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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Break Room

5 Perfect Looks for Your Office Holiday Party

people at party
Kelsey Chance/Unsplash

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year—and the busiest! From fancy soirées to family festivities, your calendar is filled to the brim with seasonal parties, including the much-anticipated office get-together.

The holiday work party is a chance for you and your co-workers to let loose, celebrate successes, and get fancy.

And that’s where we come in! Whether you’re heading out for cocktails or attending a holiday gala, you’re going to need something festive—yet work-appropriate—to wear. So, we pulled together the perfect work holiday party dress looks for every office occasion.


Casual



If your company has a relaxed dress code or the invitation calls for casual attire, why not dress up just a little? It’ll make the occasion seem more special if you don a dress instead of your usual jeans. Break out a simple black dress, opaque tights, and a metallic belt. To keep things low-key, balance the dressy pieces with a plaid button-down, an everyday bag, and casual booties.


Trendy



If you work in a trendier workplace or you’re going to dinner with your close co-workers, try dressing up a pair of skinny jeans or black pants with a bold, sparkly sweater. Oversized sweaters are huge right now, and when embellished and paired with sophisticated accessories, they have just the right amount of glitz for a holiday get-together. Don’t forget to top off the look with a swipe of bright red lipstick and a pair of leopard pumps.


Cocktail



If your company is hosting a holiday cocktail party or happy hour, try tucking a lace top into a black skirt, and pair with your sparkliest pumps. Layer a few pearl necklaces and choose a sleek clutch to balance the girly touches. And for hailing cabs and post-party hopping, be sure to grab a winter-white coat!


Dressy



Our go-to for a dressy holiday dinner party? A metallic jacquard dress! Keep this glam piece polished and professional by pairing it with a peacoat, sheer tights, and pointed heels. Add textures and colors for contrast, like a fur collar, glitter bag, and emerald jewelry.


Formal



Nothing says formal holiday attire like crushed velvet. If you’re going to a holiday charity gala or black tie affair for work, find a fit-and-flare in this material. Pair a full-skirt dress with a fur jacket, bow belt, gold baubles, and cap toe shoes for a preppy-glam twist. Trying accenting your updo with an embellished headpiece, and finish the look with a dramatic burgundy on your lips.