Conferences, awards dinners, client drinks, the Christmas party: corporate events vary a lot, so start with the invite. If it names a dress code, follow it. If it doesn't, a tailored jacket is your anchor and you can dial the rest up or down.
What to wear, piece by piece
- Jacket
- A tailored jacket in navy, grey or charcoal. A suit for anything formal or client-facing; a blazer with contrasting trousers for a relaxed or daytime event.
- Shirt
- Crisp, pressed, plain or finely striped. Add a tie if the invite says business or lounge suit. For evening drinks, a fine roll neck under the jacket is a smart alternative.
- Trousers
- Suit trousers, or wool trousers in a shade that contrasts with your blazer. Leave the jeans at home unless the invite says casual.
- Shoes
- Leather shoes, polished. Black for evening and formal events; dark brown works for daytime.
- Extras
- A belt that matches your shoes, dark socks, and a coat that closes over your jacket in winter. Events run long, so bring a phone charger.
What to avoid
- Trainers, unless the invite says casual.
- Loud patterns on the jacket and shirt at the same time.
- A tie pulled halfway down your shirt by nine o'clock.
Two ways to wear it
Navy suit, white shirt, burgundy or navy tie and black Oxfords. Right for almost any corporate dinner or awards night.
Charcoal blazer, black merino roll neck, grey wool trousers and black Chelsea boots. Sharp for evening drinks or a creative-industry event.
Quick questions
The invite doesn't say. What now?
Default to a jacket and smart trousers, with a tie in your pocket. Ask a colleague who went last year.
What about the Christmas party?
Usually a notch above smart casual. A velvet or dark textured blazer, an open-collar shirt or roll neck, and polished shoes look festive without trying too hard.