Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are among those unmissable occasions when dressing up is an absolute must. While women have endless ways to shine, men often rely on more subtle elegance. The benchmark for formal evening wear has long been the tuxedo. Still very much relevant today, it can also be replaced by a suit, which is easier to make your own than a full-on James Bond look. Either way, after two years of sartorial restraint brought on by the Covid pandemic and remote work, we are more than thrilled to embrace dressing up for the festive season this year!
The tuxedo, a historic cornerstone of menswear
Created in 1860 for Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, the tuxedo remains a formal garment and a hallmark of refinement to this day. It consists of a matching set featuring a single-breasted jacket or double-breasted jacket and trousers with silk side braiding. Traditionally black or navy, the tuxedo is now available in various shades and fabrics, and can be worn with a waistcoat or over a white wing-collar shirt. A silk grenadine bow tie—a fabric visually reminiscent of knitwear—will also lend a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. Distinguished, both sharp and refined, the tuxedo is the quintessential evening attire, immortalised on screen by iconic cinema figures—none more renowned than James Bond.
The suit: understated yet equally sharp
Naturally, we realise that wearing a tuxedo for the festive season—including family Christmas dinners—might feel a bit overly formal for most of us. For this reason, we suggest opting for a more classic suit that remains just as elegant.
Easier to wear, the suit is now the benchmark for understated elegance in menswear. It is frequently worn at the office and in formal settings, but also lends itself perfectly to celebrations such as weddings and festive parties. At Hast, we love mixing influences. That is why the festive season feels like the ideal time to add a twist to your suits with a few well-chosen accessories. Treat yourself to some subtle flair, such as a brightly coloured bow tie or clean trainers, which offer a modern alternative to traditional patent leather shoes. Another option is breaking up the suit by pairing a sports jacket with chinos or jeans, or keeping the suit trousers and styling them with a work jacket for a more relaxed, casual feel. Countless ways to wear a suit and dress up without taking yourself too seriously.
At Hast, we appreciate masculine elegance, but we firmly believe that style and personality go hand in hand. Make the most of the festive season to indulge yourself and let your sartorial creativity shine!
Happy holidays,
The Hast team
