What to Wear to an Office Christmas Party: A Style Guide

ByIngrid Leo Updated on

The holiday season is upon us, and that means office Christmas parties are in full swing. But what should you wear to make a great impression while still enjoying the festivities?

We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive style guide on what to wear to an office Christmas party, to help you navigate the dress code, find the perfect outfit, accessorize for the occasion, and follow etiquette tips that will make your office holiday party a memorable event.

Key Takeaways

  • Strike a balance between festive and professional attire for office Christmas parties.
  • Choose an outfit that is creative, stylish and suitable for the work environment.
  • Accessorize with comfortable shoes, subtle jewelry and appropriate outerwear to complete your look.

Decoding the Office Christmas Party Dress Code

Cracking the dress code for your company holiday party during the holiday season can be a daunting task. The key is to strike a balance between looking festive and being office-appropriate.

Keep in mind the time of day and the activities planned, as these factors should influence your company holiday party attire. For instance, an evening party might call for darker colors, while a daytime event would be better suited for lighter hues and patterns within the Christmas color scheme.

Also, remember to choose materials that blend well together and avoid fabrics that may not be suitable for you, especially if you tend to perspire easily.

Business Casual with a Festive Twist

Deciding on an outfit for a casual or smart-casual office Christmas party can pose a challenge. A great way to combine professionalism with a festive spirit is to opt for business casual attire with a twist, such as a holiday-themed blazer or a sparkly top. This style will keep you looking polished while still letting your fun side shine through.

Choose an outfit that suits your body type to create a flattering and appropriate look. Timeless items with a hint of sparkle, like a sequin embellished blouse or a pair of festive earrings, can elevate your look without going overboard.

  1. Sea: Wool Sweater
  2. The Row: Berth Leather Maxi Skirt
  3. Ralph Lauren: The RL Bag
  4. Christian Louboutin: Slimini 85 Croc-Effect Ankle Boots
  1. Off-White: Cotton-Poplin Shirt
  2. The Row: Berth Leather Maxi Skirt
  3. Helmut Lang: Slash Double-Breasted Blazer
  4. De Mellier: The Midi Montreal Bag

Semi-Formal Elegance

For a semi-formal holiday party, the recommended attire is a step above business casual. A well-tailored suit or a classic cocktail dress in black, navy, or dark purple are excellent timeless options. Jeans, on the other hand, are generally considered too casual for a formal event and should be avoided.

Select an outfit that strikes a balance between comfort and style. For instance, you can pair a cocktail dress or suit with comfortable yet elegant shoes, such as loafers or block heels, to ensure you feel at ease throughout the party.

  1. David Yurman: Crossover Infinity Pearls and Gold Earrings
  2. Officine Générale: New Sophie Pleated Wool Wide-Leg Pants
  3. Valentino Garavani: Silk-Organza Shirt
  4. Manolo Blahnik: Capri Long Crystal-Embellished Metallic Leather Clutch

Themed Parties

Dressing for a themed office Christmas party can be a fun way to showcase your creativity while still maintaining a professional appearance. Embrace the theme by incorporating festive colors like red or green. Nevertheless, always consider the office environment and steer clear of excessively bright or flashy colors and symbols that may not fit the setting.

We designed festive work Christmas party outfits, featuring a vibrant sweater vest paired with a white shirt and gray wide-leg pants. For the second example, we chose a red, green and white color palette.

  1. Off-White: Cotton-Poplin Shirt
  2. Officine Générale: New Sophie Pleated Wool Wide-Leg Pants
  3. Saint Laurent: Le 5 à 7 Tan Bag
  4. Lingua Franca: Cashmere-Jacquard Vest
  1. Suzanne Kalan: 18-Karat Gold Emerald and Diamond Earrings
  2. Gucci: Tweed Wide-Leg Pants
  3. The Elder Statesman: Red Cashmere Sweater
  4. Ferragamo: Iconic Top Handle Bag

Finding the Perfect Outfit

From festive sweater dresses to classic cocktail dresses, there’s something for everyone. Here are some fashionable options that will ensure you dress appropriately and look and feel your best at the company holiday party.

Festive Sweater Dress

A festive sweater dress is a comfortable and stylish option for an office Christmas party, making it a popular choice for work Christmas party outfits. These dresses come in various styles, colors, and fabrics, allowing you to pick the perfect one for your event.

  1. Giuliva Heritage: Susanna Mohair-Blend Maxi Dress
  2. Staud: Alec Shoulder Bag
  3. Jimmy Choo: Karter 85 Knee Boots
  1. David Yurman: Pavéflex 18-Karat Gold and Diamond Necklace
  2. Madeleine Thompson: Yew Cable-Knit Wool and Cashmere Midi Dress
  3. The Row: Clea Shoulder Bag
  4. Paris Texas: 100 Croc-Effect Knee Boots

Timeless Cocktail Dress

A classic cocktail dress, like a black dress, is a sophisticated and chic option for a semi-formal office Christmas party. Timeless hues like black, navy, or dark purple work well for these dresses, as they exude elegance and are suitable for any formal event.

