Party season menswear can be a tricky brief to navigate.
You want to look smart, but not overdressed. You want to look festive, but not like you’re dressing up (if you’re wearing anything that could remotely be described as ‘fun’, you’ve gone off base) – and whatever you wear needs to feel low effort to look, dare I say, cool.
I can be a sartorial minefield, but have no fear: I’m here to help.
As a menswear editor and stylist with years of experience, having dressed celebrities and VIPs for everything from premieres to awards ceremonies and afterparties, I know my way around a guy’s partywear wardrobe.
My advice? You need a selection of solid, easy pieces which you can throw on to look put together — but not like you’re trying too hard. It could be a knitted polo or the perfect white T-shirt. Maybe it’s a matching co-ord set or a double-breasted black blazer, which you could pair with a tank top. Simply put, if you stick to good, solid menswear in timeless, versatile colours, you can’t go far wrong.
It’s nice to supercharge your ‘fit with an elevated touch, too. Whether that’s a pop of colour with a tie, a belt with a statement buckle, an elegant watch or some jewellery (lots of stars have started wearing brooches on the red carpet), it’s the finer details that will take your look from ordinary to supersonic.
Consider the event you’re attending, too. You probably wouldn’t wear the same thing for your work party as you would for New Year’s Eve, for example — the former tends to err on smart-casual while the latter demands something a little dressier. Whatever the formality, it’s good to stick to a similar vibe across the board: understated yet elevated.
If you’re still after some partywear inspo, the red carpet’s a good place to start.
Sure, some of the A-list set dress a little, shall we say, statement, but there are a few guys who nail the cool, low-key brief every time. Think Jacob Elordi, Austin Butler, Paul Mescal et al.
With this in mind, I’ve put together six winning outfit formulas referencing what some of our favourite menswear pros have been wearing this year and suggested some pieces you can buy to get the look yourself.
New Year’s Eve style? No problem.
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1. Austin Butler: The tank-top-blazer combo
This is one of my go-to partywear looks heading into the end of the year. It’s easy, it’s pretty warm, and it works for everything from a fancy dinner to a big night out (did someone say New Year’s Eve?).
All you need is a well-cut blazer, a ribbed tank top and some straight-leg trousers, and you’re good to go. Black on black is a simple option, but a navy blazer with a white tank breaks things up and stops things from looking too sombre.
A Day’s March Welland Double Breasted Fine Wool Blazer
Made from wool, this blazer will keep the December chill at bay.
Buy now £280.00, A Day's March
Reiss Jaden Stretch-Cotton Ribbed Vest in White
A wardrobe staple, Reiss adds just the right amount of stretch into its simple white vest to be comfortable all night long.
Buy now £22.00, Reiss
2. Jonathan Bailey: The V-neck jumper
V-neck jumpers are having a major moment in menswear right now — it feels more considered and intentional than a classic crew neck. For party season, go for one that’s lightweight so it looks sharp; anything too chunky will feel a little casual. Merino wool’s probably your best bet, and navy never fails.
Sunspel Extra‑Fine Merino V‑neck
If you’re looking for a label to boost your collection of staples, allow me to point you towards Sunspel’s digital door. This v-neck is made from extra fine wool, so you’ll feel cosy while looking cool.
Buy now £119.00, Sunspel
Uniqlo Pleated Wide Trousers
A wide pleat on trousers adds flattering volume without bulk. Uniqlo does some of the best on the high street.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
3. Paul Mescal: The leather jacket
Leather is also big for Autumn/Winter 2025 — everyone from Louis Vuitton to Saint Laurent, Zegna and Burberry sent the tough textile down the runway.
When it comes to party szn, avoid biker jackets or anything fitted. Instead, go for a more contemporary silhouette like AllSaints’ boxy button-up, which would look best with tailored trousers and loafers.
Allsaints Bradwell Boxy Leather Coat
Boxy and sharp with simple yet considered details, this is the leather jacket 2.0.
Buy now £489.00, Allsaints
Dickies 247 Regular Work Trousers
Crafted from cotton twill, these are the comfortable yet smart trews that will see you through the New Year and well into 2026.
Buy now £65.00, Dickies
4. Channing Tatum: The co-ord
The Magic Mike star loves a matching set — which makes total sense. It’s a good idea to have a couple hanging in your wardrobe because it’s the kind of thing you can reach for when you’re heading to a party and have no idea what to wear. Think of a co-ord as a casual alternative to a suit. NN07’s is a versatile neutral shade which you could also wear as separates.
NN07 Petrus Jacket and Kay Straight-leg Trousers
Partly crafted from recycled wool and polyester, these trousers may look khaki but have earned their green stripes. Find the matching jacket (£350) here.
Buy now £575.00, Harvey Nichols
MR P. 2.5cm Leather Belt
Simple, smart, essential.
Buy now £85.00, Mr. Porter
5. Jacob Elordi: The navy suit
Ah, the navy suit. Every guy should have one in their tailoring collection because it’s the most versatile suit that works for pretty much any formal engagement you can think of — New Year’s Eve included.
Go for one that’s not super fitted — men’s clothes tend to look best a little relaxed — with a straight leg that breaks on the shoe.
To make it pop, pair it with a coloured or striped shirt and a coordinating tie.
Arket Double-Breasted Wool Blazer and Wool-Cotton Trousers
From Arket comes this double breasted blazer featuring an intentionally oversized fit. Complete the look with matching trousers (£125) here.
Buy now £318.00, Arket
Drake’s Navy, White and Red Multi Stripe Mogador Silk Tipped Tie
Ties are perfect for formal events, but choose a jaunty colour palette to keep things interesting.
Buy now £175.00, Drake's
6. Charles Melton: The silky shirt
If you can’t throw on a silky shirt during the festive season, when can you? You could follow Charles Melton’s lead with a smart black take or opt for something a little brighter like this printed style by OAS — it’ll work double duty during summer, too.
Oas Regalia Viscose Long Sleeve
This viscose shirt brings interest through a mustard yellow and brown pattern.
Buy now £150.00, Oas
Tom Wood Cable Chain
Many men shy away from jewellery, but Tom Wood’s cable chain makes a persuasive example.
Buy now £360.00, Tom Wood
