There’s no tie in attire for most holiday parties

ASSOCIATED PRESS

You might think men have it easy when it comes to choosing party attire: It’s either a suit and tie, or jeans and a casual shirt.

Except neither are the best choice for an at-home holiday party, says Adam Glassman, creative director at O: The Oprah Magazine.

“Only wear a suit if you want to — you don’t have to,” he says. And the tie is optional too.

“If you’re doing a tie, make sure it’s not the one you wore to the office. Try some shine, there are silver woven ties or even a black tie. No repp stripe.”

But while you don’t want to be overdressed, underdressed is probably a worse offense. “You want to seem like you’ve made a little effort, but not by stepping entirely out of your comfort zone,” Glassman says.

Take a cue from the hosts and from the time of day.

For any afternoon event, a blazer or cardigan sweater — even over jeans and a turtleneck sweater — is often the most fail-safe look. Anything in the evening gets a jacket and button-down shirt, he says.