more offbeat? Well, you'll be the best-dressed guy at the function.

Ferragamo Gancini Silk Tie

$220 at Ferragamo

Banana Republic Huck Silk Tie

Now 55% Off

$27 at Banana Republic

Todd Snyder Italian Solid Tie

$98 at Todd Snyder

Saks Fifth Avenue Formal Skinny Silk Tie

$128 at Saks Fifth Avenue

J.Crew Silk Tie

Now 34% Off

$59 at J Crew

Thom Browne RWB Selvedge Super 120s Twill Necktie

$190 at Farfetch

Cocktail Attire Accessories

To make your look complete, don't forget about the accessories! A suit, tie, and shoes are great, but a spiffy belt (in the same shade of leather as your shoes, of course) and a pocket square are what will truly take things to the next level and tie your whole look together.