Glide from office to Christmas party
The secret to nailing an office party outfit is to elevate your everyday look - without going over the top, writes
Every year, the Christmas party season seems to come around earlier, and so do dilemmas over what to wear.
I think the secret to nailing an office party outfit is to elevate your everyday look without going over the top. What’s important to appreciate is that every outfit we choose sends a message. So choose carefully, while still letting your personality shine through – because that’s why they hired you, right?
Hadley Freeman, of The Guardian, put it quite hilariously: ‘‘You need your outfit to make so many conflicting statements ... ‘This outfit shows someone with secret depths of creativity, someone who is a little more woke, a little more on it than you thought ... someone who gets invited to secret midnight gigs, which is totally how I spend my evenings after you see me leave the office, not just sitting on my [couch].’’
Freeman is right. Just remember the last time the boss turned up to a party in skinny jeans... when he hadn’t worn them all year.
If it gets too hard, this cheat sheet will guarantee (see note) you taking home the ‘‘best dressed’’ prize.
Rock some red
Or green, just not in the same outfit, or you may look a little Bridget Jones. Think of introducing colour in less-than-obvious ways that don’t look cheesy. A chunky necklace from Dinosaur Designs or Marni is a great way to wear red or green while looking super chic.
Go for a onesie
A jumpsuit is a perfect work party outfit as you can dress it up, hit the dance floor and not risk too many wardrobe malfunctions. My preferred style for work gigs is a wide leg with a cold shoulder – just the right amount of sexy in front of management.
Let it snow
Unless you work in a laboratory, you probably don’t wear white to work that often, so it’s a great choice for the party. And given you’re likely to look super sunkissed under those disco lights, you can save money on a spray tan. Just watch the tomato sauce.
Press ‘‘print’’
If you’re a block colour gal, a print can be an attention-grabbing way to say, ‘‘Hey, it’s been a hard year, let’s drain a bottle of Champagne, colleague’’. Prints tend to put people in good moods, especially if the prints are vibrant. Just have a close look at your preferred print before the party to make sure it doesn’t contain any hidden nudes (true story).
Shine like a diamond
Sparkle like the star you have been all year by donning a little dazzle for your celebration. A sparkly pair of heels, in green or silver, is a perfect way to spend your Christmas bonus, and you’ll wear them again more than you are, say, a sequinned dress. Although if you also have to go to your partner’s do... that’s a whole other fashion debacle.
Note: Now this is not an actual guarantee, it just gives you a greater chance than your old mate in his skinny jeans!