What To Wear To A Work Christmas Party?
So the email's arrived. "Annual Christmas celebration—attendance strongly encouraged!" Which really means mandatory, doesn't it?
Now you've got time to figure out what on earth to wear. Something festive enough that it looks like you tried. Professional enough that Susan from HR won't give you that look. Comfortable enough that you're not spending the entire evening yanking your hemline down while nodding along to someone's story about their renovations.
Ready to find YOUR work Christmas Party outfit? Just what actually works when you need to look good in front of people you'll face Monday morning.
In this article:
- Work Christmas Party Dress Codes
Work Christmas Party Dress Codes
Before you panic-order something from ASOS at 2am, spend five minutes working out what "festive attire" means at your specific company.
"Smart Casual" - 80% of invitations
Here's what it actually translates to: dress nicely, but we're not hiring the ballroom at Claridge's. Think more "nice restaurant" than "my cousin's wedding." A midi dress works. A jumpsuit with heels works. That skirt you'd never wear to Tuesday's finance meeting paired with a silk top—also works.
You can add sparkle, but maybe through your accessories rather than turning up covered head-to-toe in sequins like a mobile disco ball.
"Formal"
Usually means your company's splashed out on a proper venue. Hotels with chandeliers. Restaurants with tablecloths that aren't paper.
Translation: wedding guest level. Maxi dresses fit here. Long gowns absolutely work. Sophisticated midi dresses in expensive-looking fabrics. Just keep it appropriate for people who approve your annual leave requests. Save the backless numbers for actual parties with actual friends who won't remember on Monday.
"Festive"
Startups do this. Creative agencies. Companies run by people under 40 who use words like "synergy" unironically.
This means: go wild. Sequins are expected, not questioned. Bold colours get compliments. That slightly mental dress you've been saving—this is literally why you bought it.
The Safe Bet: Black Dresses
Everyone says "wear a black dress" for everything from job interviews to funerals to your mate's birthday drinks. But there's a reason it's basically a cliché at this point—it properly works. It photographs well under those horrible office party lights. It suits basically everyone. You can dress it up or down depending on whether you've misjudged the vibe.
What Actually Looks Good
Texture matters more than you think. Plain black can look properly flat under party lighting—bit depressing, really. You want black dresses:
- Lace panels or overlays
- Velvet (we'll get to this, but velvet photographs like a dream)
- Interesting necklines—cowl necks, wrap fronts, those off-shoulder ones if you can pull them off
- Fabrics with some weight to them that drape nicely
Length-wise, anything from just-above-knee to midi works for most offices. Going shorter than mid-thigh is risky unless you work somewhere very relaxed.
Sequin & Glitter Dresses
The trick to sequins that don't scream? It's all about choosing the right level of bling.
Going full sequin? Sequin dresses work brilliantly if your office does "festive" dress codes or you're in a creative industry.
Nervous about commitment? Try sequins just on the bodice. Or as a panel down one side. Or glitter dresses. You get the sparkle without committing to full Strictly Come Dancing.
Feel the fabric before buying if you possibly can. Some sequins are scratchy little nightmares. After an hour you're ready to rip the dress off and set it on fire. Look for ones sewn onto soft backing fabric.
Maxi Dresses
Floor-length automatically reads as "I made an effort." You look polished. And the comfort factor? Brilliant. No tugging hemlines when you sit down. No worrying about that time you have to bend slightly to get something from under the table and potentially flashing everyone.
For formal parties especially, a maxi is often the smartest choice.
Velvet Dresses
Under flash photography and those weird party lights, velvet has depth. If your venue's one of those places where the heating's broken or you're queuing outside in December, velvet dresses provide genuine warmth. Not just decorative.
Velvet Styles
Midi dress: Safe for any office. Pair with heels or nice boots.
Maxi: Dramatic and elegant. Perfect for formal dos.
Bodycon: If you're confident and have sorted your underwear situation, fitted velvet is stunning. Just be honest about comfort—velvet doesn't forgive much.
Off Shoulder Cowl Neck Velvet Dress
Off-shoulder or bardot necklines: These look particularly beautiful in velvet. Adds romance to the luxury.
Dealing With The Weather
We need to acknowledge reality. You've found the perfect dress. Now you need to wear a massive coat because it's December and you're freezing.
If you're on public transport or walking far, one beautiful wool coat in classic colour. Keeps you warm, looks intentional, wears all winter. Camel, navy, or black wool coat with good cut is worth the investment.
If you're just going car to venue, fitted velvet blazer adds warmth and works as part of your outfit rather than hiding it. Jewel tones or black. Festive and practical.
Large beautiful wrap in cashmere or wool blend drapes over shoulders. Elegant, provides warmth, takes minimal space inside.
