Okay. You just got your invitation to the office holiday party. So now you are wondering what to wear. Good. At least you are thinking about it. But before you reach for that super, mini cocktail dress or glow in the dark suspenders, stop and think about it. What you wear at the holiday office party can affect your career - positively or negatively.
A holiday office party is just like the prom. The next day, everyone is talking about it. What's at the top of the food chain? Who looked fantastic and who looked a mess. Unfortunately, if you happen to fit into the latter category, your sense of judgment will be under question. Your co-workers and boss will wonder what made you think a low-plunging, 1960s, pink taffeta dress would look good on you or why you wore MC Hammer pants to a class event. So, here are a few tips. They are ones that will help you pick out the right outfit for your office holiday party.
Appropriate Attire for a Fancy Holiday Party
- black slacks with a blouse or tailored shirt
- black skirt with a glitzy sweater (silver/red/white)
- cocktail dress that falls to the knees
- tuxedos (fitted by a tailor)
Appropriate Attire for a Casual Holiday Party
- Dockers with a shirt or tunic/wrap top
- classic cut jeans with a sweater
- cotton or blue jean skirt with a blouse
- designer sneakers, loafers and flats
"No-no's" for any Holiday Party
- plunging necklines that reveal breasts
- see-through clothing
- mini-skirts or dresses above the thigh
- jeans with holes or rips in them
- overalls or other labor-like clothing
These suggestions, of course, are just helpful guides on what to wear at your holiday function. If you have a holiday party with a goofy hat or sweater theme, you should go with the flow. However, if not, these suggestions are ones that will keep you safe and off the gossip train at work. So now all you have to worry about is saying the right thing to the boss' spouse and not spilling a drink all over yourself. You know - the usual things.
