The office holiday party is a tricky dress code. You want to look festive, but you also have to see these people on Monday.
The best office holiday party outfit is polished with one special touch: a rich color, a little shine or a great fabric. Skip anything too short, too tight or too revealing, and you’ll be fine.
Here are 9 office holiday party outfits that are work-appropriate and still feel like a celebration.
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In This Guide
Office Party Dress Code Basics
A few rules keep you comfortable and professional:
- Dress one step up from work. If you wear jeans every day, wear trousers or a dress. If you wear business casual, add a little shine.
- Choose one festive element. A sequin skirt, a velvet blazer or a red blouse is enough. You don’t need all three.
- Cover your shoulders and keep hems at knee length or longer. It’s the safest choice for mixed company.
- Wear shoes you can stand in. Office parties often involve a lot of mingling and little sitting.
Wearlyst Tip: Not sure how dressy to go? Ask a colleague or look at photos from last year’s party. When in doubt, a blazer always works.
1. Velvet Blazer: Burgundy + Champagne Satin
A velvet blazer is the easiest way to make a work outfit festive. It looks rich, but it’s still a blazer.
Wear a burgundy velvet blazer over a champagne satin blouse, with black tailored trousers and pumps.
Best for: Formal offices and client events.
2. Midi Dress + Blazer: Black Satin + Ivory
A black dress is always an option, and a blazer on top makes it office-appropriate. The ivory adds a seasonal contrast.
Pair a black satin midi dress with an ivory structured blazer, pearl earrings and black heels. Take off the blazer for the dance floor.
Best for: Evening parties that start right after work.
3. Sequin Skirt: Gold Shine + Black Knit
A sequin skirt is festive, but a midi length and a plain knit keep it professional.
Wear a gold sequin midi skirt with a fitted black fine-knit sweater and block-heel boots. The plain top lets the skirt shine.
Best for: Creative offices and team dinners.
4. Wrap Dress: Emerald + Gold Earrings
A wrap dress is flattering on almost everyone, and emerald green looks festive without being obvious.
Choose a knee-length emerald wrap dress with sleeves, nude pumps and gold drop earrings.
Best for: Any office party. It’s the easiest one-piece choice.
5. Wide-Leg Jumpsuit: Navy + Gold Belt
A jumpsuit is modern, comfortable and fully covered. Add a belt and gold accessories, and it looks ready for a party.
Choose a navy wide-leg jumpsuit with a slim gold belt and gold heels.
Best for: People who prefer pants and want to dance comfortably.
6. Red Blouse: Silk Top + Tailored Trousers
If you wear one festive color, make it red. A silk blouse with tailored trousers is a classic work outfit with a holiday twist.
Pair a red silk blouse with charcoal trousers and black ankle boots. It’s simple, flattering and instantly seasonal.
Best for: Daytime office lunches and team celebrations.
7. Knit Midi Dress: Forest Green + Camel Belt
A knit midi dress is warm and comfortable for a cold-weather party, and the belt gives it shape.
Wear a forest green knit midi dress with a camel belt and black heeled boots. It’s elegant and quietly festive.
Best for: Lunch parties and long days in the office.
8. Tweed Set: Cream Jacket + Matching Skirt
A tweed set is polished by nature, and cream makes it look like winter. Add pearls and you have a classic party outfit.
Wear a cream tweed jacket with a matching skirt, a pearl necklace and nude slingbacks.
Best for: Conservative offices and formal lunches.
9. Satin Shirt: Champagne + Wide-Leg Trousers
If you want a modern outfit without a dress, try a satin shirt with wide-leg trousers. It looks dressy but not try-hard.
Wear a champagne satin button-up with black wide-leg trousers, statement earrings and loafers.
Best for: Casual offices and after-work drinks.
Office Holiday Party Outfit: Frequently Asked Questions
What should you wear to an office holiday party?
Choose something one step dressier than your normal work clothes: a blazer, a midi dress or tailored trousers with a festive top. Keep it polished and comfortable.
Can you wear sequins to an office party?
Yes, in moderation. A sequin midi skirt with a plain knit is professional, while a sequin mini dress is better saved for a night out.
What colors are best for a holiday office party?
Burgundy, emerald, navy, red, gold and champagne all look festive and professional. Black is always safe.
Is it okay to wear a cocktail dress to an office party?
It depends on the venue. At a restaurant or event space, a midi cocktail dress with a blazer is fine. At the office itself, keep it simpler.
What shoes should you wear?
Block heels, ankle boots, loafers or low pumps are good choices. Pick shoes you can stand in for hours.
The Takeaway: Festive, Not Flashy
The best office holiday party outfit is one you feel confident in on Friday and proud of on Monday. Pick one festive touch, keep the rest polished, and enjoy the party.
Looking for more party looks? See our Christmas party outfit ideas, our pleated skirt outfits for winter, and our ugly Christmas sweater outfits for sweater-day parties.
Wearlyst Style Note: One festive touch, polished everything else.
