What Australian Businessmen Should Know About Dress Codes for End-of-Year Functions
It’s that time of year again. End-of-year party season. And whether you love them or loathe them, there’s no avoiding the fact that dressing the part is important. Whether it’s slipping on a business suit for an after-work cocktail gathering or donning something a little more casual for a lunch, the team at Oscar Hunt has the know-how to ensure that you navigate the season unscathed.
Here, we get into the details of three of the most common events to dress for during silly season, providing our point of view on how to put your best foot forward.
The after-work drinks function
The clue here is in the term ‘after-work’. This is an event designed to flow on from the workday and as a result, for the most part, it calls for the standard Australian corporate dress code: a single-breasted suit, cotton shirt and business shoes.
However, just because you’re sporting men’s workwear doesn’t mean you can’t put a little extra effort in to make this more festive. Our advice is to opt for your favourite suit and dress it up with a splash of colour through accessories. This might be a vibrant pocket square or even a pair of socks.
The end of year lunch
Many businesses will celebrate with lunch at a restaurant and in this instance, there’s generally a slightly more casual feel. Think corporate Summer fashion meets cocktail attire. However, just because things are a little more laid back doesn’t mean your ensemble shouldn’t still be polished.
Our go to combination is a navy sportscoat and taupe chinos with a pale blue Oxford button-down. Classic while still being relaxed, this is an outfit that you’ll be able to wear time and time again.
The Christmas dinner
And finally, we reach the Christmas dinner. Generally a swankier event, this can require anything from formal office wear for men all the way through to black-tie. Our advice is to read the dress-code carefully.
For the most part, it’ll be ‘formal’ which simply means you need to wear a lounge suit along with a tie. In this instance, we’re always drawn to classics like a dark navy suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a tie that adds a pop of festive colour. Pinks and magentas look particularly striking against blue and also feel elevated for an outside the office celebration.
Combine this with a complementary coloured pocket square and a well-polished pair of Oxfords or brogues and you’re all set.
To build out your very own collection of Summer business attire here in Australia, we invite you to swing by your local Oscar Hunt showroom today.