The most festive of seasons brings parties and celebrations galore, and one of those annual traditions is the office holiday party. It may be a casual affair at the office, a formal event downtown or a virtual happy hour, but whatever the scenario, you need something to wear. And we get it, it’s not the easiest thing to put together a look that’s both professional and party-worthy. You want your coworkers to remember your ’fit for the right reasons, after all. Let’s dive into some do’s and don’ts, and then keep on scrolling for some of our favorite work holiday party outfits.
DO play with color.
This is the time of year where you can really have fun going bold and bright. Rich satins and velvets in shades of ruby, evergreen and gold can inject some holiday cheer into your typical workwear rotation. And when in doubt, you can never go wrong with a red lip.
DON'T underdress.
From both an HR and cold-weather perspective, more (fabric) is more. Save that sparkly crop top or side-slit mini skirt for a night out with friends and opt for something a little more modest, but still cool.
Do accessorize strategically.
Colorful outfits not your thing? Never fear, you can still glam up your look without leaving neutral territory. Add a pair of shimmery tights, sparkly statement earrings or bow-adorned heels to take your favorite sweater dress from work to slay.
So what are some outfits I can wear to my company holiday party?
Party Dresses
For a more formal soirée, you’re going to want a dress that rises to the occasion—and impresses your boss. Think a metallic midi dress topped with an oversized blazer, a ruched one-shoulder number or even a chic strapless jumpsuit paired with a leather jacket. And don’t shy away from sophisticated details, like puff sleeves, pleats and feathers.
Festive Tops
A fun, eye-catching statement top is one of the easiest ways to dress up your office staples. Sequins, velvet and lace all look right at home alongside tailored pants and black rinse denim. You can even glitz up a basic suit with a shimmery Downtown Cami or metallic bodysuit.
Sweater Dresses
Enter your secret style weapon for work holiday parties (and just winter in general). Not only are sweater dresses timeless and flattering, they’re also weather-appropriate. And with just a few touches (like knee-high boots, embellished heels or a long, sweeping trench coat), that everyday dress transforms into a party contender.
Blazers
While you have the option of dressing up the tried-and-true blazers already in your closet (as mentioned above), the blazer itself can also be the pièce de resistance. Opt for a structured silhouette with shimmer, sparkle or in a luxe fabric (like velvet) to find the perfect blend of formal and festive. Simply pair with matching pants, or feel free to mix different textures.