Most work Christmas parties take place in late November and the first three weeks of December. The dress code is usually “smart casual” or “festive”, which can leave you guessing. A good blazer solves most of the problem, and right now you can buy one for much less than usual.
The simple formula
- A blazer or suit jacket. Wear it with dark jeans or chinos for smart casual, or with matching trousers if the venue is formal.
- A crisp shirt or a fine knit. A check shirt feels festive without trying too hard. A merino roll neck or crew neck under a blazer is a smart alternative to a shirt and tie.
- Proper shoes. Leather or suede boots and loafers look sharper than trainers and will be more comfortable for a long night.
Getting the fit right
Fit matters more than price. The shoulders of a blazer should sit flat and end where your own shoulders do. You should be able to button it without the fabric pulling into an X shape. Sleeves should show a little shirt cuff. If you are between sizes, order both and return one, as slim fits vary from brand to brand.
Style tip: add a little colour with a pocket square or a check shirt rather than a novelty jumper. It looks festive and you can wear it again in January.
Our picks
T.M.Lewin’s Sloane slim-fit jacket in black has dropped from £175 to £40, which makes it the bargain of the bunch. If you want a statement piece, the River Island double-breasted jacket is down to £40 too. The Charles Tyrwhitt check shirts at £24.95 are an easy festive choice, and the rubber-sole boots will see you through the whole winter.
Shop the menswear edit
Prices checked on each shop’s website on 21 and 22 October 2026. Sale prices and sizes change quickly, so check the shop before you buy.
-77%T.M.LewinThe Sloane Slim Fit Jacket£40
-78%T.M.LewinThe Highgrove Slim Suit Jacket£50
-71%River IslandBlue Slim Fit Double Breasted Suit Jacket£40
-66%River IslandGrey Puppytooth Skinny Fit Suit Jacket£35
-52%Charles TyrwhittProper Blazer£109
-67%Charles TyrwhittLuxury Check Shirt£24.95
-67%Charles TyrwhittNon-Iron Twill Performance Check Shirt£24.95
-69%T.M.LewinThe Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt£20
-35%Charles TyrwhittRubber Sole Boots£129
-33%Charles TyrwhittNubuck Slip-On Loafers£79.95Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.