With Christmas only 4 weeks away, most of us are busy planning our holidays, organising our agendas, and choosing gifts for friends, relatives, and work colleagues. During this busy period, choosing what to wear to the office Christmas party can be a daunting task, so in this article we have put together a list of suggestions that can inspire you.

Choosing an outfit for the company’s Christmas staff party: do’s and don’ts

Office Christmas parties provide an opportunity to relate to your colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere and outside the rigid dress codes of the corporate world. However, this does not mean that everything goes when it comes to choosing an outfit. Although it is true that the dictates of appropriateness vary from company to company, there are certain general guidelines that can help you decide what is appropriate or inappropriate in terms of a Christmas party outfit.

As a general rule of thumb, you should not choose an outfit that will attract unwanted attention. This includes clothing that is too revealing or “alternative”. Needless to say, showing too much cleavage or wearing a dress that is shorter than mid-thigh will probably be considered inappropriate. Another way to look at it is not choosing anything that you would not want your boss to see you dressed in.

It is also important to consider where the party will take place. Certain outfits are appropriate for a lunch party but not for a formal event at a 4-star hotel, and vice versa. Lastly, it is better to avoid excessive displays of jewellery or anything too “glitzy”.

Formal Christmas party outfit ideas

If your office party is going to be a black tie event or the invitation specifies that cocktail attire is required, you may find the following suggestions useful:

•  For ladies:

You may wear an evening gown or a black dress at or below the knee. However, do not overdo the “festive” side of the event by wearing a dress that is completely covered in sequins. Heels or sandals should be in dark, silver, or gold tones.

•  For gents:

During a black tie Christmas party, gentlemen have the option of donning a tuxedo or, at the very least, a formal suit in dark colours. A black tie or bowtie are also required. Socks and shoes should also be black. This is an opportunity to wear additional garments like formal waistcoats.

Semi-formal Christmas party outfit ideas

•  For ladies:

At these events you could combine a pencil skirt with a strapless bodice and wear a bolero jacket on top. Black dresses that are not too short are also appropriate, and so are combinations of skirts or formal trousers with cropped jumpers or an elegant vest top with a blazer.

•  For gents:

Outfit ideas in this category include button-up shirts in a solid colour and formal trousers. Ties are not always required, so check with your colleagues first. Style guides recommend avoiding fabrics like wool or cashmere at semi-formal parties. Oxford-style shoes in dark colours are also appropriate.

Casual Christmas party outfit ideas

At events like these, both ladies and gents may wear dark denim and dress it up with a collared shirt or a stylish vest top. Casual trousers like khakis could be an option for gents. Ladies could team a (not too short) mini skirt with opaque stockings and a turtleneck top. Jackets and blazers are not over the top at casual parties. If your company has a “dress down Friday” policy, you can draw on that for inspiration.

Christmas party outfit accessories

Accessories can ruin an otherwise appropriate outfit, and the office Christmas party is no exception. At formal and semi-formal parties, ladies should avoid large accessories or jewellery that is too elaborate. Think along the lines of clutch bags and stud or diamond drop earrings. Gentlemen should not forget to complement their formal outfit with a good quality leather belt and cufflinks.

During casual parties, you have the opportunity to accessorise with scarves, jewellery, ties, and belts that have bolder patterns.