Get Dressed for the Holidays: one pant leg at a time

I apologize for the seriously long delay between posts.  Just like for everyone else, the holiday time gets busy!  Between family, friends, gift buying, and dinner outings, the calendar has a way of filling up awfully quick.

I speak with a lot of my own clients about what they are wearing for their variety of holiday festivities.  There are usually a plethora of events going on, and the last thing you want to do is to wear the same thing repeatedly.

So, what should you wear?  Well, there is no singular answer.  Everyone does things a little bit different, but the holidays are supposed to be a special time of the year, and it's time that men started dressing in a way that reflects this.  Put some extra care into your wardrobe choices for the holidays:

Office Party:
Let's start with the fact that you need to be work appropriate (though I would hope this is self evident), and now kick it up just a little.  Are you in a business casual environment?  How about a great jacket to step up your daily attire?  If you're in a more formal environment, maybe pull out that special suit that you keep for the big meetings.  The point is, this is different than a normal day - and maybe a chance to impress someone: it's a great chance to impress a boss, or coworker you've had your eye on! ;)

photo from http://www.elevee.com

Christmas (Eve) Dinner:
Again, seize the opportunity to pull out some of the nicer things in the closet.  I'm a firm believer that a jacket it a great option again here.  Many people are at a relative or close friend's house. Show some respect to the host by doing more than a dress shirt with jeans.  Throw a beautiful wool or cashmere sweater over the top, wear a jacket and put some slacks on.  Show your appreciation by making sure you don't show up empty handed, and put some care into your appearance for them.

Make sure you feel like this man when it's time to get dressed

Christmas Mass:
I hope everyone out there is paying attention.... WEAR A SUIT!  I understand how casual many churches have become.  Take a cue from the many other religions out there during any of their high holiday services and dress the part!  No exceptions - even if you aren't very religious, show the respect than it deserves.

New Years Eve Party:
Many parties will have a dress code, or a theme.  Adhere when applicable, and take it up a notch when given the chance.  Great time for a dinner jacket - maybe velvet with some fun color, or a high fashion piece.  Pick some thing fun, something that stands out, and something that has you feeling like Bond, James Bond!  Might as well ring in the new year looking great before it starts to get sloppy!

Photo from Esquire

Some Key No-Nos:
Leave the overly holiday themed clothing in the closet.  It's not an ugly sweater party...
Anything that light up should be left on the tree
If it's cold layer appropriately - you can ruin a great look with that ski jacket
Snow boots are for the snow

Let's get ready to rumble!!! Style vs Fashion

So my huge challenge here is to try and do this without writing a 10+ page essay.
Let's start here:
Style: a mode of fashion, as in dress, especially good or approved fashion; elegance; smartness.
Fashion: a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.: the latest fashion in dresses.

 So what does this mean for you when you are building out your wardrobe? What's the difference? What should you be paying attention to?

 Style, is typically associated with a timeless, pervasive look that stands the test of time. A man with great style doesn't pay particular attention to what is on the edge of fashion, but rather can achieve that effortless and timeless look. This is most commonly seen in a man that has developed his own taste, and his own sense of self. This isn't about wearing the finest suits, or only wearing a certain color. This has to do with catering your look to your life, and wearing it well. The most recognizable style icons are men who have their own flair, but pull it off seamlessly- think Bond, Steve McQueen, or more recently look at Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and the emergence of stars like Justin Timberlake. Pull together your look, and use things that stand the test of time- well fitted shirts, jackets, pants. Items that aren't overly flashy, but complimentary.

Fashion, on the other hand is the most up to date and edgy. Think about skinny lapels and skinny ties of the past couple years, and now the wide lapels on jackets. This is the skinny pants, or the large rimmed glasses. These things all come and go with time, sometimes trends work their way back in or out. These are the things that will get noticed almost all the time (for good and bad). If you want to be on top of things at all times, fashion is a huge piece of it. In this case look at the likes of Dwayne Wade, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and pop stars. Fashion is trendy, quickly changing, and therefore quickly out of favor.

 So, the important question- which should you pay more attention to? The honest answer here is hat both have their place, and I think utilizing fashion in creating your style can have incredible results. However, you need to find your style, and while you figure that out (and start up a wardrobe)- stick to classic styles rather than fashion trends. Use fashion in small doses in order to help elevate your look and find that style. Here's a great example- right now loud, bright socks are in fashion and bright pocket squares. These are great ways to add some fashion to a classic style. You don't have to grab every trend in order to be on point- in fact I would argue that most people attempting high style just look silly. Use fashion ideas to bring out your personal style- a long and everlasting look that compliments your life. Just understand that as you build your own personal wardrobe, if you want longevity get style not fashionable.