When it comes to anything related to our office, we all exercise some caution in what we wear. So why should office holiday parties be any different? This is not just any party with your girlfriends and even a single mistake can cost you a lot in terms of your career.
I get a lot of requests at reneesadvice.com from clients to help them choose something for professional holiday functions, and my advice to everyone is to play it safe and demure. Now don’t get me wrong, you have to look dressy, away from the monotony of your usual work wear, and these tips will definitely help you pick the perfect outfit for the next office party.
The Don’ts…
There are some cuts and styles that should be completely out of bounds for you when you are meeting your colleagues in a non-professional setting. Let me warn you of the biggest no-no’s:
- Low-cut, cleavage-bearing neckline
- Very short hemlines
- Bare backs
- See-through material
- Anything too glittery and sparkly
- Metallic clothing
- Sloppy undergarments
- Denim
- Anything ill-fitting
What dress options are recommended?
It’s best to go for a relatively plain outfit and play it up with relatively bold accessories, such as a cocktail ring, a long, beaded necklace or dangling earrings (but nothing too long!). Peplums and pencil skirts are a great choice for the outfit, as are classic sheath dresses. While you may be tempted to don that little black dress yet again, try a different color, such as emerald green which is the color of the year, or a deep maroon. If pants are your thing, a well-tailored style is a must. It’s alright to pair it with a shimmery top to spice things up a little, but make sure the top stays covered with a sleek, plain blazer.
And how to add the right amount of oomph?
While you certainly don’t want to go overboard with the bling and glitter, you don’t want to come across as a plain Jane either. These additions could help light up your outfit for the right amount of jazz:
- A well-tailored blazer over the dress for a sophisticated appeal
- A metallic or glittery belt across a plain top or dress
- Sheer hosiery for the legs to have that formal, elegant look
- High-heeled shoes that are comfortable to walk in
- A classic, great quality clutch
The rule of the thumb is…
In general, the rule of thumb when dressing for an office holiday party is to keep things classic and tasteful. Anything too odd or too revealing will not only spoil your look, but may put you in the office gossip corner for months, or even years.
So express your individuality with a statement necklace or a stylish scarf, but don’t forget to keep it elegant at the same time.