Party Season Style Made Easy From Shirts To Knitwear And Blazers

Party season is upon us, so with cringe worthy moments with that woman from the other side of the office looming just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the most important thing on everyone's Christmas list this year: being the number one best dressed chap in the office. So how are you planning on going about your wardrobe efforts for the years most anticipated work event? If you're feeling a touch perplexed, or just looking for a bit of inspiration to help you get the ball rolling, allow us to show you a few beautifully balanced outfits to make sure you win the style stakes hands down. We've gone on the assumption that everyone wants to make the effort for the infamous Christmas do-so this shows in a majority of the outfits. Let's face it, you're probably not just heading down to your local for a pint and a bag of smoky bacon, so a shirt and jeans just won't cut the mustard this year.

Look one: Crisp shirting and luxurious blazers

This outfit draws on traditional tailoring styles and values. The crisp white Religion shirt has hidden buttons, keeping it smart and clean. The plain colour sets off the pattern on the Luke dress scarf, whilst the velvet body and silk lapel mix on the Pretty Green blazer jacket give this look a feeling of pure debonair class. This look is perfect if you're looking to turn heads. Sophisticated and suave, you wouldn't look out of place in the classiest of joints.

Look two: Classic roll neck style with blazer heritage

Another classic look that relies on the quality of its tailoring elements, this outfit comes courtesy of Hugo Boss. Once a forgotten style, the roll neck is enjoying a return to form, fast becoming a staple layer for the sartorially savvy gent. We've linked the grey trim on the roll neck with the grey in the herringbone blazer. The contrast in textures from the top to the blazer give this look a feel of elegance, whilst the cut of the blazer is quite frankly, hard to beat.

Look three: Bow ties, coloured shirts and your Granddads cardigan

If you choose to follow some of our previous advice of dressing like your old geography teacher to master a trendy style this winter, then look no further than this outfit. Geek chic is turned on its head and given a new lease of life. Started off with a pale blue Scotch & Soda shirt, which features navy cord elbow patches, we've chosen to go with a navy Ralph Lauren cardigan. However, this shirt will go with pretty much any colour (we like to make things nice and easy for you), so don't be afraid to go for something different. The cardigan its self has dual pockets (for keeping chalk in, obviously), and brown suede elbow patches for the ultimate in retro fashion. Finally, we've finished this look with a grey mix Scotch & Soda bowtie. Don't worry, it's pre tied and dead easy to put on, so you won't have to start getting ready a week early just to be on time.

Look four: Sharp cut blazers, patterned knitwear and simple shirting

Our final outfit continues the theme of traditional style through tailoring. The base layer of this outfit, a plain white Gant Oxford shirt allows for colour to be built on top of it. The neck line also gives room for a tie or bow tie-so don't be afraid to try adding one into the mix. The jumper, by J Lindeberg, provides the detail and makes the outfit a touch more eye catching, with an in fashion polka dot pattern matching up with the white shirt. A lower neck also shows the shirt off, and gives a bit of room for that tie you're thinking about venturing into. This look is finished off with a slim cut blazer by Remus. The linen mix fabric gives it a great texture and makes it stand apart from the knit, whilst the single button fastening gives it a typically trendy slim silhouette. No man should be without a navy blazer, as they go with pretty much anything, so you're sure to get plenty of wear out of this away from your evening of Christmas 'socialising'.

Not seen anything that tickles your fancy?

It's ok, we understand. If your still struggling to find inspiration, simply follow these simple rules and you should master a smart style easily:

• Dress for the right party. There's no point in wearing a dress scarf and loafers if your boss has decided to cut the party budget and take you all down the pub for a shandy.
• You can't go wrong with plain white shirts. Whether they're crisp and clean, or more wearable, they smarten up any look.
• Blazers are key to a sartorial look if you don't want to wear a suit. Thanks to being cut shorter than suit jackets, they work a lot better as an option with trousers or chinos.
• Jeans only applies to a smart-casual event, and even then it's a risky business. Go for a trouser, or chino. If you are at the liberty of wearing jeans, make sure they’re a real dark indigo.
• Be sure to accessorise- but not too much. A watch is perfect. A watch, three bracelets and 5 festival bands is not. Get rid of any tat you've been walking round with on your wrist and take it nice and simple. Make sure you match metals per hand too. Don't wear a gold watch if you've got a silver ring on.
• Polish your shoes. You'll be surprised how many people will look at them, so make sure they look their best.

Ryan J Gray