This is what men should wear to cocktail bars

When it comes to dandying up for a night at a fancier looking bar, a drinking man might feel stuck. A cocktail bar isn’t exactly straight laced enough to don business attire, but it’s also not ideal for Sunday hangout garb. Luckily, as much as I love dolling up, I like dressing you up more. Here are three devilish (and appropriate) looks to wear while drinking and casting a knowing eye at a beautiful stranger.

Look 1: Honey, I Copied The Bartender

  • Black slim fit pants
  • A dark, long-sleeved button down
  • Suspenders
  • Low boots

Bartenders at upscale cocktail bars are often wearing the best outfit in the room. While I know the idea of wearing suspenders may make you want to punch me in the face, I promise that contextually you will look appropriate. The silhouette of this outfit will make you look like a whiskey-sipping ninja. Your inspiration:

This is what men should wear to a cocktail bar
pants, shirt, boots, suspenders

Look 2: Grandma’s Boy

  • V-neck cashmere (or cotton) sweater
  • Long-sleeved button down
  • Dark wash jeans
  • Converse

The name of this outfit isn’t inspired by the stoner comedy. Rather, I’ve dubbed this look Grandma’s Boy because you will look like you’ve just returned from visiting your grandma, which is a good thing! Layering the sweater over the long-sleeved shirt makes this outfit look effortful, but the jeans and converse keep everything reigned in. Plus, you can wear these duds from the office to the bar. Your inspiration:

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This is what a man should wear to a cocktail bar
shoes, sweater, shirt, jeans

Look 3: The Patterned Dandy

  • Short sleeved printed collared shirt
  • Dark blue pants
  • A tie
  • Converse

As was the case with the suspenders, you might feel a little awkward about wearing a tie. You shouldn’t – ties are charming and snazz up any look, just remember to keep the tie color solid. A short sleeved collared shirt perfectly straddles the line between hip and classy, and the pattern will add just the right amount of flair. If you can, please button the top button. Your inspiration:

This is what men should wear to cocktail bars
shirt, pants, tie, shoes

Notice what these looks have in common? The items used overlap, and you probably already own a few of them. You don’t have to go on a clothing haul to look handsome while drinking. In fact, you probably don’t have to do much, just smile and raise your glass.