8 office holiday party outfits
The trick is to look like you dressed for the party without forgetting where the party is. These eight all pass that test.
Straight after work
- 1. Velvet blazer, silk blouse. Black wide-leg trousers, an ivory blouse, an emerald velvet blazer, gold earrings and loafers. Wear the trousers all day, add the blazer at five.
- 2. The knit dress and big earrings. A navy knit midi dress, statement earrings and navy heels. Quiet all day, and the earrings do the party.
- 3. A turtleneck and a sequin skirt. A black turtleneck, a gold sequin midi skirt and ankle boots. The sweater keeps it office, the skirt says party.
- 4. The soft suit. A camel trouser suit, a champagne satin cami and pointed flats. Take the jacket off at the party and the cami does the talking.
Dinner, drinks or a dressier party
- 5. Slip dress, oversized blazer. A black satin slip dress under a black blazer, with kitten heels. Elegant, and the blazer keeps it appropriate.
- 6. The velvet wrap dress. A burgundy velvet wrap dress, sheer tights and classic pumps. Festive, flattering and right for a seated dinner.
- 7. A sparkly knit. Cream wide-leg trousers, a silver sparkly knit and strappy heels. The shine is on the soft part, which makes it easy to wear.
- 8. Satin skirt, fine knit, pearls. An emerald satin midi skirt, a black fine knit, pearl earrings and Mary Janes. Classic with a little wink.
Read the invitation first
The same party can mean three different nights. Here is how to read it:
- Drinks in the office, right after work. Keep the base of your morning outfit and add one festive piece at five.
- Dinner at a restaurant. One step up: a velvet or satin piece, a heel you can sit and stand in, a coat that finishes it.
- It says cocktail. A dress or a dressy skirt, sheer tights or bare legs, and the sparkle can be bigger.
One thing that shines, the work version
Velvet, satin, a little sequin or big earrings, just one. Keep necklines and hemlines where you'd keep them on a Tuesday, and let the fabric do the celebrating.
From desk to party in five minutes
Pack a small pouch in the morning and the change takes five minutes:
- Statement earrings, the fastest party in the bag
- A lipstick in a deeper shade than your daytime one
- Your perfume, the evening one
- A blazer to swap for your cardigan
- Optional: a second pair of shoes, only if you can stand in them
What to skip
Anything you'd tug at all night, shoes you can't stand in for two hours, and sequins head to toe. You'll still see these people on Monday.
Not at work? Here is the friends and family holiday party guide. Thanksgiving first? 12 outfit ideas with room for pie. New Year’s Eve next? Wear the night you’re actually having.
Have one glass of something lovely, and leave while it’s still fun ♡
Luna ☾
Quick questions
What should I wear to an office holiday party?
Your best work outfit plus one festive piece: a velvet blazer, a satin skirt, a sparkly knit or statement earrings, with shoes you can stand in.
Can I wear sequins to an office party?
Yes, in one piece only, like a sequin skirt with a plain sweater. Sequins head to toe work better for New Year’s Eve.
Is a black dress OK for an office holiday party?
Yes. Make it festive with velvet or satin, statement earrings or a colored blazer, and keep the length work-friendly.
