Here's a radical thought: at this year's festive shindig don't buy anything new to wear. Instead, spend the money on a really good haircut or, if you're without hair, a fantastic facial. Have both about a week before the bash and you're done. Seriously, never underestimate their power. Note: if you're wearing clear nail varnish, things have gone too far.
Once you are tidy, add aftershave. This could be your festive party prepping investment purchase. Firstly, do not feel the need to bathe in the stuff. A couple of squirts, or one liberal splash, is quite enough. Secondly, favour something classic, deep and manly, like the new Tom Ford Grey Vetiver.
Now you're ready for the clothes. You're not a Christmas tree, so less can infinitely mean more.
If you don't ordinarily wear shirts with double cuffs, don't start bulk-buying cufflinks because they're sparkly and seasonal. See also silk scarves – frankly most men actually look bloody ridiculous in them. A simple black two-button suit, or a jacket with shawl collar and a white shirt, is safe for a reason. Though if you're going that minimal, make sure the fit is spot on.
One traditionally festive fabric is velvet. To avoid looking like a posh old curtain, do not attempt head to toe velvet, instead, try a blazer. French actor Louis Garrel has worn a vintage-look velvet jacket with jeans in more than one film to dashingly cool effect; its natural opulence actually works well with less showy textures, such as denim or wool. See Burberry's distressed velvet jacket with wool trousers.
If you're looking for a quick cheap festive wardrobe fix then a new shirt is probably your easiest bet. Here's a few hints: when buying your "party" shirt, try not to over think the "party" element as this has the potential for wrongness on many, many levels. Ideally, you want to wear the shirt again, so don't buy something that radically departs from your signature look. This autumn, there are lots of good, non-garish patterned shirts to be had, French Connection's in particular. Either button to the neck or if you're feeling fruity and flamboyant, add a clashing tie. Lastly, make sure the shirt is cotton and not too tight across the arm pits. The worst office bash party look? Sweat.
Five instant dress-up fixes
New shoes – go classic in shape
Try a fine gauge cardigan under a suit jacket for colour
Go tonal: layer French Connection's shirt with Topman's cardigan
Wear decent socks in a block colour