A Complete Guide to Cocktail Attire for Men

So you've been invited to an event whose invitation states "cocktail attire." There comes a time in every man's life when this moment arrives, whether it's a wedding, a work function, a fancy dinner, or some other formal event. Lest you stick out from the crowd like a sore, non-cocktail-attired thumb, you need to know how to dress. 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 to 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 you have in mind—whatever cocktail attire the occasion calls for—the best traditional and nontraditional picks are right here.

Suits for Cocktail Attire

If you want to make things easy on 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 available sizes allows 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

Sport Coats for Cocktail Attire

If you only need to buy a jacket by itself, you have plenty of options to fit 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.

Nordstrom Lyocell & Cotton Sport Coat

$299 at Nordstrom

Rodd & Gunn Cascades Virgin Wool & Linen Sport Coat

$398 at Nordstrom

Bonobos Jetsetter Washed Cotton Blazer

$250 at Bonobos

Tom Ford Shelton Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

Now 50% Off

$2,540 at MR PORTER

Todd Snyder Knit Madison Sport Coat

$698 at Todd Snyder

Banana Republic Factory Tailored-Fit Linen-Blend Suit Jacket

Now 40% Off

$156 at bananarepublicfactory.com

Pants for Cocktail Attire

As for pants, you're going to need dress trousers or chinos. (The latter 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

$265 at Theory

J.Crew Bowery Dress Pant

Now 54% Off

$59 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 Italian Linen Wythe Trousers

$298 at Todd Snyder

Shirts for Cocktail Attire

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

J.Crew Slim-Fit Ludlow Shirt

$128 at J Crew

Calvin Klein Dress Shirt

$50 at Amazon $51 at Macy's $48 at Zappos

Theory Cotton Hugh Shirt

Now 40% Off

$117 at Theory

Thom Browne Grosgrain-Trimmed Cotton Oxford Shirt

$675 at MR PORTER

Shoes for Cocktail Attire

Don't be that guy who has his complete cocktail attire look figured out... minus the shoes. These are an important part of your outfit! 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

$425 at Nordstrom $395 at Zappos

Nordstrom Dax Plain Toe Derby

Now 40% Off

$60 at Nordstrom

Beckett Simonon Valencia Wholecuts

$219 at beckettsimonon.com

Mr P. Scott Polished-Leather Penny Loafers

$355 at MR PORTER

Gucci Kaveh Logo-Embossed Horsebit Leather Loafers

$1,100 at MR PORTER

Ties for Cocktail Attire

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

Todd Snyder Italian Solid Tie

$98 at Todd Snyder

Saks Fifth Avenue Formal Skinny Silk Tie

$128 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Thom Browne RWB Selvedge Super 120s Twill Necktie

$190 at Farfetch

J.Crew American Wool Tie

$59 at J Crew

The Tie Bar Mini Dots Wine Tie

$28 at The Tie Bar

Accessories for Cocktail Attire

To make your look complete, don't forget 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.