Christmas outfits for men are harder to plan than they should be. In the space of two weeks you might attend an office party, a school carol concert, drinks with friends, a family dinner and a long, lazy day on the sofa, and each one calls for something different. The good news is that the best Christmas outfits for men come from clothes you probably own already: a good jumper, a dark blazer, smart trousers and polished boots, lifted by one festive colour or texture. This guide gives you outfit ideas for every Christmas occasion, explains the dress codes on invitations, and includes advice for boys and kids.
Christmas outfits for men: the quick answer
- Start with rich, dark colours: burgundy, forest green, navy and charcoal look festive without trying too hard.
- Add texture: velvet, corduroy, flannel, cable knits and brushed wool all suit the season.
- Dress one step smarter than usual: Christmas is an occasion, even at home.
- Use one festive detail: a burgundy jumper, a tartan tie, a velvet jacket or patterned socks. One is enough.
- Keep novelty jumpers for the right moment: Christmas jumper day, a relaxed party or a family morning.
- Plan for warmth and comfort: you’ll move between cold streets and warm rooms, and you’ll eat a large meal.
How to read a Christmas dress code
Invitations often include a dress code. Here’s what each one means in practice.
| Dress code | What it means | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Formal evening wear | Dinner suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black polished shoes |
| Cocktail or lounge suit | Smart, but not formal | Dark suit, shirt, optional tie, leather shoes |
| Festive or festive smart | Smart with a seasonal touch | Velvet or dark blazer, roll neck or shirt, tailored trousers |
| Smart casual | Neat and relaxed | Blazer or fine knit, shirt, chinos or wool trousers, boots |
| Casual | Comfortable but tidy | Jumper, dark jeans, clean boots or trainers |
| Christmas jumper | Fun and informal | Festive jumper, jeans, trainers or boots |
If there’s no dress code, ask the host or think about the venue. A restaurant, hotel or evening event deserves a jacket. A house party or pub doesn’t.
Christmas outfits for men by occasion
1. The office Christmas party
You’re with colleagues, so aim for smart and relaxed, not loud. A dark blazer over a fine roll neck with tailored trousers and Chelsea boots is hard to beat. If you’re going straight from work, swap your shirt and tie for the roll neck and add a pocket square.
- Navy blazer Jacket
- Burgundy merino roll neck Knit
- Charcoal wool trousers Trousers
- Black Chelsea boots Shoes
2. Christmas Day at home
Comfort matters, but so do the photographs. Wear a soft jumper in a festive colour over a shirt or T-shirt, with chinos or corduroy trousers and clean slippers or leather trainers. Choose a waistband with a little stretch. You’ll be glad of it after lunch.
3. Christmas dinner at someone else’s house
Go one step smarter than you would at home: an Oxford shirt under a lambswool jumper, wool trousers and polished boots. Take the jumper off if the house is warm, and you still look smart.
- Forest-green lambswool jumper Knit
- White Oxford shirt Shirt
- Grey flannel trousers Trousers
- Dark brown leather boots Shoes
4. A Christmas dinner at a restaurant
A dark suit without a tie, or a blazer with tailored trousers, works in most restaurants. Add a white or pale-blue shirt and leather shoes. For a formal dinner, wear the tie.
5. A black-tie Christmas ball
Wear a black or midnight-blue dinner suit, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie and black polished shoes. A velvet dinner jacket in deep green or burgundy is a traditional festive alternative, worn with black trousers.
6. Christmas drinks with friends
Dark jeans, a textured jumper or an overshirt, and boots. A corduroy or suede jacket adds interest without looking overdressed for a pub.
7. The Christmas market
You’ll stand outdoors for hours, so warmth comes first: a wool coat or padded jacket, a chunky jumper, a scarf, gloves and boots with thick soles. See our guide to winter outfits for men for layering advice.
- Camel wool coat Coat
- Cream cable-knit jumper Knit
- Dark indigo jeans Trousers
- Brown leather boots Shoes
- Tartan wool scarf Accessory
8. Church or a carol service
Dress respectfully and warmly, because churches are often cold. A dark coat over a jumper and shirt, with smart trousers and leather shoes, is right for most services.
9. Christmas Eve
In much of Europe, Christmas Eve is the main celebration, with a family dinner in the evening. Dress as you would for a good restaurant: a blazer or fine knit, a shirt and tailored trousers.
10. Christmas jumper day
Wear the jumper with confidence, and keep everything else simple: dark jeans, plain boots or trainers. A Fair Isle or snowflake pattern is a more grown-up alternative to cartoon reindeer.
