What to Wear to Your Office Christmas Party

With end-of-year stress, the pressure of forced social interaction with co-workers, holiday spirit and cocktails all combining under your boss’s watchful eye, it’s safe to say there’s no work event filled with more pressure or professional peril as the office Christmas party.

And if that wasn’t enough, then comes that looming question “what do I wear?!” To help you decide, here are some tips to ensure you make a lasting impression for all the right reasons at your office Christmas party.

Consider the venue and time of day
One of the best ways to determine what to wear to your office Christmas party is to take into consideration the venue and time of day it is being held. Usually an evening event has a slightly more formal feel to it, while a lunch is slightly more relaxed.

The venue will also set the dress code. If it is a more prestigious venue, it will pay to call ahead to find out if they have a set dress code they like patrons to adhere to.

Your dress
Your dress should be smart and stylish, giving a glimpse of who you are outside of work. While you should have fun with your outfit and make a statement, lean on the side of conservative, too much skin and cleavage is a not the look to go for at your office Christmas party.

As for what colour, it really comes down to personal choice. Monochromatic dressing (all in one colour) can give the illusion of being taller, and darker colours are often quite elegant and slimming. Though you also may want to show your Christmas spirit by choosing a Christmas colour like red, green or gold (no Christmas prints though!). If you get really stuck on what to wear, never underestimate the suitability and versatility of a little black dress.

Your shoes
You are bound to be on your feet for most of the day or evening, particularly if it is a cocktail event, so choose your shoes wisely. Walking around the office Christmas party barefoot or leaving the Christmas party carrying your heels is not a good look.  But don’t think you have to substitute comfort for style, there are some gorgeous wedges, kitten heels and pointed flats that will ensure you are comfortable and chic.

Your accessories
Any dress can come alive with the right accessories. Just make sure you don’t go overboard, after all, the Christmas tree is what should be the most adorned in the room.

With this in mind, spread out your statement jewellery and keep your look balanced. If you have a big necklace complement it with a cocktail ring, or if you have big earrings complement them with bracelets, don’t try to do it all with the one outfit.

If your office Christmas party will be held in the evening or if there is a chance it might get cool, don’t forget to look for a shawl, jacket or cardigan that will complement your outfit, you don’t want to be freezing the whole time.

Being a Christmas party, it can be tempting to add in Christmas themed accessories, and while there is nothing wrong with getting in the Christmas spirit, just make sure they are elegant and not tacky. You want to light up the room for the right reasons, not because you have more lights on you than the Christmas tree.

Remember it is still a work function
While the office Christmas party is an opportunity to be a little more relaxed, remember you are still out with your co-workers, boss and in some cases clients. How you dress, talk and act will impact the way people see you and it can have a lasting effect on your career, so have fun but be wise.

Do you have an office Christmas party coming up? What are you planning to wear?