So you've been invited to an event whose invitation states "cocktail attire." There comes a time in every man's life when this moment arrives, whether it's a wedding, a work function, a fancy dinner, or some other formal event. Lest you stick out from the crowd like a sore, non-cocktail-attired thumb, you need to know how to dress. We've got you covered.

Cocktail attire is, essentially, a suit and tie. It's elegant and elevated, but not stuffy. It's not as fancy as black tie, but it's fancier than business casual. Traditionally, you'll want to wear a suit in navy or gray (black can lean a little severe) and pair it with a white or light-colored shirt, a darker tie, and dress shoes. Oxfords are never a bad choice, but you can dress it down (just a little) with loafers or derbies or brogues, too. Accessories—a pocket square, a belt—are also on the table. And considering the fact that the rules of fashion are shifting, you could even mix things up with a sport coat and odd trousers or chinos, so long as the look retains the necessary level of dressiness. Whatever look you have in mind—whatever cocktail attire the occasion calls for—the best traditional and nontraditional picks are right here.

Suits for Cocktail Attire

If you want to make things easy on yourself, snag a suit. Two-piece, three-piece, single-breasted, double-breasted... whatever you prefer (though it's worth noting that a single-breasted, two-piece suit tends to feel less intimidating to a lot of guys). You can buy it as a package deal, of course, but suit separates are also totally fine—especially if the range of available sizes allows you to tune in the fit right off the rack. Even if you pretty much nail that fit, though, you'll likely need a few alterations to look your best, so build in some time for that process. Not sure what suit to go for? Take a stab at one of the options below.

Peter Millar Flynn Classic Fit Solid Wool Suit

BOSS Virgin Wool Suit

Now 33% Off

Nautica Modern-Fit Bi-Stretch Suit

Now 75% Off

Polo Ralph Lauren Wool Twill Suit

Canali Slim-Fit Wool Suit

Paul Smith Slim-Fit Wool Suit

Sport Coats for Cocktail Attire

If you only need to buy a jacket by itself, you have plenty of options to fit the cocktail attire theme. Traditionally, again, you're looking at navy and gray for colors. Maybe black if you're feeling a little edgy. And for the bold and brave, there's always the option of something tonal, perhaps patterned.

Nordstrom Lyocell & Cotton Sport Coat

Rodd & Gunn Cascades Virgin Wool & Linen Sport Coat

Bonobos Jetsetter Washed Cotton Blazer

Tom Ford Shelton Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

Now 50% Off

Todd Snyder Knit Madison Sport Coat

Banana Republic Factory Tailored-Fit Linen-Blend Suit Jacket

Now 40% Off

Pants for Cocktail Attire

As for pants, you're going to need dress trousers or chinos. (The latter should be employed strategically; you don't want to look too casual.) Something you're comfortable in, something that pairs harmoniously with your jacket and shoes.

Ted Baker London Josh Slim Fit Wool Tuxedo Suit Pants

Theory Mayer Pant

J.Crew Bowery Dress Pant

Now 54% Off

Banana Republic Modern Classic Heather Suit Trouser

Now 50% Off

Bonobos Stretch Weekday Warrior Dress Pants

Todd Snyder Italian Linen Wythe Trousers

Shirts for Cocktail Attire

There's never, ever a wrong time to wear a white dress shirt. Some options are crisp and slim, some are more relaxed—they all work, really. Or play around a little bit. A black shirt with a gray, burgundy, or olive suit can be absolutely stunning. A pastel paired with black always adds some class. Just make sure you have a tie to go with.

Tom Ford Slim-Fit Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Bottega Veneta Pinstriped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

J.Crew Slim-Fit Ludlow Shirt

Calvin Klein Dress Shirt

Now 16% Off

Theory Cotton Hugh Shirt

Now 40% Off

Thom Browne Grosgrain-Trimmed Cotton Oxford Shirt

Shoes for Cocktail Attire

Don't be that guy who has his complete cocktail attire look figured out... minus the shoes. These are an important part of your outfit! You don't need to go as far as wearing tuxedo shoes, but something classy and elegant, like a loafer or oxford, is the perfect choice.

Ferragamo Moccasin with Gancini Ornament

Allen Edmonds Siena Brogue Oxford

Nordstrom Dax Plain Toe Derby

Now 40% Off

Beckett Simonon Valencia Wholecuts

Mr P. Scott Polished-Leather Penny Loafers

Gucci Kaveh Logo-Embossed Horsebit Leather Loafers

Ties for Cocktail Attire

If you're a tie guy, you're in luck. To bring things from casual to dressy enough for cocktail attire, a tie is a must-have. A solid color is always the safe, classy move. A print will take things up a notch and look more visually interesting. And if you have the style prowess to wear something more offbeat? Well, you'll be the best-dressed guy at the function.

Ferragamo Gancini Silk Tie

Todd Snyder Italian Solid Tie

Saks Fifth Avenue Formal Skinny Silk Tie

Thom Browne RWB Selvedge Super 120s Twill Necktie

J.Crew American Wool Tie

The Tie Bar Mini Dots Wine Tie

Accessories for Cocktail Attire

To make your look complete, don't forget the accessories! A suit, tie, and shoes are great, but a spiffy belt (in the same shade of leather as your shoes, of course) and a pocket square are what will truly take things to the next level and tie your whole look together.

Miansai Skinny Belt

Perry Ellis Double Stitched Leather Reversible Belt

Now 28% Off

Banana Republic Basic Dress Belt

Now 40% Off

Tom Ford Silk-Twill Pocket Square

Nordstrom Panel Silk Pocket Square

Todd Snyder Italian Pocket Square

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