Best Office Party Outfits by Event

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Tis the season when offices and organizations everywhere start putting those holiday events on the calendar. Maybe it’s just a catered lunch, or it’s Friday night fun & drinks, or a full on Corporate Formal. In any event (see what we did there?), don’t shirk your fashion sense! Make sure you choose an outfit fitting the type of event you’re going to.

Not sure where to start?

Our editors have scoured the latest looks from casual to couture. We’ve found some amazing pieces. Check out our inspirations…

HOLIDAY OFFICE LUNCH

Let’s kick things off with the company Holiday Lunch. Lots of businesses these days are opting for this type of event. First because it’s less pricey than a full-on corporate event, and secondly because it’s during work hours, so people generally tend to do a better job of self-editing. So as a middle-of-the-workday function, you could wear your regular digs, or even go Friday casual. Sure. But why miss out on an opportunity? Depending on the size of your organization, there could be individuals there, like your SVP, who hasn’t seen you since your interview. You might even get to meet your CEO, who’s only seen you as part of an All-Hands crowd of Zoom faces. This event offers you the chance to get to speak to them one-on-one. As such, looking polished not only presents you immediately in a good light (7 second rule, remember?) it also bolsters your confidence, which everyone will find appealing (especially you!).

Starting with a real color punch, this sheath dress from Black Halo was made for the holiday lunch. Pair it with equally eye-catching accessories including these sleek pointy toe pumps from Nina, a pair of diamond bow earrings from Beverly Diamonds, and we finish this look with a fun, multi-striped clutch by Hobo.

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Take advantage of luxe fabrics by elevating an otherwise fair-looking office look into holiday chic. Sugarlips’ bronze top and Boston Proper’s rich velvet pant bring the luxe, while Clarks’ cherry red shoes and Dooney’s tartan tote brings the festive. All that’s left is to don some intriguing, 18k gold and labradorite earrings from Satya Jewerly, and you are ready to network.

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Office-friendly with some holiday flair, Universal Standard’s sleek faux leather skirt goes beautifully with Cato’s cozy knit top. A pair of gold and silver statement earrings bring the bling, and we finish off the accessories with Self Portrait’s mini top handle bag and a pair of stylish booties from Cato.

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If bright holiday colors aren’t your thing, you can still bring the festive. This fit is proof of that. We start with Milly’s leather pants that are treated with a chic (not overly shiny) metallic sheen. To this we add Elie Tahari’s ornate applique top with a very on-trend long pendant necklace from Napier. Then we layer on the darker reds, first with The Kooples’ rich burgundy velvet blazer, then Birkenstock’s moody wine suede booties and we finish with a truly intriguing clutch by Cult Gaia. You are holiday business worthy at it’s best.

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BUSINESS DINNER

Now we’re starting to up the ante in the Holiday Party department. Being an after hours event, the office holiday dinner gives time for folks to head home and change into something more upscale. These events also usually allow for your significant other to join, so expect a lot of social activity and plan for outfits that will look amazing and comfortable through a series of standing, sitting and potentially even some dancing.

This vivacious velvet midi from Windsor hits the perfect balance of fun and festive. A dress this fabulous demands an equally fabulous shoe, which we find from Boston Proper. Put a proper shine on the night with Mansur Gavriel’s silvery mini cloud clutch and Baublebar’s vintage inspired pave earrings.

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Sparkle and shine in this next fit. We start with a gorgeous glittery midi dress in deep green and pair it with Circus NY’s stomping, black patent leather heels (the sweet little tuft of feather ups the luxe factor), and we seal the fit deal with a pair of multi-faceted crystal bead earrings and Rebecca Minkoff’s tasseled clutch.

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When they say “like a boss”, this is what they’re talking about. Windsor’s sleek satin midi in cherry red is nothing short of pure holiday fun. Pair it with Nina’s equally stunning and strappy heels and these radiantly unique earrings that are a collab between jewerly brand TOUS and artist Lea Colombo. Finish the look off with Tiramisu’s minaudiere box clutch and let the evening commence!

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Speaking of sleek, this next fit is a study in sculptural silhouettes. We start with a beautiful LBD with asymmetrical cuts both above and below. To this we add Mica’s silver statement necklace and Alexandre Birman’s fem flirty cage slide sandals. Simple yet utterly chic, all that is left is to grab a studded clutch by Parisian brand The Kooples, and you are good to go.

