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The office holiday party is the one night a year you’re meant to dress up for people you see in meetings every day. Go too far and it’s the only thing anyone remembers in January. Play it too safe and you look like you came straight from your desk, which, to be fair, you probably did.
Our rule: one festive texture (velvet, satin or sequin), everything else something you’d happily wear to a smart dinner. Here’s the edit.
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for her: velvet or sequin, not both
photo: unsplash
A velvet blazer is the cleverest holiday party buy, because you can wear it over your work clothes straight from the office and it instantly looks like an occasion. If you’d rather sparkle, a sequin midi skirt with a plain black knit is festive without being a costume.
- 01
Cicy Bell
Velvet Open Front Blazer
Soft velvet in emerald, burgundy or black. Over a black top and trousers it turns a work outfit into a party one.
shop on amazon → - 02
Anna-Kaci
High Waist Sequin Midi Skirt
Midi length keeps it office-appropriate. Gold or silver with a black fine knit is the classic.
shop on amazon → - 03
Satin midi
Cowl Neck Satin Slip Dress
For a dressier party. Wear it with the velvet blazer on top or opaque tights and a heel.
shop on amazon →
shoes and sparkle
photo: unsplash
You’ll stand, you’ll probably dance a little, and you might be walking to a cab in the cold. A mary jane or block heel with a strap beats a stiletto every time.
- 04
Madden Girl
Tutu Mary Jane Heel
The strap keeps it on your foot, the block heel keeps you upright. Black patent looks festive without trying.
shop on amazon → - 05
Kendra Scott
Josie Huggie Earrings
A little gold at the ear, which is about all the jewellery a velvet blazer needs.
shop on amazon →
for him: swap the suit jacket for velvet
photo: unsplash
Men get one easy holiday upgrade: a velvet blazer over dark trousers or dark jeans. Add a fine merino knit instead of a shirt and tie, and loafers instead of oxfords. It reads ‘made an effort’ without anyone thinking you’re off to a black-tie dinner.
- 06
Velvet blazer
Men’s Slim Fit Velvet Blazer
Peak lapel, slim fit, over 600 reviews. Midnight blue or bottle green is more interesting than black.
shop on amazon → - 07
Calvin Klein
Extra Fine Merino Wool Blend V-Neck
Thin enough to sit under a blazer, warm enough for a cold office party. Black or charcoal.
shop on amazon → - 08
Levi’s
511 Slim Fit Jeans
If the party is casual, a dark rinse 511 under a velvet blazer is a very good look. 10,000+ reviews.
shop on amazon → - 09
Bruno Marc
Leather and Suede Penny Loafer
Easier than a lace-up, smarter than a trainer. Brown suede with navy, black leather with black.
shop on amazon → - 10
Yves Saint Laurent
Y Eau de Toilette
A clean, modern scent that won’t take over the room. Two sprays, not five.
shop on amazon →
the one rule
photo: unsplash
Dress for the photos that will end up in the team chat on Monday. If you’d be happy for your manager’s manager to see it, you’ve got it right.
the legal bit
Buying a gift or an outfit now? Know your holiday return window
Amazon usually extends its return window for items bought in the holiday period, often until the end of January, so you can buy early and still return what doesn’t fit. The exact date is shown on each order page, and items sold by third-party sellers can have their own return policy, so check before you click.
In the EU and UK, buyers also have a statutory 14-day right to cancel most online purchases, separate from any store policy. Try everything on at home with the tags still attached, so a return stays easy. This is general information, not legal advice.
Velvet or sequin, a strap on the shoe, gold at the ear. Have one drink fewer than everyone else and you’ll have the best night of all of them.
quick answers
What should a woman wear to an office holiday party?
A velvet blazer over a black top and trousers, a sequin midi skirt with a fine knit, or a satin slip dress with a blazer. Pair with a strapped heel and small gold jewellery.
What should a man wear to a work Christmas party?
A velvet or dark blazer over a merino knit or open-collar shirt, dark trousers or dark jeans, and loafers. Skip the tie unless the invite says formal.
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