How to Dress to Impress at the Company Christmas Party

Dressing up for Christmas parties is fun. You get to show off your festive side, and even glam it up a little. But if your company is holding an office Christmas party, fashion gets a bit trickier. Depending on your corporate culture, the usual party rules often don’t apply…showing up in something daring and sexy may not land you on your boss’ promotion list.

So what can you wear to the office holiday party that will look great, but not seem too overboard? Well, jazzing up your work look for the holidays is simpler that you might think, and you can do it without having to go all out on a new outfit. Here are some basic office Christmas party rules to keep in mind while you’re planning your ensemble.

Know The Corporate Culture
Most companies will explicitly state the dress code for the party, but if you haven’t been given any guidelines, follow what usually stands as the everyday dress code. Business formal means dress up! Business informal means you can sport a more relaxed look. Business casual…well, that’s where it can get confusing, because it can really mean anything. Think of what most people usually wear to work, and keep close to that.

Accessorize
You can add holiday glam to your usual office look by simply changing up your usual accessories. Think of adding holiday sparkle with some silver or gold strappy heels. Wear dressier earrings, necklaces or bracelets.

Change One Thing
If your normal workday wear is a blazer and pants, you can add a different style top for an evening look. For the holidays, find a silky top in a rich jewel tone to add shine and color. Or, wear a top that has some embellishment, such as sparkly detailing around the neckline. Anything to add some interest and holiday glam.

Add A Christmas Color
Do not dress in red and green! Not only is this tacky, but it can be very hard on the eyes. Think of other holiday colors…silver, gold, white, even light blues. If you want to add red, do it in punches…a red shawl or wrap, or red shoes and bag. Adding one or two items in festive colors adds the spirit of the holiday, without making you look like a head to toe Christmas elf.

Keep It Subtle
Even if your corporate culture is ultra laid back, don’t break out that fuzzy snowman sweatshirt or blinking Rudolph tie. Inflict those sorts of things on your family instead! Keep specific holiday touches subtle. A Christmas tree pin on your jacket, for example, rather than a Christmas tree sweater with fuzzy ornaments.

Think Elegant
You can look sexy without looking obvious. Plunging necklines and barely-there hemlines may get stares, but won’t do much for your professional reputation. Instead, choose soft, tactile fabrics that float over your body without giving too much away. Wear dresses and skirts that come to at least your knee, but that enhance your curves without seeming to va-va-va-voom.

Most importantly, wear something comfortable that you won’t have to fiddle with throughout the night! With all this in mind, you’ll be able to dress to impress at the office Christmas party.