The perfect outfit for a Christmas party at work: ideas & styling tips
Throwing a Christmas work party is a popular way for a lot of companies to celebrate a successful financial year. You might ask yourself how you should dress for this festive occasion with your colleagues to celebrate the end of the year. The motto is: festive and elegant, yet still professional. The right Christmas party outfit can help you achieve this balancing act. In this article, we will give you inspiration and tips on Christmas party dress codes.
Christmas party work outfit: dress codes
Before you choose your Christmas party work outfit, it's a good idea to ask about the dress code. Some companies specify in the invitation how you should dress, while others give you plenty of freedom. Most companies will have one of the following Christmas party dress codes:
Christmas party dress code: elegant & festive
This Christmas party dress code is quite formal and is a festive counterpart to classic office wear. Even though company Christmas parties are rarely black-tie events, your outfit should still be tasteful and elegant. For men, a suit in muted colours is a good choice, while women will look great in an elegant dress or two-piece suit in jewel tones.
Christmas party dress code: smart casual
This sporty, elegant dress code is suitable for office Christmas parties where you want to look smart but not overdressed. Therefore, this Christmas party dress code is the ideal choice for Christmas parties in the office or in a cosy restaurant atmosphere. An elegant blouse or a high-quality fine knit jumper worn with a pair of elegant trousers or a midi skirt is a stylish option for ladies. Jumpsuits and dresses in traditional Christmas colours are an attractive alternative. Men can combine a pair of well-fitting trousers, a smart shirt and a blazer to strike a balance between a professional and casual style.
Something special: a Christmas motto party at the office
Christmas work parties with a motto give you the opportunity to try something other than your usual office styles and you can show off a different fashionable side of yourself. Popular themes include ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Glitz and Glamour’ or the classic “Ugly Christmas Sweaters“. You can use your imagination and get creative here. However, it is important to stay professional, even at fun and creative company Christmas parties. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to create the craziest or most extravagant Christmas party outfit in the office. Rather choose a suitable outfit which you feel comfortable in.
A Christmas outfit for an office party: ideas for different dress codes
Even if your company has not given you a specific dress code, there are still two important factors that will influence how you should dress for your Christmas office party: the location and your company’s corporate identity.
Styling tips: Christmas party dress code for different event locations
The dress code of your Christmas office party will depend on the location of the event. For example, it may take place in a restaurant, a casual bar or in the office. Another important factor is whether the party will in part take place outdoors. A general rule of thumb is:
An exclusive event location, such as an upscale restaurant, also requires a festive and elegant Christmas party dress code. An elegant winter dress or a trouser suit for women or a smart suit for men are usually the right choice in this case.
If the ambience is a little cosier, for example in a rustic restaurant or lounge, you can wear a more casual Christmas office party outfit. For a festive but more casual look, women can pair a smart blouse or jumper with a pair of trousers or a skirt. Instead of a classic suit, men can combine a shirt or a chic jumper with a pair of chinos and a blazer.
For a Christmas party at the office, your outfit can be a little smarter than the everyday office dress code. Understated and elegant winter outfits look particularly good in this setting.
Some companies use a Christmas party to go on a group outing. For example, you may go for a stroll around the Christmas market or go ice skating together. To stay warm and look stylish even when it’s cold outside, you can pair a chic but simple outfit with warm outerwear. It is also a good idea to wear flat shoes.
Styling tips: Christmas party dress code to suit your company’s corporate identity
From classic to modern and creative: corporate identity has a strong influence on what you should wear to an office Christmas party. While Christmas party outfits in conservative industries should be elegant and professional, outfits in creative industries can often be more individualistic and unique. Unless your office tells you otherwise, the Christmas party dress code in most companies is usually a chicer version of your everyday office dress code. Companies with a more relaxed dress code are not likely to expect you to wear a smart suit or dress to the Christmas party, but rather a smart casual ensemble.