11. Boxing Day and the days after
Long walks, leftovers and visits to relatives call for relaxed layers: a flannel shirt, a quilted gilet or cardigan, corduroy trousers and walking boots.
12. The family Christmas photo
Coordinate colours instead of matching exactly. Our guide to Christmas picture outfit ideas covers palettes and poses for the whole family.
Festive colours and how to wear them
Red and green are the obvious choices, but the deeper shades are easier to wear and look more expensive.
- Burgundy: the easiest festive colour. Wear it as a jumper, tie, scarf or velvet jacket.
- Forest green: rich and flattering, especially in knitwear and corduroy.
- Navy and charcoal: the base for almost every outfit.
- Cream and white: fresh against dark colours.
- Gold and silver: best kept to small details such as a watch, cufflinks or a tie clip.
- Bright red: strong in a jumper or socks, but use it once in an outfit.
Festive fabrics and patterns
- Velvet: a velvet blazer is the classic party piece. Keep the rest of the outfit plain.
- Corduroy: warm and relaxed, good for trousers and jackets.
- Tartan and checks: traditional at Christmas. Wear them as a shirt, tie, scarf or trousers, but not all together.
- Fair Isle and cable knits: festive, traditional and suitable for adults.
- Flannel: soft and warm for shirts and trousers.
- Satin and silk details: a bow tie, pocket square or lapel facing for formal events.
What to wear with a Christmas jumper
A Christmas jumper is the loudest thing in the room, so the rest of your outfit should stay quiet.
- With dark jeans and boots: the simplest and best combination.
- Over a collared shirt: smarter, and useful for the office.
- With chinos: neat and comfortable for Christmas Day.
- Under a plain coat: let it be a surprise when you arrive.
- Avoid: patterned trousers, novelty ties and flashing accessories all at once.
If novelty isn’t your style, choose a jumper in a festive colour or a traditional knitted pattern instead. A burgundy or patterned cardigan is a smart alternative to a jumper: see our guide to cardigans for men.
Festive shirts for men
A shirt is the easiest way to look seasonal at a smart event.
- White or pale blue: the classic base under a dark blazer or a festive jumper.
- Tartan or checked flannel: relaxed and traditional for family days and pubs.
- Deep green or burgundy: a plain shirt in a rich colour looks festive on its own.
- Dress shirt: for black tie, with a turn-down collar and double cuffs.
- Small prints: a subtle pattern is fine for parties. Keep large novelty prints for informal gatherings.
Christmas outfits for men by style
Not every man dresses the same way, and Christmas outfits for men should suit your usual style.
- Classic: a navy blazer, a white shirt, grey flannel trousers and brown brogues, with a burgundy tie or pocket square.
- Relaxed: a chunky cream jumper, dark jeans and suede boots.
- Modern: a black roll neck, tailored black trousers and Chelsea boots, with a deep-green velvet jacket for parties.
- Country: a checked shirt, a quilted gilet, corduroy trousers and leather boots.
- Minimal: one colour from head to toe, such as navy or charcoal, in different textures.
If you’re unsure which describes you, our guide to styles of dressing explains the main types.
How to dress for the office in December
Many workplaces relax their rules in the weeks before Christmas, but it’s still work.
- Swap a plain tie for one in burgundy, green or a small festive pattern.
- Wear a fine jumper in a seasonal colour under your blazer.
- Keep novelty jumpers for the official jumper day.
- For client meetings, limit festive touches to socks or a pocket square.
- Keep a clean shirt and a blazer at work for last-minute drinks.
Shoes for Christmas outfits
| Occasion | Best shoes |
|---|---|
| Black tie | Black polished Oxford or patent shoes |
| Office party and restaurant | Chelsea boots, brogues or loafers |
| Family dinner | Leather boots or smart leather trainers |
| Christmas market and walks | Boots with rubber soles and warm socks |
| At home | Clean slippers or house shoes |
Polish your shoes before the season begins. It takes five minutes and lifts every outfit.
Accessories that make an outfit festive
- A tie or bow tie in burgundy, green, tartan or a small pattern.
- A pocket square in a seasonal colour.
- Festive socks: a small, private joke that only shows when you sit down.
- A wool scarf in tartan or a rich plain colour.
- A watch and a good belt to finish smart outfits.
Choose one or two. A festive tie, festive socks, a novelty jumper and a Santa hat together are a costume, not an outfit.
Christmas outfits for boys
Teenage boys often dislike dressing up, so choose clothes that feel like their own, only smarter.
- A knitted jumper or polo in burgundy, green or navy.
- Dark jeans or chinos.
- Clean leather trainers or boots.
- A shirt under the jumper for church, dinner or a school concert.
- A blazer only if the event is formal.
