Style Guide · Own
Cocktail attire
A dark suit, done right: what cocktail and semi-formal mean, and how to stand out a little.
Cocktail, or semi-formal, sits between business and black tie. It means a suit, usually dark, worn with a little more care than for the office.
The look
- A dark suit: navy or charcoal. Midnight blue for an evening event.
- A white or pale blue shirt.
- A silk tie with some richness: wine, deep green, navy with a pattern. A bow tie works in the evening.
- A pocket square that goes with the tie, not the same fabric.
- Dark dress shoes, polished.
How to stand out a little
- A double-breasted suit.
- A velvet jacket with dark trousers for a winter evening.
- A pocket square in a colour you don't usually wear.
Daytime or evening?
- Day: navy or mid grey, a lighter tie.
- Evening: charcoal or midnight, a darker tie or a bow tie.
Cocktail or black tie?
If the invitation says black tie, it's a tuxedo: see our black tie guide. "Black tie optional" means a tuxedo is welcome, and a dark suit is right too.
Bring the invitation. We'll help you read it and put the look together.
Outfit ideas.
Black suit, black tie
Navy suit, patterned tie
Green velvet jacket
Burgundy velvet jacket
Charcoal suit, dark shirt
Style tips.
- The tie and pocket square should go together, not match.
- Darker is dressier: navy and charcoal at night.
- An evening cocktail party can take a velvet jacket.
- Buying the suit? Allow time for the alterations.
Colours.
Charcoal
Midnight Blue
Wine
Silver
White
When in doubt, wear the dark suit. Nobody goes home wishing he'd dressed down.
Questions.
- What should a man wear to a cocktail party?
- A dark suit in navy or charcoal, a white or pale blue shirt, a silk tie and a pocket square.
- What is the difference between cocktail and black tie?
- Black tie means a tuxedo. Cocktail means a dark suit. Black tie optional means either.
- Can I wear a bow tie to a cocktail party?
- Yes, in the evening. In the daytime, a long tie is the better choice.
Advice from the San Marko fitting room, 718 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY. Family-run since the early 1970s.
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