Trying to work out what to wear for a work Christmas party can be surprisingly tricky. You want to look good, feel comfortable and make an effort, but you probably don’t want to turn up looking like you’ve wandered into the wrong event either. Then there’s the dress code, the venue, the time of day and that awkward question of just how festive you’re supposed to be.
The good news is that choosing a work Christmas party outfit doesn’t have to be stressful, as Groopeze is here to help you look and feel festively fabulous.
Check If There’s a Work Christmas Party Dress Code
Before you start rummaging through your wardrobe or ordering something new, check whether there’s a work Christmas party dress code. If your employer has given you one, it’s there for a reason, so it’s worth following rather than guessing.
A dress code might be as simple as smart casual, but you could also be told to wear cocktail attire, formalwear, festive outfits or something suitable for a particular venue. If there’s no dress code mentioned, don’t panic. Think about where you’re going and what you’ll actually be doing.
A Christmas dinner in a smart restaurant calls for something different from an afternoon of festive activities. If you’re going straight from the office to drinks, you might want an outfit that can easily be dressed up with a few accessories. If you’re heading somewhere where you’ll be moving around, sitting on the floor or getting involved in an activity, comfort should definitely be part of the plan.
If you’re still unsure, ask a colleague what they’re wearing. There’s no shame in checking. In fact, it could save you from turning up in a full evening gown when everyone else is wearing jeans and a nice top.
What to Wear to a Formal Christmas party
If your work Christmas party is taking place at a smart restaurant, hotel or stylish event venue, you’ve got a good excuse to dress up a little.
For women, a midi dress is an easy choice that looks polished without feeling too formal. You could go for velvet, satin, sequins or a rich winter colour such as burgundy, emerald green or navy. A jumpsuit can also work really well if dresses aren’t your thing. Add some jewellery, a clutch bag and smart shoes and you’ve got a Christmas party outfit that’s ready for the evening.
For men, a shirt and smart trousers are a safe starting point. If the event is more formal, add a blazer or a suit. You don’t necessarily have to stick to the traditional black suit either. Navy, charcoal and other darker shades can look great for a Christmas event.
Don’t forget your shoes. They’re easy to overlook when you’re concentrating on the rest of your outfit, but uncomfortable shoes can put a serious dampener on your evening. If you’re going to be standing around for hours, choose something you’ll actually be happy wearing after dinner.
What to Wear to a Smart Casual Work Christmas Party
Smart casual is one of those dress codes that sounds straightforward until you’re standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what it actually means.
The easiest way to approach it is to combine smarter pieces with something a little more relaxed. For example, women could wear tailored trousers with a nice blouse, a knitted top with a midi skirt, or a simple dress with ankle boots. Men could go for chinos or smart trousers with a shirt, polo shirt or smart jumper.
You don’t need to go overboard. The aim is to look like you’ve made an effort without looking as though you’re attending a black tie event.
This is also a good opportunity to add a bit of personality. A statement necklace, festive earrings, velvet shoes, a patterned shirt or a smart jacket can make a fairly simple outfit feel much more suited to a Christmas party.
What to Wear to an Office Christmas Party
Office Christmas parties can be particularly confusing because the right outfit depends on what you’ve got planned.
If you’re staying in the office for drinks, food and games, you probably won’t need anything too formal. A nice dress, smart trousers, a skirt and jumper combination or a shirt and trousers can all work. You could also add a festive accessory to your usual work outfit to make it feel more party-ready.
If you’re going straight from work to a restaurant or bar, think about how you can take your daytime outfit into the evening. A blazer, statement earrings, a different pair of shoes or a smarter top can completely change the look.
One thing worth remembering is that you’re still at a work event, even if the atmosphere is much more relaxed than usual. You don’t have to dress boringly, but it’s probably best to avoid anything you know you’ll spend the entire evening worrying about.
What to Wear to a Themed Christmas Party
Some workplaces really get into the Christmas spirit and may ask everyone to wear something festive. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to arrive dressed as a Christmas tree.
You could keep things subtle with a sparkly top, festive earrings, a Christmas coloured outfit or a bit of glitter. Velvet, sequins and metallic fabrics naturally feel festive without needing much else.