- Navy knitted polo Top
- Dark jeans Trousers
- White leather trainers Shoes
Christmas outfits for kids
Children need clothes that survive excitement, food and the floor.
- Soft trousers with an elasticated waist.
- A shirt or polo with a cardigan or jumper that comes off easily in warm rooms.
- Festive details such as a bow tie, braces or a patterned jumper.
- Comfortable shoes they can run in.
- A spare top for after dinner.
- Christmas pyjamas for Christmas Eve and the morning itself, a tradition many families enjoy.
Avoid scratchy fabrics and stiff collars. A comfortable child smiles in more photographs.
A simple Christmas capsule
Eight pieces will take a man through the whole season.
- A dark blazer (navy, or velvet in green or burgundy)
- A fine roll neck
- A festive-coloured jumper
- A white or pale-blue shirt
- Dark tailored trousers
- Dark jeans
- Leather boots
- A wool coat and scarf
| Event | Combination |
|---|---|
| Office party | Blazer, roll neck, tailored trousers, boots |
| Christmas dinner | Jumper, shirt, tailored trousers, boots |
| Drinks with friends | Jumper, jeans, boots |
| Restaurant | Blazer, shirt, tailored trousers |
| Christmas market | Coat, jumper, jeans, scarf, boots |
Our Outfit Generator can suggest more combinations from the same pieces.
Christmas in a warm climate
Not everyone celebrates in the cold. If you’re spending Christmas somewhere warm, keep the festive colours and change the fabrics: a linen or cotton shirt in white, deep green or burgundy, light chinos or tailored shorts and loafers or leather sandals. A lightweight unlined blazer covers smart dinners.
Staying comfortable through a long day
- Layer, because homes and venues are heated.
- Choose natural fibres, which breathe better in warm, crowded rooms.
- Wear a soft waistband for big meals.
- Bring indoor shoes or slippers if you’re staying with family.
- Carry a stain-removing wipe. Gravy and red wine are part of the season.
Planning ahead: a simple timeline
- Three weeks before: check invitations and dress codes, and try on your smart clothes. There’s still time for alterations or dry cleaning.
- Two weeks before: fill any gaps, such as a shirt that fits or a pair of dark socks.
- One week before: polish shoes, press shirts and remove bobbles from knitwear.
- The night before: lay out the full outfit, including socks, belt and coat.
Ten minutes of planning saves a stressful search on the day.
Common Christmas outfit mistakes
| Mistake | Why it fails | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Too many festive items | Looks like a costume | Choose one festive detail |
| Ignoring the dress code | You stand out for the wrong reason | Ask the host or check the venue |
| A crumpled shirt | Looks careless in photos | Iron or steam it the night before |
| New shoes on the night | Blisters | Wear them in beforehand |
| Heavy layers indoors | Overheating | Thin layers you can remove |
| Novelty jumper at a smart dinner | Underdressed | A jumper in a festive colour |
After Christmas, the next question is the last night of the year. Our guide to New Year’s Eve outfits for men picks up where this one ends.
If an invitation says dressy casual, our guide to dressy casual for men explains exactly what to wear.
Frequently asked questions
A jumper in a rich colour such as burgundy or forest green over a shirt, with smart trousers and leather boots, suits most Christmas occasions. Add a blazer for parties and restaurants.
A dark blazer, a fine roll neck or open-collar shirt, tailored trousers and Chelsea boots. It's smart, comfortable and festive without being loud.
Choose comfortable but tidy clothes: a soft jumper, chinos or corduroy trousers and clean shoes or slippers. Pick a festive colour, because the day is usually photographed.
Burgundy, forest green, navy, charcoal and cream are the most flattering. Use bright red, gold or silver in small amounts.
Yes, if the party is casual or has a Christmas jumper theme. For a smart or formal event, wear a plain jumper in a festive colour or a traditional knitted pattern instead.
It means smart clothes with a seasonal touch, such as a velvet blazer, a burgundy roll neck, a tartan tie or a pocket square in a festive colour.
For a family dinner, wear a jumper over a shirt with wool trousers and boots. For a restaurant or formal dinner, wear a blazer or a dark suit.
Only if the invitation says black tie, cocktail or lounge suit. For most parties, a blazer with tailored trousers is smart enough.
A knitted jumper or polo in a festive colour, dark jeans or chinos and clean trainers or boots. Add a shirt for church, a concert or a formal dinner.
Chelsea boots, brogues and loafers suit parties and dinners. Wear black polished shoes for black tie, and boots with rubber soles for markets and walks.
Dress for standing outdoors: a wool coat or padded jacket, a chunky jumper, a scarf, gloves and boots with thick soles and warm socks.
