What To Wear: Holiday Office Party

I think it’s safe to say that we’ll all be invited to a company Christmas party at some point or another. And whether it be for your own company or that of your significant other, chances are you’ll be faced with the decision of what to wear to this type of event. Unlike your typical holiday party – where you can let all your festive, stylish flags fly – you’ve got to put a little more strategic thought into considering what to wear to an office holiday party. Because chances are, you’ll be networking and boppin’ around with people who might not appreciate your bodycon sequin mini dress. Right? So let’s chat about what to wear and how to walk that oh-so-fine line between holiday-ready festive and yet still professional enough to fit in.

Consider the Company Culture

Every company is different and I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part (and in my experience), office holiday parties tend to be on the swankier side and definitely a little fancier than your average conference room lunch. For this post, I’m assuming a cocktail attire dress code and hope to shed some light on how to strike the perfect balance between festive and appropriate with your outfit.

Keep it Festive yet Professional

You could always go with a basic black dress and take the safe road, but who wants to do that anyway? (#boring) You’ve got to be a little more festive than that, okay?! But you don’t want to be too festive or wear anything super ‘loud’ either. So like I said, it’s all about striking the perfect balance between holiday cheer (#festive) while still looking professional and appropriate.

After considering the different types of outfits I’d wear to this type of event, I decided that a subtly festive (like….festive but not too festive…make sense?) midi skirt is the perfect ensemble. It’s conservative and classy, yet can be festive and fun as well. All in all, a midi skirt is the perfect solution to your what-to-wear-to-an-office-party woes :)

As such, I’ve put together 2 different (but similar) looks with midi skirts that would both be appropriate (in my opinion) to wear to your (or your boyfriend/husband’s) holiday Christmas party! Please let me know if you have any questions or any holiday parties where you need some help getting dressed! But first, I’ve got a few tips and things to consider when figuring out what to wear.

8 Things to Avoid: Holiday Office Party Attire NO-GO’s and style tips

1. Sequins or super loud materials – I don’t think this a definite no-no per say, but I personally just wouldn’t’ feel comfortable in sequins at a work event. I wouldn’t want to draw that much attention to myself (but hey, to each their own and I’m sure it’s possible to do sequins well at this type of event…I just personally would avoid it)
2. Sheer materials – yeah, it’s just kinda iffy and you don’t want to flirt with that line (even if it is a subtle cut out in a dress – I just would save it for another event)
3. Super low back – it just might send the wrong message and you want to err on the side of caution and conservatism for a work-related party
4. Anything too short or too tight – there’s a time and a place for that and your office party is neither (as I’m sure you already know! lol)
5. Low cut neckline – just DON’T
6. Super bright colors – personally, I just wouldn’t want to stand out too much and would rather look more understated
7. Your highest pair of heels – you’ll probably be on your feet the whole time and you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable. Also, there might be dancing involved? And unlike most weddings (where being barefoot is somewhat acceptable), I don’t think taking your shoes off would be appropriate.
8. Crop Top – I just wouldn’t want to flirt with that line…but there are definitely ways to wear a crop top and still look classy. I would just be nervous to do so at a work event?