It’s December, your social calendar is filling up fast and there’s one question on your mind: what on earth am I going to wear? First things first, take a deep breath. The festive period should be devoted to merry-making and nothing puts a damper on the festivities quite like a sartorial stress-out. Second, rest assured that you’ve come to the right place. At MR PORTER, we have outfitted more men for the party season than we can even begin to count, and – as luck would have it – this year come bearing a fool-proof guide to get you sorted.

Picking the perfect party outfit starts with knowing the dress code – determined, if not the host, then by the formality of the venue and the nature of the invitation. Once you know that, simply take your pick from the five ready-made looks we’re confident will cover all bases, whether you’re off to at a swanky dinner or simply meeting your mates for an al fresco eggnog.

The Christmas party season is when devoted revellers and hedonists come into their own, especially this year after so long away from their favourite hangouts. If you’re among the night owls who intend to spend the final days of the year letting off some serious steam, you’ll need a suitable outfit. Balenciaga is your best friend for after-dark dressing this season. Its oversized, works-with-everything black blazer will never be off your back and its chunky-soled dancefloor-proof sneakers will see you through to 2022. A pair of its 1990s-style sunglasses will not only transform you into an international man of mystery at the bar, but also protect your eyes from the glaring sun when you make your way home at dawn. A sweater vest might seem better suited to the office or the golf course, but the raw edges and bold stripes on this Maison Margiela one mean it works as part of an evening outing. All that’s needed then are a few edgy silver-toned rings and cuffs for a rock ’n’ roll finishing touch.

Is there anything more frustrating than an invitation with a “smart-casual” dress code? Or one with no dress code whose venue, start time and catering provisions are giving out all sorts of mixed signals? Can I get away with jeans and sneakers, you ponder. Will I be laughed out the room if I show up in a suit? This outfit is at once celebratory, polished and pared back. The focal point is SAINT LAURENT’s luxurious silk-jacquard shirt in a showstopping electric blue. Indeed, it’s so showstopping no one will care if you’re a tad under- or overdressed. These Givenchy wool trousers will grant you entry into the stuffiest of establishments, but the tapered fit lends them a casual ease. Acne Studios’ timeless leather jackets are a wardrobe essential for good reason. This one features a hand-painted motif on the reverse, which is sure to be a conversation starter. A solid pair of buffed-to-a-shine black Chelsea boots will fit in whether you find yourself among a sea of dress shoes or sneakers.

For those intimate at-home gatherings with friends where airs, graces and footwear are left at the door, you should avoid anything too stuffy. But how to nail the ultra-casual vibe in a way that’s a step up from your WFH uniform? Stick to the fluid, loungey silhouettes, we say, but amp things up with eye-catching colours, playful textures and prints with presence. Rocking up to a house party in sweatpants is perfectly acceptable, as long as they’re a) clean, and b) as luxe as this wine-coloured pair by A$AP Rocky-approved brand Needles. Layer eclectic pieces in an array of clashing colours. A bold, patterned shirt from the aptly named Endless Joy worn with a graphic T-shirt from Scandi label Our Legacy feels relaxed, but deliberate – not the sort of thing you’ve thrown on in a rush. Meanwhile, Marni’s fuzzy mohair cardigan pretty much encapsulates the words “merry and bright”.

A black-tie invitation can strike fear in the hearts of the most valiant men. Not us, though. We’ve been positively itching for an excuse to get our glad rags on. After the past two years, you may have forgotten how to tie a bow tie or be feeling anxious about stepping into a possibly too-tight tux. So this year, we advocate smoothing the transition into formalwear with an elegantly louche spin on the black-tie formula – no tie. The secret to pulling it off, of course, is oodles of confidence and nothing communicates self-assurance quite like this rusty-pink velvet blazer from Savile Row stalwart Richard James. Team with a failsafe crisp white shirt and, if you’re feeling courageous, why not leave a few buttons undone and pair it with tailored trousers in an unorthodox deep grey? To polish things off, throw on a TOM FORD fringed silk evening scarf and a generous helping of fine jewellery. Finally, Manolo Blahnik’s shearling slippers will exude a devil-may-care attitude, but in the most sophisticated, old-world way.

Nothing gets us in the festive spirit quite like a cosy get-together at the local. That is until the party drifts into the beer garden and even a steaming mug of mulled wine can’t ward off the cold. No one is at their sparkling best when they’re freezing, so deploy layers that can be whipped on and off depending on whether you’re inside or out. A thick down jacket is unbeatable in the toastiness stakes and the glossy sheen of this army-green parka elevates it beyond the usual. A zip-up hooded fleece in a bold, punchy colour feels merrier than a neutral one. For indoor-outdoor events, wise men will leave their dazzling white sneakers at home and opt for a low-fi running-style pair instead. And don’t underestimate the power of a decent pair of socks – a must to keep your feet warm. This colourful ribbed-cotton pair from Mr P. subtly complements the Stone Island hoodie and is as joyous and snug as the season calls for.