What Colors Can Men Wear To A Holiday Party?

When you think of Christmas, red is likely the first color that comes to mind—and for good reason! You're almost guaranteed to see it at your next holiday event. For casual gatherings, a red sweater is a classic choice. Or, for an extra touch of cold-weather cheer, try a red and black buffalo check flannel shirt. For more formal occasions, a solid red tie is the right touch.

You can't go wrong wearing red to a holiday party.

When it comes to styling, red is incredibly versatile. A red sweater paired with gray slacks makes for a casual yet still quite merry outfit. Those red flannels can be worn with denim, if it suits the occasion. For dressier gatherings, pair your red tie with a black or gray suit (or slacks). Holiday-inspired plaid and tartan dress shirts are a seasonal favorite, and a red tie pairs perfectly with many of the patterns available this year. Add a festive touch by cliping on a holiday-themed tie bar.

Want to upgrade your red style? Go beyond the traditional red tie with these still-festive options:

Burgundy, or any shade of deep red, is a fantastic choice for the holidays. It's less bold than true red, making it perfect for more formal occasions.

If you're unsure how festive to go for a December event, burgundy is a safe and stylish pick. Pair a burgundy sweater or tie with any outfit, and you'll strike the perfect balance. Surrounded by bright reds, greens and Santa prints? Burgundy will stand out as a more traditional and refined holiday look. If the crowd is less festive, burgundy's year-round appeal ensures you won't feel out of place.

Bonus: A burgundy tie, especially in luxe fabrics like velvet, transitions beautifully to New Year's Eve celebrations.

A burgundy velvet tie does double duty: Wear it for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties.

Just like true red, burgundy pairs well with black and gray. It also shines with navy blue pieces, whether layered under a sweater or suit. This jewel-tone combination is subtly festive and always stylish.

Nothing says Christmas like a red and green combo! For a festive look that's more stylish than elf-like, focus on accessories: Try a red and green striped tie or a red and green plaid bow tie. Top it off with a holiday-themed tie bar for extra cheer.

Whether you go for stripes, plaid or something in between, pair your red and green accessories just as you would a classic solid red tie.

Have candy canes on your mind? If green isn't your style, opt for a fresh take this season with a red and white striped tie. It's a more subtle choice compared to red and green, but still full of cheer. Bonus: You can easily rewear this look for Valentine's Day or the Fourth of July! Pair this peppermint-inspired accessory with black or gray suits (or separates) for a put-together look.

Gentlemen, rewear your red and white Christmas accessories for Valentine's Day and July 4th.

If you went with red for last year's office party, why not switch things up with kelly green this time? This vibrant Christmas hue is just as festive as red and easy to find in sweaters, ties and even button-down shirts. For a more casual vibe, look for a kelly green checkered shirt or a plaid flannel.

Your kelly green pieces pair well with various colors, depending on the occasion. For a polished, formal look, black offers a striking contrast. Gray provides a subtle, understated option that lets the green take center stage. Navy blue adds sophistication, while tan or khaki creates a more casual, natural vibe.

Just like red, there are more shade options when it comes to wearing green this season:

Whether it's Christmas or not, hunter green is one of the most popular shades of green in fashion. This deep, rich color is festive, classy and easy to find. For a casual holiday gathering, you probably already have a hunter green flannel or sweater in your wardrobe. For more formal events, there are plenty of hunter green tie options, from solid colors to stripes.

Hunter green is a festive and easy to find option for holiday outfits.

Hunter green pairs well with the same colors we mentioned for kelly green. And for an added pop, you can incorporate a touch of burgundy to complete the look.

For a modern holiday vibe, try incorporating green jewel tones like jade or emerald into your outfit. These rich shades are gaining popularity this season, especially in Christmas decor—taking inspiration from a beautifully decorated tree is never a bad idea! Continue the jewel tone look with a navy blue suit, or keep things more traditional in black or gray. Jewel tones shine with metallic accents. Consider adding a gold tie bar to complete your look.

If red and green aren't your style, embrace the season with white for a snowy, winter-inspired look—especially fitting if snow is in the forecast! Opt for bright whites like ivory or pure white rather than darker creams. A white sweater is perfect for casual gatherings, while a white suit paired with a festive tie can make a bold holiday statement.

If you prefer a traditional look, consider a nearly solid white tie with subtle patterns like paisley or tone-on-tone stripes. Add a holiday-themed tie bar for a touch of seasonal cheer.

We all know the classic holiday tune fa la la la'ing about two of the most elegant seasonal colors: Silver and gold. These sophisticated hues are perfect for the holidays but can be tricky to incorporate into your look. Silver and gold suits or dinner jackets are a thing, often featuring jacquard details, gold velvet fabrics or shiny silver finishes.

If you're leaning toward more traditional attire in black, navy or similar tones, silver and gold ties are a stylish option. Look for ties with metallic accents or simple solid colors.

Consider silver for a neutral but still festive holiday look.

Christmas isn't the only holiday in December, so there's no need to limit yourself to red and green. If you celebrate Hanukkah—or simply like the colors—royal blue is a fantastically festive option, whether you pull on a sweater or tie on a necktie. Add a festive touch with accents in white, silver or gold.

If you celebrate Hanukkah, consider wearing royal blue to your holiday party.

For the rest of your outfit, pair royal blue with black, gray, coordinating blue or navy attire for a polished and celebratory look.

Check those invites! If your holiday party calls for black tie attire, skip the red and green and stick to classic black. However, there are ways to make your look more festive and it often comes down to the material. Velvet is a perfect holiday choice, whether in a blazer, tie or loafers. For a bit of sparkle, try a black bow tie woven with metallic threads—both options work beautifully for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Really want to sneak in some Santas? Add subtle cheer with a Christmas-themed tie bar or red and green argyle socks. Just remember to keep it understated to match the formal vibe.

You can still sneak in festive touches to your black tie holiday parties, but the key is to keep things simple like a themed tie bar or socks.

Navy blue is a timeless favorite, and there's no need to stray from it this holiday season. The key to making it work is looking put together: Make sure your clothes are pressed, stain-free and without rips. Don't forget a belt, and match it to your shoes for a cohesive look.

Add a touch of holiday spirit with a burgundy or hunter green tie, paired with a navy suit or layered under a navy sweater. Or, for a festive twist, choose accessories in holiday-ready materials like velvet. Trade your solid navy tie for one in navy velvet, or try a navy bow tie with metallic silver or gold accents for a subtle sparkle.

The holiday season offers so many opportunities to showcase your style with festive and sophisticated colors. Whether you opt for classic reds and greens or elegant metallics, there's a perfect palette for every gathering. The key is to match your look to the formality of the event while embracing the holiday spirit in a way that feels right to you. So go ahead, mix in those textures, patterns and accessories, and go have fun!

TieMart is an online retailer of neckties, bow ties, socks and other men’s accessories. The family-owned company specializes in carrying a wide selection of colors, which means it’s easy to find a matching tie for any event or occasion. And, yes, this includes a wide collection of festive holiday ties. For those matching a specific shade in the United States and Canada, free fabric color swatches are available.