Do you have a holiday office party to attend this month? It's not uncommon for companies to thank their employees by throwing an event to mark the time of year. Figuring out what to wear to these shindigs can come with its own set of challenges. Holiday office parties aren't as easy to dress for as regular holiday events because you'll be interacting with the same co-workers you see in a business environment. You want to keep it professional and festive. Is it possible to marry to the two?
Being of practical mind, I thought about holiday office party dresses that can be worn beyond the celebration itself. There is little point in buying one dress for an office party that can't be worn again, particularly to work, where you spend most of your time. In addition, many office parties start right after the workday making it nearly impossible to change. I gave some thought to the idea of dresses that can be dressed up and dressed down so they not only become more versatile in nature but also allow for a quick accessory change to take them from work appropriate to holiday office party ready. I also avoided super sexy outfits. These are your co-workers and you will have to see them the next day in a professional capacity. Even if you are off the clock, you should be thinking in a professional manner. Avoid plunging necklines, high slits and anything sheer. Take a look at some of the quick switches I did below along with some additional dresses to choose from below.
Holiday Office Party Dresses You Can Wear After the Party is Over
Here are three holiday office party dresses, each styled two ways; one for the party and the other for work. If you are buying a new dress, think about styles that can be worn again to work in a more professional manner, or use these tips to find a dress in your closet that can be accessorized in a way that looks more after-five.
Outfit #1
I took this basic red sheath from Elie Tahari and styled it for the party and for work with a few subtle tweaks. For the party I added these embellished Ted Baker heels and jeweled necklace from Bauble Bar. For warmth I used this grey shrug that can also go to work.
For the office, in addition to the grey shrug, I added these versatile nude pumps from Corso Como, earrings from Soko and long necklace from Banana Republic.
Outfit #2
For women who don't wear heels, I love that there are more and more formal flats out there. I specifically created this look with this in mind. I styled these Badgley Mischka flats with this navy textured fit-and-flare dress from Reiss and added these blingy earrings and bracelet.
For work, I swapped out the bling for more understated accessories, including these comfortable wedges from Cole Haan and chain link necklace from BCBG.
Outfit #3
In these two outfits all I really did was swap out shoes and add a blazer. I styled this green sheath from Hugo Boss with these strappy gold heels from Vince Camuto, earrings and necklace from Reiss.
In the look on the right, I swapped out the dressier shoes with these leopard pumps from Jeffrey Campbell and added this navy J. Crew blazer. I kept the jewelry the same.