What to Wear: Our HR Team’s Holiday Office Party Advice
Our human resources duo, Stacey and Jackie, has teamed up to give you their top 10 tips for making the most of your work holiday party. Whether you need advice on how to dress or navigate the social part of the evening, these ladies know their stuff. Here’s their do’s, don’ts, and outfit recommendations to help take the guess-work out of this year’s office holiday party.
Tip 1: Keep your industry in mind.
Every work environment is different. If no attire is mentioned on the invite, making a judgment call based on your industry a great way to make your outfit choice. (If attire is mentioned, click your needed attire to view our recommendations: business casual, cocktail, or formal/black tie.) It is very important to keep your office dress code in mind when choosing your holiday party look. If you work in a corporate office, choose a dress that would be acceptable if worn to work or top a less office-worthy style with a blazer. If working in a creative environment, you may have a bit more leeway here. Below are our top picks based on these environments. Shop the full work holiday party collection here.
Corporate:
Creative:
Don’t forget to keep the event itself in mind. Is it directly after work? Elevate your day look with sparkling handbags, switch out your cardigan for a structured topper or moto jacket, or swap your day accessories for dressier elements. In the words of our head designer, “sparkle isn’t a phase, it’s a lifestyle.” So don’t be afraid to add a little pizzazz. Here are some accessories that will do the trick:
Tip 2: Follow classic school rules.
Remember these old-school guidelines?
The finger-tip test: Your skirt hem should be at least as long as your fingertips when your arms are at your sides.
The 3-finger test: The straps of your dress should be at least 3 fingers wide.
Again, if in a creative environment, these rules may not be as relevant, but we like to err on the side of caution. Here is a party dress that passes this test with flying colors:
Tip 3: Mind your undergarments.
Three words: pictures last forever. In this Snapchat and Instagram-crazed world, what happens at the holiday party often does not stay at the holiday party. Rogue bra straps, sheer fabrics, and other possible wardrobe malfunctions are best avoided. Also, don’t forget about the flash setting! Holiday parties that take place in darker-than-usual locales may call for flash-photography. Keep that in mind when selecting your dress and undergarments as you want to make sure nothing is shining through in these photos but your personality. Our collection of work holiday party dresses are fully lined where it matters. Shop them here.
Tip 4: Take a second look based on a first impression.
If the first word that comes to mind about your look is sexy, reevaluate your dress choice. As Jackie would say, if you wouldn’t wear it in front of your family, you shouldn’t wear it at all.
Tip 5: Does your look past this test?
While we would never recommend “dropping it low” at your office holiday party, the drop it low test is certainly effective ahead of the event. When you bend over or dance around in your dress, does it cover your backside? If your dress doesn’t stay put, un-invite it to the party.
Tip 6: Don’t be afraid of color.
How you interpret this is totally up to your personal style. From a bright and cheerful dress that mirrors the holiday spirit to pop of color by way of accessories, there is no going wrong here.
Tip 7: Balance is key.
If you go with a conservative dress, add playful high heels or a red-lip. If going a little more showy, add a blazer or a moto jacket. A playful mix isn’t a problem as long as there is balance.
Tip 8: Let your hair down, but not your guard.
While this is a time to celebrate everyone’s hard work and get to know your team on a more personal level, keep in mind that it is not a social gathering among friends. Put your best professional foot forward both in outfit and in attitude. Dress for success and ensure that this one night doesn’t change your colleagues’ views of you.
Tip 9: Everything is good in moderation.
It may go without saying, but we’re going to say it– be mindful of alcohol intake. Have fun, but don’t go crazy. After all, these are the people that are charged with your annual reviews, future promotions, and recommendations.
Tip 10: Break away from your normal group.
Our final tip? Get to know more than just those in your department! Make a new friend, get to know a new coworker, challenge yourself to get outside of your comfort zone. You never know what connection you’ve been missing out on unless you try making a new connection with someone you pass in the hallway every day.
Shop our full Work Holiday Party collection here.
What are your top tips for attending an office holiday party? Let us know in the comments.