What to Wear to Your Office Holiday Party
When cubicles meet cocktails. | Shutterstock.
If ever there was a month to be on your style A-game, it’s December. This is the time you see pretty much everyone you’ve ever known, from catch-ups with old friends to unwanted Wawa run-ins with people you haven’t seen since in years. But the event that causes the most sartorial head-scratching is the office holiday party. You don’t want to go too short, too sexy, too boring.
The name of the game here is classy and festive, all rolled into one. Leave the bandage dresses in the trash at home, along with your jeans, low-cut tops and boring pantsuits. Here’s how to navigate the tricky waters of the work Christmas party. Some alternatives:
What’s the merriest thing you own? The shiniest thing you own. | Sam Edelman, Chiara Ferragni Collection, Asos.
A little goes a long way here, so think one shiny element per ensemble. We love embellished tops, sparkly pants (see all the ways we love them), or a cute sequined blazer. Bonus points if you can incorporate sparkles and cool-girl sneakers in one.
Tunics! Culottes! Jumpsuits! Oh my. | Balmain, Missguided, Rick Owens.
While many will consider the office party a time to break out the old LBD again, you’ll be miles ahead in a chic black jumpsuit or a tunic over a cigarette pant. Not only will your nod to menswear be refreshing amidst a sea of LBDs; you’ll feel comfy as hell.
Add instant flair to any look. | Jeffrey Campbell, Ted Baker, Asos.
This falls under Dressing for Cold Weather 101, but if you haven’t heard it yet, here it is: Textured layering will get you everywhere in life. At least, as far as clothes can get you. A feather vest over leather leggings is perfect for heading to the bars after the party’s over. Pair a fringed jacket over basically anything, or add a pair of festive shoes for immediate drama.
Remember! Bring your makeup kit for touch-ups to take your whole look from humdrum to hot toddy. And try to keep things classy while you whoop it up with the coworkers; we don’t want you to die at your desk tomorrow morning.
