In New York, we’ve been fiending just to get 3 consecutive days without coats and rain boots, so now that spring weather is here to stay, we know some of the biggest cocktail parties and social soirées of the year aren’t far behind. Some of you might be wondering what in the world a cocktail party is! For those of you that guessed or did your quick Google search, you know that it’s a party where cocktails are served. I know.. big surprise. What Wiki or Google wont tell you is that cocktail parties, spring-time social soirees and the like, are like an open arm, welcoming you into the warm weather and good vibes of the season, that it’s the perfect time to pull out that suit that you got on sale during Thanksgiving Day weekend, or that its time to pull the Miami Vice looking threads back to the front of the closet. If you didn’t know, don’t feel bad. Similar to the ambiguity of underlying meaning, the corresponding dress code can be just as much a mystery for some. Thankfully, you’ve got SUITABULL to get your look on point.
Cocktail parties can occur either during the day or at night. However, seeing that the recent weather is appropriate for outdoor events such as the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, or any soiree atop high-rise hotel or apartment building roofs, we will focus our attention towards the outdoor events.
All of the above-mentioned are pinnacle events of the year, where those that have style flaunt it. Now’s not the time to be caught out there slipping. So if you’ve got a ticket to any of the three, you’ll want to put your best foot forward. And while you’re at it, you might want to get a nice pair of loafers, moccasins or boat shoes for that “best foot.”
The Main Threads
All events are typically outdoor in sunny weather, so you will want to dress appropriately. Unless you want to smell like hot pickle juice, keep away from heavy fabrics like velvet and tweed. Instead reach for the light weave wool, linen or cotton.
When it comes to lining, less is more. No need for a fully lined jacket when it’s 75 degrees and up outside. You’ll notice on jackets with a partial lining, the stitching of the outer layer of fabric will be exposed.
Glenn Plaid
Seersucker
Windowpane
Colors and patterns are key to personalizing your look. Many go for a traditional blue and white seersucker suit. However, windowpane, pinstripe and glen plaid patterns will raise your game to a new level. You can get as crazy as madras patchwork or as simple and clean as an all white suit.
Full suits aren’t necessary, white or tan pants can serve as a base while pairing with a patterned jacket or vice versa. Here’s where some level 2 expertise comes into play. One favorite option of mine is breaking up a seersucker suit. You can choose to either wear the pants or the jacket as standalones with a solid color, white or tan slacks.
Waistcoats May be worn in addition to a jacket or as a stand-alone. And by standalone, yes you still need to wear pants.
Shirts
Any article of clothing can be the superstar here, but as always, with strategic pairing to the rest of your ensemble. Taking Mr. Harvey again as an example, he kills the coordination of the pink shirt (with the white bankers collar) and shoes. If your shirt pops, accent it with something else like your pocket square or another accessory to have it make sense. Don’t risk overwhelming the eye with color and pattern bursts everywhere, unless that’s your style!
Hats
If you hear something knocking, it’s your opportunity to rock a dope hat. I try not to pass on an opportunity to wear a clean hat. Not only could it take your look to the next level, but it also provides a shield from the sun. Felt hats and those made of cotton and lighter materials will work well here. Felt hats would sit heavier but will provide more options of color. I favor those hats that are tan or other base color on the top and red or another pop of color under the brim. Matching that under brim color to one of your accessories like shoes or a pocket square will set you apart. Another popular style hat for this occasion is an Italian Skimmer, shown below. So many matching or contrast options are available against that blue and red ribbon.
Steve Harvey recently rocked a hat during the Kentucky Derby, but as much as I love the “Reformed Steve Harvey” look, his hat was stuck in the old Steve Harvey era. But I applaud the effort to color coordinate.
Other accessories
Bow ties, neckties, and ascots, suspenders or cummerbunds are excellent ways to round out a spring cocktail party look. Accessorizing with flower boutonnieres or lapel pins are epic for these types of events. Here are a few ideas on how they can take you to the next level.
Flower Lapel Pin
Bow tie
Fresh Flower Pocket
Shoes
This is prime time weather for suede loafers and leather lace ups.
Velvet
Steer clear from deep pile velvets, since the heavier fabric would give off a nighttime formal vibe as opposed to daytime chic. Shorter hair velvet slippers in lighter more vibrant colors could work better here. Besides, mist and dirt from outside elements are likely to get trapped in the long velvet fibers. Who wants to worry about grooming your kicks like a Yorkie Terrier when you’re out and about?
Suede and leather
Loafers and moccasins in either suede or leather are perfect for outdoor day occasions, given the versatility and variety of colors. Leather boat shoes are also a hit and are the most durable and waterproof. They’re also the unofficial shoe of the summer for men.
Canvas
This playful textile can be found across most shoe types and would make for an interesting addition to any ensemble. It’s also low maintenance and durable!
Socks are optional whichever shoe option you select. As the spirit moves you, personalize with different colored laces that would enhance your look.
It’s likely that most people who read this didn’t go to the Kentucky Derby, won’t be going to the Belmont Stakes or the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic or any other events where horses are involved. Instead, it might be the company summer party in the Hamptons, the rooftop party in Midtown Manhattan or even your friend’s outdoor wedding. Wherever you do end up, make sure you show up socially suave.
Stay SUITABULL guys.