What to wear to your work holiday party to impress
Work holiday parties are a time to celebrate the holiday season, build and maintain strong professional relationships, and ultimately enjoy yourself. Part of preparing for a work holiday party is choosing what to wear to the event. Some companies help you out by implementing a dress code, while others simply convey a day, time, and location. Keep reading to learn what to wear to your holiday office party, and explore some tips to consider when deciding on your outfit.
What to wear to a work holiday party
Regardless of whether you're a full-time employee or a seasonal worker, a work holiday party is a chance to get to know your colleagues better, strengthen your professional relationships, and showcase your personality and unique style to your peers. There are many clothing options to choose from, and all can have an impact on how others perceive you. Here are some outfit ideas to think about when shuffling through your wardrobe:
Casual wear
If you don't want to dress up in formal wear, casual wear might be the best option. While not fully in the comfort wear category, it still allows you to feel comfortable while mingling, playing games, or taking part in activities. Here are some casual clothing options to consider:
- Casual blouse
- Dress shirt
- Jeans without holes or distressed patterns
- Closed-toe shoes
- Button-down shirt
- Khaki pants
- Work pants
- Clean sneakers
Holiday-themed
Fun, festive, and memorable, opting for holiday-themed clothing might be a good choice if your company has a festive theme for its holiday party. Dressing up like this can help you celebrate the holidays with your team and make memories to talk about for years to come. When thinking of holiday-themed clothing, consider color options such as red, green, white, gold, silver, and blue. Here are some festive clothing items to consider:
- Holiday sweaters
- Sequined or sparkly blouses or dresses
- Festive jewelry, such as earrings, pins, and necklaces
- Holiday-themed button-down shirts or ties
Dressy
Going all out in more formal attire is perfect for work parties in private party venues, dinner halls, or other more formal settings. Getting all dressed up is a chance to break out that dress or suit you've been wanting to wear but haven't had an occasion to take off the hanger. Here are some pieces to consider incorporating into your dressed-up look:
- Dress pants
- Long-sleeved button-down shirt
- Dress shoes
- Professional heels
- Pencil skirt
- Professional dress
- Button-down vest
- Elegant accessories
Business casual
A step up from casual wear but not quite dressy is business casual attire. Many items crossover from the casual wear options, but some are not quite professional enough for business casual wear, such as jeans and sneakers. Here are some business casual options to consider:
- Slacks
- Dress shoes
- Button-down shirt
- Conservative dress
- Closed-toe shoes
- Blazer
- Two-piece suit
- Conservative accessories
Comfortable
There are many comfortable and cozy options to consider for your work holiday party without resorting to sweatpants. This can help you stay warm and mingle with your colleagues in comfort. Here are some comfortable clothing options to consider:
- Plain T-shirt with a jacket
- Jeans
- Patterned sweater
- Turtleneck sweater
- Sweater dress
- Long sleeve shirt
"Knowing what to wear to your work holiday event takes the stress out of figuring out your outfit and lets you focus on having fun at the party."
Tips for choosing what to wear
If you don't know what to wear to your company's work party, there are many things to consider that can help you decide between that festive holiday sweater or the formal suit hanging in the back of your closet. Here are some tips:
Party location
The party location can provide a lot more information beyond just where to go; it can also educate you on what you might wear to your party. For example, if the party is at an outdoor location where you'll be playing games, you might be better off wearing casual or comfortable clothing. It's hard to traverse the outdoors in high heels, a lengthy dress, or stiff dress pants.
If the event is at a dining hall or private party venue, you might wear business casual, dressy, or holiday-themed clothing. This is especially true if the event also extends to the company's customers or clients, turning the party into a professional networking and client-building opportunity. These holiday parties may help you network with potential future employers outside of your job profile, so it's important to look professional.
Dress code
Some companies take all the guesswork out of what to wear and publish an official dress code when sending invites to the work holiday party. Some might even have a contest for best dressed or most festive holiday sweater. Either way, having the company relay exactly what to wear — whether that be business casual, formal attire, or holiday-themed clothing — can simplify your decision when it comes to getting ready for the party. You can ask the party organizers or your company's human resources department for dress code guidance.
Personal budget
If you don't have anything that fits the dress code, you may have to journey to the store to find what you need. This is where your personal budget comes into consideration. Most companies aren't going to expect you to buy a whole new wardrobe just for the party, and there are many options to consider before going all out on a shopping trip.
Asking friends to lend you a dress or blazer can provide you with what you need without a pricey shopping trip. Another option is renting a suit, dress, or accessories for the evening. This can provide you with the formal or business casual attire you need for the party and is significantly less expensive than buying the items yourself.
Personal image
The image you want to portray can play a part in deciding what to wear. Formal attire can offer a certain air of sophistication, while business casual clothing might present a more professional image. Fun festive attire, such as silly sweaters and accessories, can portray an easygoing personal image that can help you build lasting professional relationships.
State of your clothing
Ensuring your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and free from any holes or tears can go a long way to presenting the image you want to portray during the party. It's also a good idea to try on what you want to wear a week or two before the party to ensure it fits well and looks the way you envision.
This is also a good time to send your clothing off to the dry cleaners, if needed, or to clean and iron the pieces you want to wear, preventing any last-minute ironing sessions or frantic changes to your outfit. Preparing your outfit beforehand can also help you get ready faster and ensure you arrive at the party on time.
Work holiday parties are fun events that are filled with laughter, memories, and celebration. Since your outfit reflects your personality, choosing what to wear to a big company event can be intimidating. Knowing what to wear to your work holiday event takes the stress out of figuring out your outfit and lets you focus on having fun at the party.
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