Festive office Christmas party outfits for women
The right Christmas office party outfit for women should enable you to relax into the festive atmosphere and look stylish too. From elegant winter dresses to festive blouses or trouser suits, there are plenty of options to help you create the perfect look for your Christmas office party. Let our festive outfit ideas inspire you:
An elegant winter dress to wear to your Christmas work party
Winter dresses are a simple yet elegant choice and can be styled to suit most dress codes. The perfect dress for your Christmas work party shouldn’t be too short. Midi or maxi-length dresses with an elegant and loose cut are optimal. Cosy knitted dresses or soft velvet dresses are especially suitable for winter and look festive too. Complete your look with dainty jewellery and classic pumps.
A stylish trouser suit or jumpsuit as a Christmas party work outfit
A trouser suit is a stylish alternative to a dress. It pairs particularly well with a shirt or blouse. On the other hand, a jumpsuit in muted or subtle Christmas colours is a modern option that you can style to suit your Christmas work party. An elegant hairstyle and dainty jewellery will add a feminine touch to your Christmas work party outfit.
Skirt and trouser combinations as a Christmas work party outfit
Blouses made of fine materials such as silk or chiffon or a soft, flowing fine knit jumper can be paired beautifully with an A-line skirt or smart trousers and are suitable for a lot of Christmas work party dress codes. Winter fabrics such as virgin wool, suede, corduroy or tweed not only look chic, but also keep you warm. How you style your accessories, shoes, and hairstyle will determine whether your two-piece outfit looks casual and cosy or smart and elegant.
Elegant office Christmas party work outfits for men
A classic suit, a smart casual look or an outfit with festive detailing are all great options for men. With the right men’s Christmas party work outfit, you can show off your style but stay professional. We'll show you how to create an elegant but festive outfit:
A classic suit as an outfit for a Christmas party work outfit
With a well-tailored suit, you are always on the safe side for festive Christmas party dress codes. Dark colours such as black, dark grey or navy look classic and professional, but can be adapted to suit a festive occasion with small details. A tie embroidered with subtle winter motifs will complement your outfit perfectly without looking tacky.
A smart casual look for a Christmas party work outfit
For Christmas parties with a casual yet elegant dress code, smart trousers combined with a shirt or fine knit jumper are an ideal option. Chinos in muted colours or wintery tweed-look trousers are perfect for creating a classic and understated Christmas party work outfit. A blazer will complete your look and make you look even more professional.
Smart casual outfits for a Christmas party at work
At Christmas parties with a casual, cosy atmosphere, you can generally do without a blazer and suit trousers. Instead, you can combine casual trousers or smart, dark jeans with a shirt or a high-quality fine-knit jumper. Alternatively, you can opt for a warm cardigan as a layering piece.
Is there a dress code for your Christmas work party? Not every company has a dress code for office parties, which can be a little unsettling for new employees. If you aren’t sure about what to wear to your Christmas work party, you can ask the team who organised it or, if necessary, ask your colleagues.
Elegant and warm outfits for a Christmas party at work: do’s and don’ts
Even if you have been given a dress code for your Christmas work party, there are a few general styling rules that you can stick to, to avoid a fashion faux pas:
Christmas outfits for an office party: do’s
Christmas colours such as pine green or wine red
Simple colours such as navy blue or black
Glittering clothing paired with plain items of clothing
Classic winter must-haves (e.g. polo-neck jumpers, jumpers, knitted dresses, midi skirts)
Christmas-themed accessories (e.g. an embroidered tie, earrings with winter motifs)
Christmas outfits for an office party: don’ts
Bright colours
Summery prints
Short or low-cut clothing
Casual clothing (e.g. destroyed look jeans, hoodies)
Conclusion: elegant & warm outfits for your Christmas party at work
Your Christmas work party outfit should look both festive and professional. If you know what the Christmas party dress code is, it's best to follow it. If you don’t have a dress code, you can plan your Christmas work party outfit to suit the location of the party and also the company’s corporate identity. Additionally, you can also ask your colleagues. These guidelines will help you put together an outfit in which you can enjoy the evening comfortably and still look stylish.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order
Cover photo: Vasyl – stock.adobe.com
All other images in text: C&A