| 29 | Dec 2010 |
 | |
| 0 comments | |
Ask Austin: Dressing for New Year’s Eve
I’m going to a New Year’s Eve party and the invitation says “smart/casual.” I wear suits to work and jeans around the house, and I’ve never been very good at the in between wardrobe. What should I wear?
“Smart/casual” are the two words that strike fear into any man’s heart – meaning you can’t stick to your comfort zone of either smart or casual, but have to slot neatly in the middle. Fortunately there are a couple of rules you can stick to that will make you look, well, both smart and casual.
Don’t wear a tie – a well-pressed shirt is smart enough without seeming stuffy. Don’t be afraid of colour or even patterns – it is a party after all. The L/S Ox Red Navy large Tattersall shirt, £45, manages to be bang on the lumberjack trend but also smart enough to look almost-formal in.
Don’t wear jeans – as they tend to err on the side of casual. Instead, go for the Taupe chino (below, middle), £40, or navy jumbo cord trouser (below, right), £75, which you wouldn’t get away with in the office, but look smarter than your average denim.
Above all wear something you feel comfortable in. You’re meant to be having fun, and if you don’t feel happy you won’t be able to relax. Go and enjoy yourself. Happy New Year!
Comment on this article