When accessorizing a cocktail dress, consider adding a touch of glamour with statement jewelry, such as a statement necklace or earrings. Complete the look with elegant heels.

  1. Alexander McQueen: Dropped Shoulder Pencil Dress
  2. Buccellati: Étoilée 18-Karat Gold Diamond Earrings
  3. De Mellier: The Cannes Metallic Bag

Elegant Dress

For a more formal office Christmas party, consider an elegant dress crafted from luxurious materials such as velvet or silk. These materials add a touch of opulence to your ensemble and are perfect for upscale events.

Choose a shirt dress, a wrap dress, or a maxi dress in a rich hue like emerald green or burgundy, and complete the look with statement jewelry and a clutch.

  1. Staut: Millie Maix Shirt Dress
  2. De Mellier: The Cannes Metallic Bag
  3. Manolo Blahnik: Hangisi Flats

Accessorizing for the Occasion

No Christmas party outfits are complete without the perfect accessories. From shoes and jewelry to outerwear, the right additions can elevate your look and make you stand out at your office Christmas party.

Here are a few tips on how to accessorize for the occasion.

Shoes

Heels, flats, loafers, and boots are all acceptable options, provided they adhere to the dress code of the party. Make sure your shoes are neither too tight nor too loose and coordinate well with your outfit. Remember, the right footwear can elevate your ensemble, so choose wisely.

  1. Off-White: Cotton-Poplin Shirt
  2. Cefinn: Tiana Navy Blue Leather Midi Skirt
  3. Paris Texas: 100 Croc-Effect Knee Boots

Jewelry

Jewelry is an excellent way to add a touch of sparkle to your office Christmas party outfit without being too flashy. Opt for pieces that are in line with the dress code and refrain from wearing overly ostentatious or flamboyant pieces.

Consider small diamond studs or a delicate necklace with a single gemstone for a subtle touch of glamour. Remember, when accessorizing with jewelry, less is often more, so avoid wearing too many pieces at once, as this can be visually overwhelming and detract from your overall look.

  1. Oscar de la Renta: Gold-Tone Enamel Brooch
  2. Gucci: Tweed Wide-Leg Pants
  3. Saint Laurent: Open-Back Draped Silk-Satin Turtleneck Top
  4. The Attico: Glen Shaded Jacket

Outerwear

Selecting the appropriate outerwear for an office Christmas party is just as important as choosing the perfect outfit. When picking your coat or jacket, consider the weather and the formality of the event to ensure that your outerwear complements your ensemble and is suitable for the occasion.

A blazer, trench coat, or coat are all viable options for formal events. Remember, your outerwear is the first thing people will see when you arrive at the party, so make it count.

  1. Gabriela Hearst: Saunders Wool and Cashmere Coat
  2. Rag & Bone: Sunny RIbbed Cotton-Blend Midi Dress
  3. Paris Texas: 100 Croc-Effect Knee Boots

Office Party Etiquette

While it’s important to dress to impress, don’t forget that this is a work-related event attended by your colleagues. Office party etiquette involves dressing appropriately, maintaining a classy and conservative look, and expressing your personality while having a good time.

Don’t forget to:

  • Read the invitation carefully and ensure you understand the dress code
  • Behave professionally
  • Engage in meaningful conversations
  • Enjoy the festivities with your co-workers

After all, the purpose of a company Christmas party, often referred to as an office Christmas party or an office holiday party, is to foster connections between colleagues in a non-work setting.

Summary

In conclusion, by decoding the dress code, finding the perfect outfit, accessorizing for the occasion, and following office party etiquette, you’ll be well-prepared to make a great impression and enjoy the festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code for the office Christmas party?

For the office Christmas party, opt for semi-formal attire like a cocktail dress or tailored suit with appropriate accessories. Avoid slinky and provocative clothing, while finding ways to show your personality through fun pieces that are still classy and conservative. The little black dress is a perfect choice for this occasion.

What color suit for the office Christmas party?

For the office Christmas party, shades of red and green are ideal when paired with navy or black. Darker shades are best suited for a night event, while lighter shades work for daytime gatherings. Other colors can be chosen based on the theme of the party.

Can you wear a short dress to the office Christmas party?

When considering what to wear for the office Christmas party, err on the side of caution when it comes to dress/skirt lengths. A short dress may not be appropriate.

How can I incorporate a festive touch into my business casual attire?

Incorporate a festive touch into your business casual look by adding a holiday-themed blazer or sparkly top.

How can I accessorize my office Christmas party outfit without going overboard?

Opt for elegant jewelry, stylish and comfortable shoes, and an appropriate coat or jacket to create a subtle yet fashionable look for your office Christmas party.

Featured image by Amelie.

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