Cocktail party attire? You’ve got it covered. A sparkly skirt or one of the four LBDs in your closet, some stilettos, and red lipstick. Bam.
But when it comes to the office holiday party, the formula isn’t so simple. For one, you don’t want creepy Tom from payroll getting any ideas—or the CEO either, for that matter. On the other hand, you don’t want to spend the better part of your paycheck on something that you won’t wear again anywhere but a funeral.
But going a little conservative doesn’t mean you can’t still don something festive and fun. First, though, figure out the unspoken dress code: Do some sleuthing of last year’s party photos, and ask around to get an idea of what everyone else will be wearing. And know that wherever your company lands, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our holiday dress picks—perfect for a wide range of professional fêtes, and totally cute enough to wear again. And best of all, they won’t break the bank.
Keep it Simple
If you work for a conservative office (or when you’re in doubt), go with cap or fluttery sleeves, not sleeveless, and choose something in basic black. To be extra safe, you can add tights (grey or jewel-toned!) or bring a wrap, blazer, or sweater.
Jessica Simpson Velvet Flutter Sleeve Dress, $98
Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Beaded Blouson Dress, $60
Julie Dillon Ruffle Bodice Georgette Dress, $70
Color Meets Class
One of the easiest ways to be festive, while still looking boss-appropriate, is to wear a bold color—when you keep the dress style simple, colors like sapphire blue, emerald green, royal purple, or holiday red are classic and classy choices.
Rare Embellished Neckline Dress, $66
Aqua Sleeveless Necklace Dress, $101
Modcloth Tried and Blue Dress, $70
Right to Bare Arms?
In some workplaces, completely baring your shoulders is totally appropriate. But if you really don’t want to be the subject of conversation, why take the chance? A safer bet is a V-neck or one-shoulder-sleeve dress, like these:
The Limited Knit One Shoulder Dress, $90
Miss Selfridge Lurex Pleated Midi Dress, $70
MM Couture One Shoulder Dress, $78
Show Some Sparkle
It’s not often that “office-appropriate” and “sequins” go together, but if your workplace gets pretty festive—i.e. hosts its party at a nightclub—go ahead and try some sparkle! Of course, don’t go overboard—if you’ve worn it in Vegas, probably not your best bet. Try a touch of sequin detail, like this Suzi Chin frock, or, if you go for all-over shine, keep the silhouette simple and flowy.
The Limited Little Black Dress, $118
Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Bead Sleeveless Dress, $65
C.Luce Sequin Party Dress, $89
One Comment on "12 Perfect Dresses for Your Office Holiday Party"
I love the Suzi Chin dress! With a cardigan or blazer, I could maybe even get away with it at my office’s party!