Choosing an outfit for your company Christmas party

A company Christmas party or other holiday gala is a great opportunity to get dressed up, spend time with co-workers, and celebrate the season. And who knows, you might even get a bonus. As with most parties, the age old question arises - "What should I wear?"

You need to consider a variety of factors to find an appropriate and stylish outfit for your company Christmas party.

Use common sense

Avoid anything too revealing, tight or sexy. In general, skirts should fall just above the knee or longer. Save the plunging necklines or high slit skirts for another event. The worst thing you can do at a company party is get drunk and obnoxious. Probably the second worst thing is to dress (and act) sleazy.

Go for something that is dressy yet understated. Ask around to your co-workers to see what they will be wearing. If the general consensus is that most women are wearing slacks and a blouse, you can probably put away your sequined gown.

How formal is it?

Outside of a black tie event, where men wear tuxedos and women don evening gowns, every other type of party invitation is open to interpretation. What is a semi-formal dress to you might not be to someone else.

If the party is being held in the evening, it will be more formal that a daytime event. Also consider the location. An upscale restaurant, hotel ballroom or ritzy country club would demand a fancier dress than a local bar or family eatery.

Generally, think about what you wear to a nice restaurant, add a little more makeup than you wear everyday and put on a terrific pair of shoes.

Three party choices

Though you have a multitude of outfits to choose from, here are three wonderful choices that will work well at most company Christmas parties.

Business suit with metallic top

Take your favorite business suit and add some glitzy touches. Wear a metallic blouse or camisole, a stack of bangle bracelets, a pair of crystal drop earrings and some fabulous patent pumps or embellished evening sandals.

Little black dress

Your favorite little black dress (if it's not too short) is a great alternative. You won't have to buy a new outfit and you can dress it up or down with accessories. Add a blazer if the party is a little more conservative, or glam it up with jewelry and strappy metallic sandals.

Colorful sweater and skirt

A red cashmere sweater and a simple skirt are always good options. Again, you can change the look with jewelry, shoes and a shiny handbag. Pull your hair into a simple updo and add a pair of dangling earrings.

The most important thing about your company Christmas party is to mingle and relax. Remain professional but use the opportunity to get to know your co-workers or meet the higher-ups in the company.

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