Dressing for your work Christmas do is a tricky business. It’s a balancing act between party style and professionalism. So what to wear when you’re walking that fine line? It’s always a good idea to take your cues from the day-to-day dress code at your office or place of work. If your work wear is always formal, then choose a style akin to this for your party look. Similarly, if you’re able to take a more relaxed approach, then you have a little more room for manoeuvre when it comes to your Christmas do outfit. Using this as your reference point when styling your outfit is a simple way to get it right every time.
Let us walk you through our style solutions for every work Christmas party scenario.
Office Drinks
If your Christmas party is a relaxed affair at the office or your local bar, a cocktail dress will leave you feeling overdressed. Instead, use a sprinkling of sequins to update your workwear; keeping similar proportions to your usual work outfits and letting the infusion of sparkle do all the work. Use tailored separates as your foundation pieces and inject that glitz with fun embellished tops, shimmering trims and chunky jewellery.
Cocktail Party
The difference between a standard cocktail party dress and a work cocktail party dress is all in the cut. Whereas you may usually favour a plunging neckline or perhaps some sultry sheer panelling, these are best avoided on this occasion. Keep the allure with a figure-hugging shape but retain an air of professionalism with a higher, rounded neckline and the safer, more demure option of a lace overlay. Lavish fabrics and glittering accessories will project an unmistakable feel of high end glamour.
Festive Formal
Formal usually means one thing – a black tie dress code. Whilst it may be tempting to use it as an opportunity to channel all-out Hollywood glamour, elegantly sophisticated is a more appropriate direction to go in. A refined evening gown in rich lace or jacquard fabric teamed with subtly sparkling accessories will look stunning without being overly daring. If you’re not enthused by the idea of an evening gown, and if the dress code allows, why not eschew the dress and opt for a tux-inspired look in the form of a tailored jumpsuit? You’ll look polished, contemporary and endlessly chic.
What’s on the cards for your work Christmas do this year?