What to Wear to a Holiday Work Party

My first experience figuring out what to wear to a holiday work party was fresh out of college, when I was working as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs. Back then, the parties were pretty epic, at least in my 21-year-old mind. Everyone got very dressed up, they rented a bougie space, and there was amazing food and an open bar. (Not that I drank at that point in my life, but I still thought it was fancy.)

Then I moved to the South. And the parties at work (specifically BB&T Bank)  were a lot different. Think chili cook-off in a conference room. Alas.

My next job was at Wells Fargo, and it fell somewhere in the middle. We just had a happy hour after work, and people got a little dressed up, e.g., a nice sweater or work-appropriate dress with festive earrings.

And now that I work for myself, the only work party I attend is my husband’s holiday work party, which is cocktail attire. Although I have enough people on my team now that I should start hosting my own holiday party.

All that to say, no matter what kind of work holiday party you’re attending, I’ve been to it, and I can help you feel festive without going over the top since you definitely need to dress differently for a work party vs. a holiday cocktail party with friends or at the country club.

Holiday Party Dress Code: Festive Business Attire, Cocktail, or Casual?

Before shopping or rifling through your closet, check the invitation or ask around the office about the dress code. Some office holiday parties are cocktail attire, while others are more casual or even themed (like Ugly Christmas Sweaters, for example).

Understanding the expectations will make sure you show up in an outfit that’s on-point and avoid any fashion (or HR) faux pas.

If your invitation names a holiday party dress code, here’s how I translate it:

• Cocktail: This is the dressiest you’ll see at most office parties. I think of it as what I’d wear to a nice dinner out: a dress, or dressy separates like a satin blouse and trousers.
• Festive business attire (or business casual): This is what most invitations mean, even when they don’t spell it out. I take a normal work outfit up a notch with a holiday color or a sparkly accessory. Casual or themed: Dark jeans are usually fine, and if there’s a theme like ugly sweaters or tartan, lean into it and make it fun.

Now, onto some ideas for different dress codes:

Cocktail Holiday Work Party Outfit Ideas

Let’s say your office party is cocktail attire. Finding the right work holiday party dress can be tricky, since you want something appropriate around coworkers that still feels like party clothes.

When in doubt, go for a classic dress with a festive twist. Here are a few tips:

Go for seasonal colors:

Jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue are always holiday favorites. Or, look for dresses that have gold, silver, or pearl accents. And if you’d rather skip color entirely, just wear black. It’s always chic at a work party and can be dressed up with accessories.

Keep it modest:

What’s “modest” depends on your office culture and the venue, but when in doubt, don’t go too short or too low-cut. If you’re wearing a short dress, consider pairing it with tights, or opt for a dress that has sleeves.

A perfect dress for a holiday work party is the French Connection Long Sleeve Minidress. The long sleeves make a mini feel more conservative for a work party, and the fit is beyond flattering. I paired it with sheer tights,  Veronica Beard Kitten Heel Booties, black & gold earrings, and a black satin clutch. (Quick tip: this dress is on sale at French Connection, so snag it if your size is available. Otherwise, Nordstrom has it fully stocked.)

If your work party is on the dressier side, I like the Black Off-the-Shoulder Sybil Sweater Dress from Tuckernuck. It has long sleeves and a midi length, so the neckline is the only skin showing, and it’s classy. If you prefer more coverage up top, the Banana Republic Turtleneck Maxi Dress is stunning, and the slit makes it feel more party-appropriate.

If you love velvet, I’ve had the velvet Elodie Dress from Tuckernuck for years, and it’s still available in Black Velvet and Pine Burnout Velvet.

Play with textures:

Velvet, lace, and satin are all great options for a festive but sophisticated outfit, and if you purchase a dress in a simple, classic style, you can wear it for years (I promise no one will remember). Not every one of my favorite affordable holiday cocktail dresses is work-appropriate, but a few are.

I got the Banana Republic Maxi Dress for a work dinner and felt absolutely gorgeous in it. It’s super forgiving and not overly expensive, and it also comes in a dark burgundy, which looks great for the holidays as well. I paired it with simple black heels and a black clutch.

