A slim pouch bag is the absolute maximum cargo permitted. This should be enough to hold an invitation, cardholder, phone and keys, keeping your pockets free and the sharper than sharp silhouette of your suit intact.

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6 Christmas Party Outfits For Every Type Of Event

The Black Tie Christmas Party

Don’t own any black tie clothing? We don’t blame you. If we’re being honest, there are very few times in life when a dinner jacket is required, and spending big on a suit you’re never going to wear makes little sense. And yet, when that black tie dress code invite does come around – and chances are it’ll be in December – it’s best to be prepared.

Whatever you do, don’t rent a suit. Instead, turn to versatile pieces you can wear on their own throughout the year – and remember you don’t need to buy a full tuxedo in order to wear black tie. Let’s start with the jacket. Look for something textured in midnight blue with shawl lapels – velvet is ideal – which is far easier to dress down and wear with less formal attire.

Regular tuxes would be worn with a white shirt and bow tie. You’re not regular. Instead, avoid the stuffiness and wear a black merino roll neck, which is both sophisticated and a little bit rogue – who needs ties anyway? Another tip for our makeshift dinner suit: you don’t need tuxedo trousers. You can get away with plain black wool trousers or even chinos, if the cut is right. A slim, tapered leg with a relatively high break so as not to spill over the shoes. Which, since you ask, can be a pair of black leather Derbies or Chelsea boots.

The Festive-Themed Christmas Party

Been invited to a party, but only on the basis that you wear a Christmas jumper? The only thing that’s worse than forced fun is novelty clothing, so skip the latter and buy something you won’t be embarrassed in, or indeed, something that’ll be thrown away after one wear.