Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. Mark Twain said it best when he articulated the sheer necessity of fashion and, more literally, men's fashion.
Come the holiday season, a man seems to have a greater chance than ever to dress up and show the world exactly what he is made of. Winter clothes echo with ruggedness - thick wool fabrics, richly deep colors, knotted knits and durable leathers.
This holiday season, it is easy to err towards those staples. But try adding a bit of polish to really make this season special.
Leather brouges are classic. With extra detailing, they truly stand out. A pop of color on a sweater or a cufflink will add a festive feel. A pocket square and a black-and-rose gold watch are luxe extras to wear with any attire.
If you are not one to change up your daily uniform even for the most glitzy of winter affairs, then make sure to go for some holiday-inspired extras. Try some peppermint-accented cologne, metallic speakers or limited edition designer wine to make your fete memorable.
Remember, style resonates in spite of fashion.
Check out these twelve luxe essentials for any holiday fete.
A sharp dinner jacket will pull together any look. The Burberry two button jacket comes in a deep navy hue that takes this piece from traditional to modern. Buy this at burberry.com for $1,050 and look at it as a fashion investment. burberry.comNew Year's Eve calls for a pocket square. A pocket square will give you the suave air of Don Draper himself. This Hugo Boss silk dot pocket square by Hugo Black is available in navy, charcoal and power blue. Buy at hugoboss.com for $30. store-us.hugoboss.comLeather brouges should be a staple for any party wardrobe. These Grenson Stanley Leather Wingtip Brouges can be dressed up or dressed down, making them a must-have this holiday season. Buy these at mrporter.com for $365. mrporter.comV-neck sweaters are so versatile for winter wardrobes. Whether worn alone or over a button down and tie, the look is simple and pulled-together. Try the J.Crew cashmere V-neck sweater in "Spicy Salsa" for a pop of color. Buy at jcrew.com for $198. jcrew.comCufflinks add that extra bit of pizzazz to any outfit. These Barneys New York silver & floral enamel cufflinks are perfect for the holiday season. Not only are they the company's best-selling pair, they sport a lovely emerald hue. Buy at barneys.com for $375. barneys.comWhen the holiday season rolls around, who doesn't want to smell like a peppermint stick? This scent by Comme des Garcons Series 5: Sherbet is sharp, sweet and totally refreshing. If that does not get you, Lucky Scent's description will: "Peppermint is a playful, cool scent that could invigorate an entire leather-clad Roman legion after a long march through the desert." Buy this at luckyscent.com for $42. luckscent.comA polished timepiece is a classic accessory. The Sottomarino Diver is nautical and sporty but yet still expertly refined. It is incorporates this style with the reliability to actually withstand the rigors of scuba diving and a corrosive sea-water environment. From winter to summer in the blink of an eye. Buy this at barneys.com for $795. barneys.comA good button down can work for any holiday party - at your friend's house, at your in-laws or at the bar down the block. This slim cut Paul Smith London Gingham Shirt from Park & Bond is a crisp option. Buy at parkandbond.com for $179. Bonus - If you head over to parkandbond.com you can shop by occasion. For example, clothes for Hosting a Dinner Party versus Casual Friday. parkandbond.comIf you are the designated host of a holiday party this year, make sure your tunes are played in style. These Parrot Limited Edition Zikmu Speakers created by Philippe Starck are so innovative, they actually adapt to the acoustics of your living space. The "ancient gold" lacquer is an added bonus. Buy these at ronrobinson.com for $3,400. ronrobinson.comMany men typically grab for the khakis when it comes time to dress up for that special occasion. Why not try corduroy this holiday season instead? Ralph Lauren Purple Label makes these rugged golden brown trousers that will looked perfect with a red checkered shirt or navy cream-colored wool sweater. Buy this a mrporter.com for $450. mrporter.comSince you will have to face the elements at some point of the night, a plaid cashmere scarf will be both warming and stylish. Try Drake's red and brown fringed cashmere scarf from mrporter.com for $285. mrporter.comEvery wise guest knows it is necessary to come baring gifts to any party. Why not try a designer wine this season? Yes, designer. Banana Republic has teamed up with Clod du Bois to create two wines inspired by the holiday season. BR Creative Director Simon Kneen designed the labels. For those a bit more rough around the edge, Ron Jeremy offers another option - Ron de Jeremy Rum ("The Adult Rum"). Buy the Banana Republic wines at closduboiswinestore.com. closduboiswinestore.com
