GQ Magazine Cocktail Attire, Explained by Menswear Experts

From: GQ | Manual - Thursday Jan 30, 2025 10:30 pm

View this email in your browser | Update your email preferences

The week’s best stuff.

A sensible guide to one of the most confusing party dress codes. —Michael Nolledo, associate commerce director

Trending

Cocktail attire for men, explained by menswear experts for 2025.

Cocktail Attire, Explained by Menswear Experts

By Jeremy Freed

Save for the “doctor is ready now,” do any four words inspire more trepidation—and less excitement—than “cocktail attire for men”? (We’re exaggerating, but only a little.)

Dress codes are a bit like taxes: intimidating, esoteric, and ultimately inescapable. Unlike filling out a 1040 form, however, dressing up for a formal or semi-formal event can actually be a lot of fun once you get into it, provided you know who to ask for advice. While getting decked out for a black-tie event can be relatively simple (buy it or rent it, you’ll never go wrong with a well-tailored black tux) the “cocktail” dress code is an altogether more intimidating proposition, requiring more interpretation and finesse.

Since it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be called upon to put together a cocktail ensemble of your own, here’s everything you need to know according to some of the most knowledgeable guys in our rolodex.

Read our guide on cocktail attire

More Shopping Intel

21 Foundational Shoe Brands Every Menswear Fan Should Know

From age-old Northampton institutions to ultra-funky New York upstarts, these are the first names in proper cobbling.

The best men's sweatshirts, according to GQ.

Every Sweatshirt You Need to Hunker Down Like a Style Hero

From cheap-and-cheery crewnecks to high-end designer hoodies, these are the sweats that warrant pride of place in your hibernation rotation.

The best boxer shorts for men, according to GQ.

The Best Boxer Shorts Will Convert You From Briefs

Y’all can keep your swampy skivvies—after months of testing their roomier, airier counterparts, we may never wear the clingy spandex stuff again.

Image may contain: Clothing, Coat, Knitwear, Sweater, Jacket, Blazer, and Person

The Best Shawl Collar Cardigans Are Waiting by the Fireplace

Want to feel like you’re wrapped in a big ol’ blanket? There’s a shawl cardi for that.

Image may contain: Charly Black, Fashion, Clothing, Coat, Robe, Person, Adult, Footwear, and Shoe

Add a Plush, Sumptuous Robe to Your Self-Care Routine

Men will literally swaddle themselves in French terry instead of going to therapy.

I’m a Professional Grooming Writer: Here’s What’s in My Dopp Kit

Look and smell your best even when you’re 3,000 miles from home.

More great GQ Newsletters

GQ Recommends Our editors hand-pick their favorite products and can't-miss sales
The Must Read We select one great GQ story you need to read each day
Box + Papers Cam Wolf takes you inside the world of watches
Show Notes Samuel Hine reports from the front row of the fashion world
Pulling Weeds Chris Black weighs in on hot topics in culture
Tap In Frazier Tharpe offers the final word on all things music, movies, and TV.

Did someone forward this email to you? Sign up here.

This e-mail was sent to you by GQ Daily. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, GQ@newsletter.gq.com, to your address book.

View our Privacy Policy
Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions here

GQ Magazine Newsletters

GQ Magazine Cocktail Attire, Explained by Menswear Experts