There are two major criteria to think about when you're picking out an outfit for an office holiday party: First, it has to be festive, and second, it has to be work appropriate. After all, you want people talking about your look the next day because of how cute it was, not because it somehow offended them. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to dress stylishly for the holidays that are totally OK for a work environment.
Sadly, just because the office holiday party is technically a "party," it doesn't mean you can just throw all of your company's clothing rules out the window. When picking out your outfit, remember not to steer too far from the everyday dress code. While some offices are more lax than others (creative workspaces, for example, tend to be more casual than corporate ones), it's best to err on the side of caution. Keep skirt and dress lengths close to the knee, and stay away from anything that might be considered closer to "clubwear" than "workwear."
Here are seven celeb-inspired takes on the office holiday party look, which are all totally appropriate for any professional setting. Just remember: Don't. Get. Too. Drunk. It won't even matter what you're wearing if people are too busy watching you try to aggressively make out with the IT guy to notice your outfit.
1. A New Take On Black Pants
Everyone has a pair of classic black work pants that they already know are office appropriate. Dress them up with a fun top — like this glitzy off the shoulder one Emma Watson is wearing — and add some fun earrings.
ASOS Off The Shoulder Top With Ruffle Sleeve, $42, ASOS
After all, it's the one time of the year you can let your shoulders hang out at work.
2. A Sequin Skirt
What would a holiday party be without a little glitter?
Sequin Pencil Skirt, $98, Ann Taylor
Make sure to choose a skirt at an office appropriate length, and pair it with some easy pumps.
3. An LBD With A Festive Pop
Make your favorite LBD more festive with a pop of red in your accessories.
Edelina Half D'Orsay Pumps, $60, Nine West
Red shoes and a red clutch will make you look like an fashionable (yet office appropriate) Christmas elf.
3. A Sequin Top
Give your boring black pencil skirt a party-friedly upgrade by swapping your button down and blazer for something with sequins
Petit Double Layered Sequin Cold Shoulder Top, $49, Top Shop
The best part is that you can re-wear this top on New Years Eve, too.
4. A Red Dress
You can't go wrong with a long-sleeved red dress, especially if you have to go straight from your desk to the party. Change out of your pumps and into something strappy, and add a sparkly piece of jewelry for a quick transition from day to night.
Tahari ASL Tiered Sheath Dress, $124, Macys
Pass the mistletoe, please.
5. Something Velvet
Just because you're not exactly a "pantsuit to the office" kind of gal doesn't mean you can't pull one off at the holiday party.
Fashion Union Velvet Suit, $46, ASOS
The literal definition of "mixing business and pleasure."
6. A Festive Sweater And Skirt
Mindy Kaling's look is the office appropriate version of an "ugly sweater" party, because it's actually cute.
Saks Fifth Avenue Star Slim Fit Sweater, $30, Saks Off 5th
Pair this sweater with a flippy skirt or a pair of black pants, or wear it layered over a white button down or under a classic blazer.
7. A Gold Blazer
Throw on a gold or sequin blazer over your regular white-blouse and-black-pants look and you'll be immediately party ready.
Gold Sequins Cocktail Jacket, $88, Posh Girl
Don't you wish you could wear a jacket like this to work every day?
Images: Getty; Courtesy of Brands