For jacquard, I like the simple fit of the Tuckernuck Gilded Blossom Dress. The fabric itself makes it festive, but if jacquard isn’t your thing, it comes in other colors. Wear it with sheer tights, or brave it with just a simple black pump.

If you only buy one dress for the holidays, I’d make it the Noir Vivianne Dress from Tuckernuck. I’ve worn it to too many holiday parties to count, to Christmas Eve services, to family parties, and to the office for a regular workday. It’s cute with tights and ankle boots, or tall black boots and tights if it’s chilly out. When I want to dress it up, I pull my hair up and wear statement earrings.

Statement Tops with Trousers:

A lace or satin blouse paired with tailored black trousers is festive and still office-appropriate. You could even wear this to the office during the day under a blazer and trade your accessories for the evening. (More on accessories below.)

The Iris Knit Top from Reformation is good for date night as well as your work party, and satin pants make it dressy enough for cocktail attire. If you want to be a little edgier, wear it with leather pants, or pair it with dark jeans.

I am pictured in:

• Reformation Iris Knit Top
• Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse
• Cash Flow Faux Fur Jacket
• Lulu Loop Studs
• Black Satin Gabrielle Clutch
• Black Satin Audrey Heels

The Banana Republic Tie-Neck Top is another great top option you can dress up or down. Make it more casual with dark jeans or dressier with trousers and jewelry. 

Matching Sets:

If you want something a little unique, the Red Dupioni Opal Straight Mini Skirt and Red Dupioni Trapunto Stitch Sofia Shirt from Tuckernuck is a fun, festive set, and you can wear each piece separately through the entire holiday season. The skirt is short, so pair it with flats or low heels for a work party. For something less bold (and with a little more coverage), the Pleated Metallic Sweater Skirt and Metallic Cardigan Sweater from Banana Republic are pretty. A set is my favorite middle ground when I don’t want to wear a dress, and it’s easy to pack and change into at the office before heading to the venue.

A velvet suit:

I got a velvet suit a few years ago, and I immediately thought it’d be great for a festive work party if you don’t like to wear dresses. This Velvet Waisted Jacket from Boden and the Canonbury Velvet Pants are in stock now, and together they feel dressy and festive. (And the pants could be paired with a tee and white Vejas for a low-key holiday outfit, perhaps for a kid’s school party.)

Skirts and Sweaters:

A midi skirt (lace, satin, or even tulle) with a turtleneck or a festive sweater is an elegant (and comfortable) look. Pair your skirt with pointy-toe heels or flats to keep it dressy and not too matronly or juvenile. I was 21 when I attended my very first work party, and I wore a velvet skirt and sweater paired with tights, and it’s a look I’d still wear almost 20 years later.

Business Casual Holiday Work Party Outfits

Most office parties I went to called for a business casual holiday outfit, especially the ones held at the office or right after work. For a holiday party, business casual means one notch up from what you’d wear to work on a normal day. Unless the invitation says casual, I’d skip denim and wear work trousers or a dress.

Silk pants with a festive sweater or blazer:

Silk pants with a sweater or blazer in a holiday color like red or emerald are an easy step up from your usual work trousers. I wore the Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse with a red cardigan and these Bells & Stocking Needlepoint Loafers, which are festive and cute. The blouse-and-trousers look above works here too, with flats.

A skirt with a fine-gauge knit:

A satin skirt with a turtleneck is classic. In these photos, I wore a satin maxi skirt in red with the black Montecito Turtleneck, and the skirt is an affordable Amazon find I really like. You could also pair it with a traditional black cardigan like an Aritzia Cashmere Cardigan or a cream sweater like the Modern Citizen Sweater for a little more interest (and warmth).

A work dress with a velvet or tweed blazer:

Take the dress you’d wear to a big meeting and swap your usual blazer for velvet or tweed. The Boden velvet jacket and pants would work well for this. If you’re layering over separates instead, I have a guide on what to wear under a blazer.

I also have more winter work outfit ideas if you want to start from something you already wear to the office.

And if you’re still stuck, here’s my when-in-doubt rule for a work holiday party outfit: throw a red cardigan over whatever you were already going to wear. In these photos, I’m wearing the Othello Cardigan in Red from Sézane with the Cosmo pants and the needlepoint loafers.

