The Christmas season is something that many of us look forward to – with mulled wine, festive food and everyone in good spirits, this time of year can be magical. Workplaces all over the country are getting into the festive spirit too and with the Christmas party just around the corner, you may be left wondering what to wear. With venue choices ranging from the elaborate to the traditional, it can sometimes be tricky to decide on the perfect outfit.
To give you a helping hand in the style stakes, we’ve put together this helpful guide to office holiday fashion, so you’ll be the best dressed there no matter the venue!
1. A glamourous evening
Some of you will be celebrating Christmas in style at a castle or stately home – this is your chance to go for a glamourous look that matches your surroundings. Of course, it depends on what’s lined up for you at your party but it’s nice to look the part. Here, you might be greeted with a medieval banquet, take part in some activities or enjoy a formal ball.
Smart well-fitted trousers are a wardrobe staple and can be paired with almost anything. Plisse trousers have been on-trend in recent years — they’re comfy and fashionable! This style is perfect for flexibility in movement and keeping your legs covered for the cooler temperatures. Pair with a three-quarter sleeve fitted top or a bardot style crop to complete your look. This style goes great with flat or heeled shoes, so where what you feel comfortable in. The great thing about these pants too is that they’ve got an elasticated waist (ideal for tucking into a medieval buffet!).
2. The classic restaurant meal
The most popular venue of choice for bosses is of course the classic combination of a restaurant meal followed by some drinks.
But, how should you dress for an occasion like this? It can be uncomfortable to eat a roast dinner in a tight bodycon, but you don’t want to be dressed informally for when you hit the bars later on.
You can mix the traditional setting with a more adventurous choice of dress. Show off your pins in a midi dress and channel your inner party animal with leopard or snake print (two patterns that are very on-trend this season). Pair with barely-there sandals and a matching bag and your good to go! Of course, with the temperature being on the chilly side in December, you might want to try jeans with an embellished cami top. The covered legs will keep you warm when you’re moving from restaurant to bar and your fancy top will be admired over the dinner table. This season, it’s all about sequin embellishments and metallic camis — perfect for this years’ festivities.
3. A night at the bowling alley
The bowling alley is the perfect venue for letting off some steam and getting into a bit of friendly competition with your co-workers! If your Christmas party is at a bowling alley, chances are you’ll probably be heading out for a few drinks afterwards, so you need something that’s suitable for scoring a strike and for when you’re drinking cocktails later on.
Comfort is crucial here – think on-trend jumpsuits and trousers with a cute top. You’ve probably noticed that ‘80s fashion has been back with a bang this year, and it hasn’t stopped for AW18. It’s all about being bold with your colour palette and really owning it! It’s not often your colleagues get to see you outside of your workwear so show them your true colours in a bold jumpsuit. Choose one with a chunky belt to create that ‘80s inspired cinched waist and accessorise with statement hoops.
Culotte trousers really made an impression this summer. But there are so many varieties now that they certainly shouldn’t be kept for just one season. Play it safe with high-waisted black trousers and jazz it up top with a glitter-infused bodysuit or cute crop — pair with a sparkly clutch and your good to go.
4. Rooftop terrace drinks
We all enjoy a good rooftop bar and even though there may be a chill in the air, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Due to the colder climate of the UK, we don’t get to spend much time outdoors during the autumn and winter so a party on a rooftop makes a nice change.
This summer, pink dresses were all over the catwalks and they’re sure to make you stand out amongst a sea of darker outfits. Why not go all out in a sequin maxi dress? Or pair an accordion skirt with a sequin top. Keep your feet warm in suede heeled ankle boots or a dressy loafer.
As you’ll be outside for a while, it’s a good idea to bring a coat. This season it’s all about faux fur and we’re loving it! Keep it classic in a black or brown waist-length jacket or go big and bold with a coloured fur coat and chunky collar. If this isn’t your style, you can’t go wrong in a classic leather jacket — match with a cross-body clutch and your outfit is complete.
