By Nikki Cavallaro
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year—and the busiest! The holiday work party is a chance for you and your co-workers to let loose, celebrate successes, and get fancy. Consider the following looks as the invites/evites roll in!
CASUAL: If your company has a relaxed dress code or the invitation calls for casual attire, why not dress up just a little? It’ll make the occasion seem more special if you choose a dress instead of your usual jeans or khaki pants. Break out a simple black dress, opaque tights and a metallic belt. To keep things low-key, balance the dressy pieces with a plaid button-down or cardigan with sparkly details or buttons, an everyday bag and casual flats.
TRENDY: If you work in a trendier workplace or you’re going to dinner with your close co-workers, try dressing up a pair of skinny jeans or black pants with a bold, sparkly sweater. Oversized sweaters are huge right now, and when paired with sophisticated accessories, they have just the right amount of glitz for a holiday get-together.
COCKTAIL/HAPPY HOUR: If your company is hosting a holiday cocktail party or happy hour, try tucking a lace top into a black skirt, and pair with your dressiest pumps. Layer a few pearl necklaces and choose a sleek clutch to balance the girly touches. If pearls are not your thing, a big statement necklace is always the best alternative.
DRESSY/FORMAL: A go-to for a dressy holiday dinner party? A metallic jacquard dress! Pair it with a peacoat and pointed heels. No need for a lot of accessories since the dress is a statement in itself. However, if this isn’t the shine you’d like to project, try a satin top with fitted dress pants and a faux fur coat. Fur adds texture and timelessness to any outfit when worn as a coat or a wrap. And nothing says formal holiday attire like crushed velvet. If you’re going to a holiday charity gala or black tie affair for work, pair a full-skirt dress with a fur jacket, bow belt, gold baubles, and bejeweled flats! I personally love embellishment on the foot/shoe area because it gives truth to being “head to toe” in sparkles.
Also here are some friendly tips for keeping it classy in front of people you spend the most time with during the week!
DO wear something comfortable. I’m not a brave soul when it comes to heels. So I err on the side of caution and wear wedges, flats or boots!
DON’T wear something you think you’ll — ahem — fall out of. Once the wine and spirits are out, things and people just get sloppy!
DO wear something respectful and appropriate. If it’s a company party, you still represent your company “outside” of business hours. Unless it’s an Ugly Sweater themed event, stick to the theme and the classics when getting dressed.
DON’T wear anything unflattering. Like a satin dress. Or spandex. You don’t want that look captured on someone’s smart phone or — worse — social media.
