The Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Party Dressing
By Wendy M.
Head Stylist, Smitten With Style
End of year work functions are a great way for employers and managers to say thanks to their team for another year of commitment and hard work. While you relax and reap the rewards of another year’s effort, it is also a great opportunity to network and converse with management (even the general manager who normally hates being at functions usually has to make a showing at the staff end of year Party), therefore a chance for you to either create a strong and positive, or poor, impression with your colleagues.
As we know from our previous eTip, a large part of that impression is based on what you wear. While I appreciate that after a year of crisp white shirts and pencil skirts, you’re ready to show your colleagues that you do have a mean sense of style that would kick everyone else’s fashion behind, here’s my top 3 Do’s and Don’ts for the office party season!
- 1. DO: Ensure your outfit is consistent with the image you are trying to project at work
If you’ve spent all year trying to shake off the “young and pretty” image, then a romantic inspired chiffon frock with ruffled trim might not help your cause.
Conversely, if you have been trying to project a warm and welcoming image, a structured all black cocktail strapless dress might not do the trick either.
For our male readers gunning after that promotion, this is not the occasion to bust out your most flamboyant shirt that you normally wear out till the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Always remember that the same work colleagues you have been trying to impress all year are still the same ones that will be at the work function, and more so if the big bosses are in attendance too – so make sure your outfit is consistent with how you’d like to be seen and regarded when the buzz of the party champagne has worn off.
- 2. DON’T: Justify anything that doesn’t feel appropriate because it is the work “party”
It’s sometimes easy to settle for a great outfit that is JUST that much too short, too low or too shiny, because it is the end of year “Party” and feels like an excuse to let your hair down.
Bare thighs, stilettos that look like weapons and anything that may make Pete from middle management covet you like a shiny new Barbie doll is just not acceptable at a work function.
The simple rule of thumb for office party frocks is if it seems remotely like a bad idea, it is probably best left for a night out with friends.
- 3. DO: Seek out an “intelligent” party frock
It is actually possible to find a party frock that is work-appropriate and fun, without needing to feel like you’ve raided your great-grandma’s wardrobe for a high necked cream maxi dress from 1894.
Visualise yourself as a guest at the opening night of a swanky art gallery, or the launch of a new luxury designer store and what you would wear to that. I doubt that tacky reindeer earrings, stretch lace or fitted corset style tops would feature, instead you would channel an ultra glam, graceful yet discreetly sensuous outfit. One shoulder tops (a big trend this season – and always safe as they never reveal too much bust) in a satin or silk, belted at the waist or left to skim your bodyshape ending just above the knee would make a wonderful choice for a work function. As would a long, flowing maxi dress for daytime functions such as family picnics which are becoming increasingly popular with many companies in lieu of the night time party.
For males, a slightly more form fitting shirt in a darker colour, with or without a subtle print, neatly pressed and worn untucked for a bit of urban coolness would be entirely appropriate.
You might say I’m spoiling the party, but you will be grateful when you look at the photos posted on the office Intranet on Monday morning! And you’ll enjoy the function a lot more when you don’t have to spend the night tugging self consciously at your skirt or hiking up your top (or having to listen to your mates call you the Boy From Oz for your too-shiny shirt).
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Smitten With Style is a leading corporate and personal stylist who work with corporations and individual clients to best represent themselves through their dress and grooming. With over 500 clients, it is their aim for men and women to dress and look confident at all times, whether at the workplace or at play.
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