If you thought all the glitz were just for those glamorous women you have been partying with lately, think again. If there ever was a time of the year to forget ho-hum dressing, now is the time. And, no, that does not mean you can get away with wearing the tie that plays a tune.

In fact, you do not have to wear a tie at all to be dressed up. Just wrap yourself up in a wonderful sweater and you will have the ultimate goodtime look this year.

Found in a wide variety of styles and prices for most budgets, cashmere is one trend that never goes out of style. From classic V-necks to colorful crews and sophisticated turtlenecks, the cashmere sweater can be the basis of your latest wardrobe. Layered under sport coats or worn alone, these sweaters are casual elegance at its best. Yes, even with jeans – and tuxedos.

And if formal wear is required at your next soiree, of course you cannot beat the classic tuxedo. While wearing a turtleneck may be more fashion-forward, it is always "safe" to wear a tuxedo when a suit jus won’t get it. You can always rent a tux for a special occasion but, hey, why not just buy one? You can even order your tuxedo on Monday for that black-tie party on Saturday night.

When a suit or sport coat is more your style, there are lots of ways to dress it up. Of course, going the cashmere route – a black, navy or gray cashmere sport coat – is indeed a luxury, but you can give your corporate gray pinstripe a new life for the party with a new shirt and tie.

Another option for the dressed-up sport coat may include tartan trousers, gray button-front dewater vest with a French blue pinpoint button-down and silk medallion tie. Or opt for the charcoal merino wool vest with gray Donegal tweed trousers and white shirt with paisley tie.

For an even more causal take on the sport coat, camel’s hair is always dressed up. Team it with V-neck charcoal sweater and white T-shirt over dark trousers; or layer a cashmere-blend sport coat over a luxury-blend polo sweater and gabardine rousers.

For casual parties, men could wear khakis with a sport and sweater. Another option for casual dressing down is the vest. Of course, leather lovers may opt for a buttery-soft jacket.

But what may be the ultimate fashion statement for parties is a luxurious velvet jacket worn over a cashmere turtleneck and flat-front trousers. Now, that is style.

Jason Ladock

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