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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
More This site contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission.Though there’s about a month or so until Holiday party season kicks off, it’s not too early for some inspiration. Here, we’re focusing on getting a little creative with cocktail attire. The centerpiece: a houndstooth blazer.
What is cocktail attire exactly? Its precise definition is a little like “black tie creative,” which is to say, open to interpretation. But in general, cocktail attire means less formal than formal, but not too casual.
For men, that means a dark suit – grey is preferred over navy – or dark pants with a crisp white shirt and sport coat or blazer. A tie is always a sound choice and you may opt for a bow tie for an evening event at a nice venue. For less formal events, a tie is not necessary.
Gabriele Pasini houndstooth blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Pants c/o Banana Republic, Lanvin bow tie and lapel pin, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Eveet velvet slippers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
When it comes to creative cocktail attire, a blazer is the garment you can use to stand out. And for fall/winter, there’s nothing like one with a nice houndstooth pattern. Houndstooth checks one of my favorite style boxes, which is that it reveals more upon closer inspection.
Cocktail attire is also a great time to add personal embellishments of the sort you might not wear day-to-day. Of course, a pocket square is de rigueur, but a lapel pin is sure to garner some positive attention.
If you’ve ever been entranced with velvet slippers but wondered when you’d actually wear them, this is your chance. They’re also a way to showcase some personality. An embossed velvet pair is a subtle way to make a statement.
As you know, I like incorporating a bit of Italian flair into my personal style. And over the past three months, as we’ve partnered with Luisaviaroma, it’s been great to showcase some Italian brands I’ve discovered as a result of that relationship. Barena, Gabriele Pasini, Cantini di Firenze and Lardini have been some of my favorites.
Thanks for reading.
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
In partnership with Luisaviaroma. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Luisaviaroma.
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
