One of the more fortunate aspects of being a man (sartorially speaking) is that we don't suffer the embarrassment of laddering our tights on a night out, (unless of course, we find ourselves engaged in an ill-fated robbery.)

Despite this, as a sub-species, we have our own selection of wardrobe malfunctions from which we may select one or several...

For Example, a favourite at Racing Green, is when one absent-mindedly fastens the bottom button of one's blazer and engages in conversation with several colleagues, without noticing the error. Oh the feeling of shame, the following morning, when the realisation gradually dawns. Another is to lose your trousers, during the course of the evening. (By the way, if either faux pas happens to you, simply text everyone the next morning, to apologise and the whole sorry event will soon be forgotten – apart from the trousers incident.)

Fortunately help is at hand this Christmas, because here at Racing Green, we know the secret of how to navigate the treacherous water, known as the Office Party.

Firstly, let it be known that removal of a necktie, does not constitute a transformation into "Party Animal". Do not make this miserable gesture. Instead plan and take something that doesn't look as though you've come to announce a death. This effort will be rewarded by colleagues – male and female - through the gift of conversation (of diminishing quality and increasing volume) throughout the evening, since you will not be reminding them that they dislike you the other 364 days of the year, for getting "their promotion". This is your opportunity to come out as an all round fun fellow, able to cut loose for an evening, knowing that there is no 'I' in 'TEAM'! (Take comfort, however, that you can still make the word 'ME').

In order to emerge unscathed from the melee, one needs only to follow the Racing Green guide to office party clothing:

Firstly a classic tonic shirt, will have you looking like you know the name of every cocktail going and can mix each of them single handed. If you want something that's a little more dandy, then a print shirt looks great for a night out. Naturally we would recommend that you wear these with our ubiquitous chino, to effect the all time smart casual combination.

If the venue is casual enough, then you might want to "go denim". We'd recommend that you stick with the darker wash, like our rinsewash regular fit or our dark coated slimfit, just turned up an inch. On top wear a plain poplin shirt in white and a shawl collar knit, for moving from bar to bar. For the feet, wear our brogue, or keep it casual with a desert boot (also good for when walking home seemed like a good idea at the time)

On the topic of getting home after, there is a special kind of misery, that is defined by the feeling of standing outside in the freezing cold, waiting for a taxi / drunken acquaintance / kebab or simply when you have realised that smoking is good after all and you need to make up for lost time. In either circumstance, what is required is a top notch coat, like our quilted jacket. The beauty of such a garment is that it has many pockets, within which you will eventually find both your keys and your kebab, although perhaps not until the morning which would be unfortunate in either circumstance. It can also store a lovely warm hat & gloves, which will keep you toasty warm until the emergency services find you.

Finally, remember that above all, Christmas is a time for giving. That's why we're offering you a seasonal up to 40% off our selected smart casuals this week, so that you may go to the ball and, regardless of whether you get home with your reputation intact, the photos on Facebook will tell the story of a man who may not know how to dance, but certainly knows how to dress!

 

Words by Craig Ferriday