The holidays are upon us and as we bask in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights our hearts ignite with anticipation at seeing our favorite people. As we travel near and far for dinner parties, holiday parties, and gift exchanges, the stress of what to wear should be last on everyone’s list.
Office Christmas parties are a great way to hang up your hat after a year of hard work and exchange stressful deadlines with laughs over champagne and excitement of hearing each other’s holiday plans. One of the best parts of gathering with coworkers is trading in your favorite work blazer for an elevated look that screams holiday cheer.
In this post we’ve rounded up elegant, appropriate and festive office Christmas party outfit ideas so you can stop the overthinking and get back to enjoying the best parts of the holiday.
As you browse each look its important to remember a few rules for dressing appropriately for company functions:
1. A Graceful Approach to Hemlines
In a company setting it’s important to keep in mind that what feels perfect for a weekend brunch may need a touch of refinement for a work event. A nice guideline is to choose a length that meets or gently grazes the knee. It’s a timeless, and flattering choice. Giving you an extra boost of confidence and security when you’re ready to hit the dance floor.
2. Striking a Balance
Balance is the essence of sophistication. Keep in mind the phrase “one or the other”. If you fall in love with a dress that’s a little shorter make sure that it has a modest neckline and a covered back. Likewise, if you’re drawn to a dress with an open back ensure the neckline remains modest with a safe hemline, and so on. It’s a balancing act, but it ensures that your outfit isn’t too risky or inappropriate. This thoughtful balance allows you to express your style with grace while making sure your look is polished and appropriate.
3. Subtle Silhouettes
Elegance doesn’t mean hiding your shape, but rather revealing it with intention. Think of fabrics that gently skim rather than cling. Remember confidence and composure will always outshine a too tight fit. The quiet allure of a well chosen silhouette speaks louder than anything else.
Office Christmas Party Outfit Ideas
Chic Cocktail
Cocktail attire is so versatile and allows for the perfect way to elevate your already classy everyday style. These outfits aren’t just typical cocktail dresses. They carry with them the promise of yuletide carols and whispers of Christmas magic. If you’re in a situation where you aren’t sure of the office dress code or they haven’t explicitly stated the dress code, cocktail attire is a safe place to land, showing up confident and suitable.
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Cozy Black Look
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Elegant Evening
If your office leans more formal, this is a perfect opportunity for your to choose your most elegant archives for a setting and it never being too much. From your favorite chandelier earrings, or that champagne colored floor length gown that shimmers with every step you take capturing the attention of patrons in every room. These looks are captivating, and so timeless while still having that festive touch.
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Timeless Black Look
Wrapped In Red
Enchanting Green Look
Polished Pants Looks
A flattering pair of trousers can be just as chic and elevated as a cocktail dress or formal gown. Confidence is truly your best feature, so if 360 days out of the year you wear pants, you can go for a look that has pants and still captures your elegance. A nice pair of trouser, or jumpsuit are even great for post party plans if you expect it to be a long evening, or if the event is outdoors and is expected to be chilly.
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Green Satin Look
Studded Evening
Chic in Cream
Casual with Class
When you think business casual think of attire that you might normally wear to the office, jeans, a nice blouse, or top. Here are a few smart casual looks that fit the dress code and still bring a festive feel.
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Cozy Casual
A Touch of Red
Themed
If the party you’re attending is themed, the planning comes a bit easier. Whether it’s a Winter wonderland, or jungle themed, you can still incorporate style into the mix. A great way to do this is to lean on patterns that nod at the theme while not going extreme.
Activity Ready:
Parties with activities usually mean comfort is encouraged or at least expected. Whether it be mini golf, ice skating, or a sports game you’ll still be chic and prepared. A great way to elevate your office party look while still being prepared for whatever the day or evening holds is a stunning blazer. A well-fitted, and elegant blazer can take any look up a few notches. Take a look at these looks for example.
Red-dy for Whatever
Everyday Black
No matter your style, the most important thing to remember is to be comfortable and confident. While trends come and go, showing up in what makes you glow with confidence is what is sure to make a memorable evening. The holidays are meant to gather and embrace the joy of Christmas. While it’s important to show up appropriately, shining yourself in a good light, that doesn’t mean that you should have to sacrifice being festive and stylish.
So, as you float through the evening catching up with peers and sharing New Years plans, here’s a cheers to you. For another year of balancing the highs and lows of your 9-5 while still making time to cherish you and prioritize the things that matter most to you. Whether it’s making time for pockets of solitude before heading into the office or making sure you carry a little piece of your personality into the office with every curated piece you choose for the day ahead.
