Winter Formal Outfits for Men: What to Wear & Style Tips

As you start receiving invitations for formal winter events, do you have stylish yet warm wardrobe essentials ready to create an elegant outfit? Are you unsure what winter formal outfits should include?

First off, when choosing winter formal outfits, men should follow the dress code. Then aim for a balance between fashion and function. For formal winter outfits, men should incorporate shrewd layering, careful fabric selection, appropriate style, and thoughtfully chosen accessories.

If this sounds a bit complicated, stand by! Our winter formal men outfits guide explains fabric choices, outfit inspiration and ideas, and styling tips. With our guide, you’ll be able to confidently create a perfectly polished and stylish look for any formal winter event.

Understanding Winter Formal Dress Codes

The dress code for winter formal events is typically either cocktail attire or business casual. Pay close attention to the dress code and avoid the faux pas of either under- or overdressing. Unless the men’s formal winter wear dress code specifies black tie, do not wear a tuxedo to a winter formal event. Conversely, don’t show up in jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers.

Either a suit or blazer and dress pants will work great for cocktail attire or business casual dress codes. You can embellish and personalize your look with carefully-chosen accessories. We offer details on essential formal winter outfits below.

Choosing the Right Fabrics for Formal Winter Outfits

Suits and blazers in densely woven wool, alpaca, cashmere, velvet, and tightly woven blends are terrific choices for formal winter outfits. Also choose dress shirts in tightly woven cotton.

These various fabrics provide insulation while maintaining a refined drape and appearance. For inspiration, look through The Tie Bar’s selection of winter-appropriate cotton shirts and wool suits.

Essential Formal Winter Outfits for Men

The Classic Suit Ensemble

You can’t go wrong with a well-tailored wool suit paired with a crisp dress shirt and tie. The look is elegant, polished, and refined. Classic colors for winter formal suits include black, charcoal grey, navy blue, and deep brown.

Patterned or solid color men’s ties in rich seasonal hues of burgundy, russet, purple, and forest green will look sharp against a crisp white dress shirt.

Smart Casual Winter Formal Look

Create a stylish casual winter formal outfit by pairing dress pants with a blazer and a vest or sweater. Merino wool vests, long sleeve polos, and sweaters offer excellent insulation qualities for winter events.

While a tie is optional for casual business or smart casual dress codes, a wool knit tie can add polish and panache. A knit tie offers personality and a more casual look than silk neckwear.

Layering for Style and Warmth

As mentioned above, merino wool offers tremendous insulating characteristics. Choosing merino pieces from The Tie Bar collection will provide you with two keys to successful winter formal outfits — warmth and style.

If you wear a dress shirt under a merino wool sweater or vest, then top those two layers with your blazer or suit jacket, you create a series of insulation layers that will keep you comfortable while looking debonair and sharp.

Keep in mind that proper fit is important when layering. Avoid the teddy bear look by choosing closer-fitting base layer pieces and well-fitting middle, top, and outer layers. Consider choosing layers that you can remove (vests, sweaters, jackets) and still look polished if you get too warm.

Accessories to Elevate Your Winter Formal Men Outfit

Accessories provide balance and the final touch to your outfit. Even the most classic suit can look bare and unfinished if accessories are missing.

Consider adding a pocket square and cufflinks to your suit or blazer and dress pants. Ties and tie bars add interest and refinement to any winter formal ensemble. And don’t forget the importance of how well-polished, clean dress shoes enhance and complete your look.

A tasteful and subtle festive touch can also add interest. Think burgundy suspenders at holiday events or a colorful, bold abstract tie for a festive New Year party.

Select your accessories in colors and materials that align with the winter season. Think of russets, terra cottas, mochas, burgundies, forest and sage greens, and rich deep blues. Winter hues can stand alone or combine to create beautiful harmonies that will enhance your winter wardrobe.

Add a scarf in fine wool, baby alpaca, cashmere, or silk. These high-quality fabrics assure elegance, refinement, and insulating warmth.

Grooming Tips for Winter Formals

Choosing the right winter formal wardrobe is seriously important. But nothing is more important than careful grooming.

Start preparing for your formal event by ensuring you have a well-maintained, freshly shampooed hairstyle; groomed facial hair or a clean, smooth shave; and freshly flossed, clean teeth — three non-negotiables.

Fragrance is optional. Sometimes freshly showered and shaved is as attractive as a splashed-on-scent. If you do go with a fragrance, dab it on sparingly. A little goes a long way!

Final Styling Tips for Winter Formal Success

Following the event’s dress code is your first step in cracking the code to choosing the right winter formal wardrobe.

Once you’ve nailed down the dress code, perfect your look by exploring The Tie Bar:

• Select fabrics that will keep you warm. Plan out how to dress in layers.
• Choose styles that will look fashionable and refined. Modern or traditional — The Tie Bar has the look you prefer.
• Top off your look with well-chosen accessories. Balance and refine your look with beautiful ties, tie bars, pocket squares, and more.

The Tie Bar features a winter formal collection of high-quality, stylish options that will have you feeling confident, comfortable, and fashionable. Enjoy every formal winter event in your polished, put-together ensembles from The Tie Bar.

WINTER STYLE GUIDE