If your colleagues are going all out, though, you can absolutely join in. Christmas jumpers, novelty accessories and themed outfits can be a lot of fun, particularly if there’s a prize for the best dressed.
Just check what the theme actually means before you commit. There’s a big difference between “festive dress” and “Christmas fancy dress”, and you don’t want to be the only person who misunderstood the assignment.
What to Wear to a Casual Work Christmas Party
A Christmas party in a pub or bar usually gives you more freedom with your outfit. You can still dress up, but you don’t need to go as formal as you might for a hotel or restaurant.
A nice top with trousers or jeans can work well, while a skirt, dress or jumpsuit can be dressed up with boots and jewellery. Men could wear dark jeans with a smart shirt or jumper, depending on the venue.
If you’re expecting to move between different bars, think about the weather too. December in the UK isn’t exactly famous for being warm. Take a proper coat that works with your outfit rather than assuming you’ll be able to leave it somewhere all evening.
And if you’re planning on walking between venues, comfortable shoes are definitely worth considering. Your feet will thank you later.
What to Wear to a Work Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner usually calls for something a little smarter, particularly if you’re eating somewhere that has a formal setting.
A dress, tailored jumpsuit or smart separates can all work well. For men, a suit is a safe option for a formal dinner, while smart trousers, a shirt and blazer can work for a more relaxed restaurant.
Think about the whole evening rather than just the meal. You might be sitting down for a couple of hours and then heading somewhere for drinks afterwards, so choose something that won’t become uncomfortable once you’ve finished eating.
Layers are useful too. Restaurants and event venues can vary wildly when it comes to temperature, so having a smart jacket, cardigan or coat gives you an extra option.
What to Wear to a Christmas Party Activity
Not every work Christmas party involves sitting around a table. More companies are choosing group activities, festive workshops, games and experiences instead, which means your outfit needs to be practical as well as presentable.
If you’re going bowling, playing a team game, taking part in a festive workshop or doing something active, don’t wear anything that restricts your movement. You might love those heels, but if you’re going to be on your feet for several hours, they’re probably not the best choice.
For activity based Christmas parties, smart trainers, boots, jeans, trousers and comfortable tops can work well, depending on the activity. You can still add a festive touch with a Christmas jumper, sparkly accessories or a statement jacket.
Most importantly, check whether the organiser has given you any specific clothing instructions. Some activities might require closed-toe shoes or clothing that’s suitable for getting messy.
What Colours Should you Wear to a Work Christmas Party?
Christmas is the perfect excuse to experiment with colour. You don’t have to stick to black, although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a classic black outfit.
Deep reds, burgundy, forest green, navy, silver, gold and winter whites can all look great at Christmas. If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, you can add colour through your shoes, jewellery, bag, tie or shirt.
You can also embrace festive fabrics. Velvet instantly makes an outfit feel more seasonal, while satin, sequins and metallic details can add a bit of sparkle.
If you’re not normally someone who wears bright colours or glitter, don’t feel as though you’ve got to transform into a completely different person for one evening. A small festive detail can be enough.
Can I Wear a Christmas Jumper to a Work Christmas Party?
It depends on the party. A Christmas jumper can be perfect for a relaxed office party, Christmas lunch or festive activity, particularly if everyone has been encouraged to wear one. For a smart dinner or formal event, though, it might not be the best choice unless the dress code specifically says otherwise.
If you do wear one, you don’t have to go for the most outrageous design you can find. A simple festive jumper can look great with smart trousers, jeans or a skirt. If your workplace is holding a Christmas jumper day before the actual party, you could always save your more dressed up outfit for the evening.
What Should Men Wear to a Work Christmas Party?
Men have quite a few options when it comes to Christmas party outfits, and the dress code should be your starting point.
For a formal event, a suit and smart shoes are the obvious choice. For smart casual, try smart trousers or chinos with a shirt, polo shirt, jumper or blazer. For a more relaxed party, dark jeans with a smart top can work well.
Christmas is also a good time to add a little personality. A patterned shirt, textured blazer, festive coloured jumper or interesting pair of socks can give a traditional outfit a seasonal twist.
The key is to look like you’ve made an effort without feeling as though you’re wearing an outfit that isn’t really you.
