What to wear at the office Christmas party

Personal development / 05 December 2011

With this year’s batch of office Christmas parties and after-work functions fast approaching, Fiona Campbell recommends outfits that will sweep you from boardroom to bar

As our diaries begin to fill up with after-work drinks, office celebrations and seasonal soirées, many managers will be wondering what to wear that’s smart enough for daytime meetings and stylish enough for the evening.

Navigating the correct dress code for post-work activities is a difficult task and requires careful consideration. No one wants to be the topic of water cooler gossip after imbibing a few too many glasses of red – or turning up to the party in a wildly inappropriate outfit.

When deciding what to wear for your seasonal shindig, always bear in mind the type of party your office is hosting. Remember you want to dress to impress, not to shock.

If your workplace is scaling back this year, drinks and nibbles in the boardroom or out on the office floor might be on the agenda. In this case, don’t depart from your normal office attire; just dress it up with some accessories and shed the formal trimmings.

Women can opt for a chunky statement necklace or some gold drop earrings to liven up your suit trousers and blouse, or try to combine contrasting shapes and sizes by mixing items from your own jewellery box with key seasonal pieces. On the high street, check out Fiona Paxton’s exclusive range for John Lewis – it offers some striking but affordable looks.

Remix your suit

If you tend to treat your suit as a uniform, lose the blazer and buttoned-up shirt and instead try a loose-fitting silk blouse or cotton shirt. A silk blouse is light, graceful and compatible with everything, the ideal way to add an elegant and feminine edge to your office attire.

For men, splitting up your suit is the first rule of restyling your wardrobe. When worn with a T-shirt and chinos, the jacket becomes a less formal take on the suit as appropriate evening wear, while a textured blazer will help take the edge off your usual office look. ASOS is a good place to find on-trend, flecked blazers. A very dapper evening scarf, a-la-Jude Law, will also add a nice finish to your party outfit for those brave enough to give it a go.

When deciding what to wear for your seasonal shindig, always bear in mind the type of party your office is hosting. Remember you want to dress to impress, not to shock.

Fiona Campbell

As for the perfect party shirt, veer away from anything novelty but feel free to experiment with a style you wouldn’t ordinarily wear to work. Try a trendy check or a simple block colour; H&M and French Connection have a range of affordable, perfectly pitched patterns.

Casual combos

For women, if your Christmas do is at the local pub or pizza restaurant, pack some easy to wear separates into your day bag to make easy work of the office-to-party transition. For example, tucking a T-shirt or cashmere jumper into a trusty pencil skirt will instantly inject some personality into an everyday staple. This winter, catwalk-inspired geometric prints are playing a big role in many of the major collections, so why not add a 60s edge to your party look? Marks & Spencer have a range of separates to choose from.

Shoe wise, the flat women’s party shoe is still popular, whether it’s the enduringly appealing ballet pump or the classic allure of the loafer. But if you do decide to go flat then the rules of sartorial equilibrium demand that they must be embellished in some way.

If you’re feeling adventurous, animal print teamed with some black or navy tapered trousers will instantly jazz up your look. Barratts, Next and Schuh are all good ports of call for this extra touch.

If you are lucky enough to be attending a more formal office Christmas party this year, take advantage of the chance to depart from your normal work style by dressing to impress.

For women, this is the perfect opportunity to purchase a seasonal party frock. As ever, the little black dress is the ultimate party number and there is an abundance of options to choose from. The allure of this perennial favourite has been given an extra boost this year – it doesn’t even have to be black! Look no further than Dorothy Perkins for block coloured 60s shifts, pencil dresses and kick-pleat styles in a range of on-trend, jewel-tone shades. Liven it up with a pair of polka dot tights from Accessorize and platform heels.

Formal fizz

If the event is very formal, a dinner jacket is always a good bet for men, while a floor length gown might be appropriate for women. While a maxi dress is instantly classy, it’s also undoubtedly warmer during the cold winter months. John Lewis have a great range of elegant gowns on offer, in particular the Ghost for John Lewis bias cut maxi dress. A faux fur shrug is a stylish addition to the look, as it will inject some head-turning glamour as well as keep you snug after work hours.

If it’s an all-out corporate affair, slip it on top of something satin, and bear in mind that the shrug will also work if the party is pretty casual – just pair it with jeans and ankle boots. Finally, always make sure you stow your work-bag in your locker and swap it for a glitzy clutch bag to hold artfully by your side or use as a dancefloor prop.