Holiday Office Party Attire, done the right way

The proper Holiday Office Party attire should be able to be accomplished with your current wardrobe. You want to make sure the outfit is professional, classic, modern and fun. It needs to be memorable without standing out and representative of your personal style. To make sure that you fit all the requirements, stick to the mainstay classics in your wardrobe.

Classic Charcoal Gray Suit - Stick with a perfectly tailored and trim fitting suit. Make sure it compliments you and actually fits. Go with a charcoal gray, it will go with anything. You should already know what suit I am describing; yes the "Money Suit". If you live in an area where the weather is appropriate, you might want to break out the flannel suit for this occasion, but remember there will be dancing. Trust me, there will be dancing.

Black Oxford Shoes - Wear the classic black oxford shoes. This is the perfect occasion to breakout the shoes that you wear to interviews, weddings and funerals. Now add Holiday Parties to that list.

Dress Shirt - Keep it classic. The well tailored, white dress shirt with medium spread pin point collar is the perfect call for the occasion.  Think of it as the base for your tie and pocket square selection. It also makes the transition to the after party very well. Just undue the collar roll up the sleeves and you can hang all night without looking like you walked out of a Christmas themed nightmare. Remember, there will be lots of pictures and some sent to your clients and vendors, keep it classic.

Tie - For the tie I would recommend a classic gray tie with hints of red or maroon or burgundy. This will give it a hint of the holidays without making it look like you've been dreaming of a white Christmas since July. I also think a solid dark red tie in a satin or silk would look great. If you are going with a pattern, keep it small and classic. A wool tie or silk knit would also look great, as the fabric would play well against the worsted wool suit. As always make sure the tie is 3" or skinnier. Since it is a party, you can go with a tie skinnier than normal, but please do yourself a favor and do not go down to the 2" tie.

Pocket Square - Have some fun, it is a party after all.  Go with a wool or silk red pocket square, patterned with other colors if it is wool.  If it is silk, go with a dark red and avoid the true red.  Another great option is the always appropriate white linen pocket square, worn off slightly off kilter.

Sprezzatura - Don't look too perfect.  That is an easy way too look like a nancy and have everyone hate you.  Mess something up a little bit.  Unbutton your cuffs, mess up the tie a bit, keep the pocket square sloppy.  No man should ever look perfect.

Socks - Have a lot of fun with your socks.  Make them brightly colored, striped, paisley, or another pattern.  Make them a different color than the suit and shirt.  Wear red, green, whatever.  This is a great opportunity to wear green and red plaid to go with the Christmas spirit, like the one above sold at Ben Silver.  It will be recognized and you will lauded for having pride in the season.

Chucks & Jacks - How to wear them, Suit and all

Today's Post is all about Converse Shoes. Chuck Taylor & Jack Purcell Converse Shoes have been a part of the American ethos and fashion since the early 1900s. Chuck Taylors have been made since 1917 and Jack Purcells have been produced since 1935. The shoes rose to prominence in an athletic since in the 40s & 50s. The shoes have been culturally significant for a long time and are a rare fashion statement that passes through multiple generations.

In recent years, Chucks & Jacks have made a resurgence in modern fashion; a resurgence not in the sense of a comeback, since they are ubiquitous, but instead in their use as not only a casual shoe but also as a companion piece for suits. I love wearing slip on Jacks or Chucks with shorts or jeans, but I like wearing them with a suit even more. Once again this is where style has to be personal. If you don't like the look of Chucks with a suit, I am sorry for you, but just don't wear it. It personally fits my style and are shoes that I will wear with any outfit. As long as you aren't wearing Jacks into the office with a suit, anything will fly.

The pictures above are some of my favorite ways to dress up chucks, done by common folk and celebrities. I love the pictures of Pete Marovich and others playing basketball in Chuck Taylors, its really the bees knees. James Dean as always looks so laid back and natural in his style and the pair of worn in Jack Purcells add a great ease to the style.

I like them worn with a simple suit that has good clean lines. Loosen the tie a bit, un-button the top button and don't forget the pocket square. Wear a casual belt or a casual watch, but not both. Leave the socks at home for the day and enjoy that you have comfy shoes on your hogs. Its old school cool with a twist, now act like it.