If you’re styling a cardigan you already own, you can check what to wear under a cardigan.

Casual Holiday Work Party Outfits

If your work party is more casual or even themed (maybe tacky Christmas sweaters), you’re off the hook for dress shopping. Instead, opt for something similar to what you’d wear on a regular day of work, but make it festive.

Wear seasonal colors:

Even if you’re sticking to dark denim or work slacks, you can wear a festive-colored top or blazer. Plaid counts too, and tartan dresses and skirts are an easy way to go all in. If you need a dark pair of jeans, the Pilcro Trouser Jeans look more like trousers than denim.

Tacky Christmas Sweaters:

If your party has a Christmas sweater theme, my favorite Fair Isle Christmas sweaters range from a little tacky to classic winter knits you could wear all season.

If you’d rather lean all the way into the theme, go for a cute ugly Christmas sweater.

Holiday Work Party Accessories

The easiest route is to wear something you already own and make it festive with accessories. Jeweled flats or statement earrings can turn a regular work outfit into a party outfit.

Go Subtle:

Especially if you’re dressing up, choose subtle sparkles, like stud earrings or a delicate bracelet. I wore the Lulu Loop Studs with both of my satin pant looks, and the Gold Bezel Cluster Earrings from Tuckernuck go with almost anything. As I mentioned above, if you’re sticking to a simple Christmas dress, then a pair of statement earrings is okay, like the Prize Earrings I wore with my black dress. Boden’s Statement Cluster Studs in Red Multi are festive but could also work for the office with an everyday outfit. 

Metallic:

A metallic clutch or heels embellished with bows or jewels add some shine. For flats, I like Boden’s Patti Embellished Ballet Flats in black suede. If you’d rather keep it classic, the Black Satin Audrey Heels are one of my favorites and the Tuckernuck Satin Clutch matches them.

Holiday Footwear

Comfort is key, especially if the office holiday party involves dancing or standing for long periods.

Stick to heels or dressy flats that you’re comfortable walking in:

Platform heels can be shockingly comfortable despite the height because the platform essentially lowers the heel height. This pair of Loeffler Randall Rivka heels is my favorite style for platform heels. They’re comfortable and a great investment since the style is timeless. 

Avoid stiletto heels

Uneven or slick surfaces can turn a fun night into an embarrassing event if you can’t walk straight (even if you haven’t had a drop of alcohol). If you really want to wear heels, I recommend the Hazel Pumps from Sam Edelman or the Tuckernuck satin heels. I shared all of my favorite comfortable work shoes in this roundup.

Opt for flats if needed:

While I absolutely love heels, you can find festive ballet flats if you prefer something easier to walk in.

Don’t forget about kitten heels:

Kitten heels have a short, slender heel (usually 1 to 2”) and are a great alternative to high heels. They look dressier than flats, and they’re a lot easier to stand in all night than a tall heel. These Badgley Mischka Carrie pumps would be perfect. For a booted version, the Laidie Kitten Heel Booties I wore with my black dress have the same low heel.

Staying Warm

Covering up a dressy outfit can feel tricky, since your everyday coat doesn’t always look right over a party dress. A couple of dressier layers fix that, and you’ll wear them every holiday season.

Outerlayers:

Bring a tailored blazer or cardigan to layer over your dress or top. Here are more ideas for jackets to wear with dresses.

If your party is cocktail or black tie, a faux fur stole or wrap is not only gorgeous but practical, i.e., warm. It can work well even if the rest of your outfit is on the low-key end. Just treat it like the main accessory. I invested in a black fur jacket a few years ago and wear it every year, and I am so glad I have it. The Cash Flow Faux Fur Jacket is very similar. If you want something more dramatic, the Obsession Feather Cape is a fun cocktail-attire option.

Long coats, particularly in winter white. It will pair well with lots of dressier looks. Here’s a roundup of the best winter coats.

Holiday Work Party Attire FAQs

The Bottom Line

Choosing what to wear to a holiday work party is all about finding that sweet spot between professional and festive. But most of all, enjoy the party (and don’t get drunk). That’s never professional.

For the rest of your holiday calendar, my holiday outfits and gift guides are all in one place.

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