What to Wear to a Work Holiday Party: Polished, Festive and Comfortable
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What to Wear to a Work Holiday Party: Polished, Festive and Comfortable
A work holiday party is a social event with colleagues, which makes it a little different from other parties. You want to look festive, but still like yourself at work. The good news is that a few simple choices make it easy.
Read the invitation and the room
Start with the details you have:
- Dress code: "festive," "cocktail," "business casual" or nothing at all.
- Time: a lunch event is usually more relaxed than an evening one.
- Venue: the office, a restaurant, a rented hall or a casual spot like a bowling alley.
- Who's coming: just your team, the whole company, or clients and partners too.
If there's no dress code, ask a colleague who's been before, or aim for your everyday work outfit plus one festive touch.
The safe formula: work outfit plus one festive detail
This works for almost every work party:
- Start with a polished outfit you'd wear to work.
- Add one festive element: a velvet blazer, a satin top, a metallic accessory, a rich color like deep green or burgundy, or a party-ready shoe.
It's festive, but still clearly you at work.
Outfit ideas by setting
In the office or at lunch
- Try: your usual work outfit with a festive accessory, like a sparkly earring, a patterned tie or a colorful scarf.
Restaurant or evening event
- Try: dark trousers with a satin or velvet top, a simple midi dress with a blazer, or a suit with a festive shirt or tie.
Cocktail dress code
- Try: a knee- or midi-length dress, or a tailored suit, in a darker or jewel tone.
Casual or activity-based
- Try: smart jeans or chinos with a festive sweater or a nice knit, plus comfortable shoes.
Things to keep in mind
- Choose what you'd be happy for colleagues to see you in. If you'd hesitate to wear it to a client meeting, it may be too much for some workplaces.
- Comfortable shoes matter. Work parties often involve a lot of standing.
- Plan a layer if the venue might be cold or you'll be outside.
- Keep accessories practical. A small bag with room for your phone and keys is easier than juggling.
Making it festive without buying new
You probably already own most of a great outfit. A few ways to refresh it:
- Swap one piece, such as a plain top for a satin one.
- Add texture, like velvet, sequins or a metallic shoe.
- Change accessories, like a bold earring, a pocket square or a statement necklace.
Our general holiday party outfit guide has more ideas, and our business casual guide helps if the dress code is unclear.
Every body, every style
There's no single "right" look. Choose cuts and fabrics that fit your body comfortably, and styles that feel like you, whether that's tailoring, a dress, a jumpsuit or a festive sweater. Check each seller's size chart before buying.
If you want something new
If one piece would complete your outfit, focus on something you'll wear again, like a velvet blazer or a dark satin top. Our work wardrobe guide has versatile options.
Let the SI suggest a look
Tell the ShopFashion.si stylist the dress code, venue, your size, your work style and your budget. It suggests a complete outfit, or one festive piece to pair with what you own, with a reason for each pick. You approve every choice and check out on each seller's site.
Planning ahead for a busy December
If you have several events in a few weeks, plan your outfits together rather than one at a time:
- List each event with its date, venue and likely dress code.
- Pick one or two base outfits that work across them.
- Change one element per event, like the top, the shoes or the accessory.
- Check fit and care early, so there's time for alterations or cleaning.
A little planning keeps the season calm and saves you from last-minute shopping.
FAQ
What if there's no dress code? Wear your everyday work outfit plus one festive detail, or ask a colleague who's attended before.
Can I wear sequins to a work holiday party? Often, yes, especially as one piece or accessory. Match the amount of sparkle to your workplace's style.
Should I dress differently if clients will be there? Lean slightly more polished, closer to what you'd wear to a client meeting.
Have a work party coming up? Tell the SI the dress code →
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