What Should Women Wear to a Work Christmas Party?
There’s no single answer, which is exactly what makes Christmas party dressing fun. Dresses are an easy option, but they’re certainly not your only choice. A smart jumpsuit, tailored trousers with a statement top, a skirt with a festive jumper or a smart suit can all look fantastic.
If you’re wearing a dress, think about the venue and how formal the evening will be. A midi dress is versatile and can easily work for dinner, drinks or dancing. If the party is more relaxed, you could wear a shorter dress with boots or dressy trainers.
Accessories can completely change an outfit too. You don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for one party. Sometimes a pair of statement earrings, a sparkly bag or a great pair of shoes is enough to make something you’ve already got feel new again.
Don’t Forget the Weather
This is the UK or Ireland, and it’s December, so it’s worth planning for rain, wind and freezing temperatures. Your coat is going to be part of your outfit whether you like it or not, especially if you’re travelling by public transport or walking between venues. Choose something warm that works with what you’re wearing.
If you’re wearing a dress, take tights if the weather is cold. If you’re wearing heels, consider taking a pair of comfortable shoes for the journey home. There’s nothing glamorous about attempting to walk across town in shoes that have become your worst enemy.
An umbrella might not be the most exciting accessory, but arriving at the Christmas party looking like you’ve just survived a storm isn’t ideal either.
What Not to Wear to a Work Christmas Party
There’s no strict list of things you can’t wear because every workplace and event is different. However, it’s worth thinking about whether your outfit is appropriate for the setting.
Avoid anything that’s likely to make you uncomfortable, particularly if you’ll be wearing it for several hours. If something is too tight, too short, too revealing or difficult to move around in, you’ll probably spend more time adjusting it than enjoying yourself.
The location is also worth thinking about. For example, a Christmas party in Brighton can be a bit warmer than if you’re celebrating in a northern UK city, such as Edinburgh or Newcastle. If you’re partying in an Irish city, such as Dublin or Galway, you might also want to consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella.
It’s also worth avoiding anything that could cause problems during an activity. A long skirt might not be practical for certain experiences, while expensive or delicate clothing isn’t ideal if there’s a chance you’ll be getting messy.
And don’t forget that you’re representing yourself at a work event. You can absolutely have fun with your outfit, but there’s usually a line between festive and something you’ll regret when Monday morning comes around.
How to Feel Confident in a Christmas Party Outfit
The best work Christmas party outfit is one you feel comfortable wearing. It doesn’t matter how good something looks if you’re spending the whole night pulling it down, checking whether it has moved or wondering if you can sit down without exposing half the room.
Try your outfit on before the day. Sit down in it, walk around and check that your shoes are comfortable. If you’re wearing something new, don’t leave it until an hour before you need to leave the house to discover that the zip doesn’t work.
It’s also worth checking your outfit in the type of lighting you’ll have at the venue. Something that looks completely different under bright bedroom lights can look very different in a dim restaurant or bar.
Most importantly, don’t get caught up worrying about what everyone else is wearing. Your colleagues will probably be more concerned about their own outfits than yours. Choose something suitable for the event, add a little Christmas sparkle if you fancy it and then get on with enjoying the party.
Final Tips to Choose What to Wear to a Work Christmas Party
If you’re still undecided, start with five simple questions. Where is the party? What’s the dress code? What time does it start? Will you be doing an activity? And will you be going somewhere else afterwards? Those answers should tell you most of what you need to know.
For a formal event, dress smartly and keep your accessories polished. For smart casual, combine smarter pieces with relaxed ones. For a themed party, have fun with it. For an activity, prioritise comfort and check whether there are any clothing requirements.
You don’t need to spend a fortune either. Have a look through your wardrobe before buying anything new. A dress you’ve worn before can look completely different with new accessories, while a good shirt, blazer or pair of trousers can be used for Christmas parties year after year.
And remember, the whole point of a work Christmas party is to relax, have a laugh with your colleagues and enjoy some time away from your usual routine. Once you’ve found an outfit that fits the occasion and feels like you, you can enjoy yourself. It’s Christmas after all!
Don’t forget to check out our listings if you’re on the hunt for Christmas activities and accommodation in Ireland, the UK and beyond.