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Of course, if texture is what you crave, you’ll want to put this next fit in your sights. Soft, deep emerald green velvet is the centerpiece of the look with this smooth, off-the-shoulder midi dress, followed by textured accessories including Coconuts ribbed platform heels (in Champagne gold), a pebble leather clutch with the sweetest bow and we finish with SAACHI’s visually appealing, long drop earrings.

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Finally, if you prefer a moodier palate, this fit is for you. A rich, deep burgundy slip dress is giving holiday, just not so highkey. To this we add Donald Pliner’s sophisticated slingback in a soft pewter silver along with David Yurman’s iconic twisted cable earrings and finish with just hint of Deco with a rhinestone mesh clutch from Gunne Sax.

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HOLIDAY PARTY FUN & DRINKS

This is the least structured of all the potential holiday events on our list. Because there’s no meal or real planned agenda (beyond maybe a quick 5 to 10 minute “Congrats on everyone and your hard work” speech from the boss), people can feel free to come and go as they please. And as the night carries on, so too goes the party. Some folks may want to kick the energy up a notch and take it to the club. Others may want to grab a late bite. Or both. For this occasion you can go full on holiday glam! Just bear in mind you’ll be on your feet most of the night, and won’t have the advantage of a secure location for your stuff. So keep your friends close, and your handbag closer…

If there was ever a time to dip into the red, this season would be it. We paired this rapt red hottie with a pair of equally stunning (and studded) Simon Miller silver heels, followed by Kendra Scott’s demure silver pendant necklace and a pleasantly unexpected dark burgundy, ombré dyed crossbody by Vera Wang.

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Of course if you’re feeling the pull of the blue hue, this sparkly navy beauty will definitely satisfy. Especially when paired with M. Gemi’s sultry velvet slingback (we love the touch of rhinestone bling up top). Rounding out this fit is easy when you have Eye Candy LA’s spectacular statement earrings and a crystal embellished clutch from Serpui’s new season.

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Tis the season to sequin! This marvelous burnt silver/gold dress from Nicole Miller brings both the fun and sophistication. Pair this main character with similar tones, like a pair of bronzy heels (these come in wide width) and a burnished gold metallic clutch, and complete the vibe with a pair of gorg pearl crawlers in moody plum.

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In need of a true multi-tasker look to get you through several events of the season? When your dance card is full, nothing beats the LBD. This satin stunner lends itself to a variety of party types while the ruffled one-shoulder brings the drama. Keep that drama fresh with some cool accoutrements including Gabi Rielle’s star climber earrings with dangling silver chains and BCBG’s rhinestone bow heels.  Finish it up with a hand-beaded beauty that’s a versatile pick for any occasion (comes with a luxe chain strap and comfy shoulder pad so you can raise a toast without worrying).

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Love a gorgeous jewel tone that’s unexpected (in the very best way)? Establish your presence amid the sea of reds and greens in this eye-catching teal mini. Bring on the shine and bling with a two-tone twosome of Jimmy Choo’s holiday heel and Nina’s platinum and gold clutch. Not holiday enough for you? Finish it up with a cheeky piece from Fun & Sun with their “string light” drop earrings that add a bit of wit.

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Finally, when the dance floor gets hot, keep things cool with this chiffon and mesh party dress. A creamy chiffon bow top and drapey skirt are paired with sleek black mesh that offers coverage without overheating. This unique fit deserves an equally unique bag, which is exactly what you get with Cult Gaia’s Myrna clutch. Add some additional dashes of gold with a glittery heel and Sunkissed Sterling’s half gold, half freshwater pearl necklace and you officially own the floor.

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CORPORATE FORMAL

At last we come to our final event – the Corporate Formal. These elegant and sophisticated affairs are back, and while they may not have the full “plated dinner” set up of pre-pandemic years, you can still expect an elevated vibe with hors d’oeuvres, small bites, and diverse food stations featuring a variety of cuisines, all paired with open bars. For this celebration it’s best to err on the side of being more formal. As the saying goes “better to be overdressed than underdressed”. So consider this your perfect excuse to show off those lovely long gowns.

Starting with this regal beauty. Elegant one-shoulder meets an attention grabbing front slit, this gown checks all the boxes – including coming with it’s own built in rhinestone bracelet cuff. We pair this with additional lush accessories, including a satin and velvet dress mule, Aurate NY’s long dangling bow earrings in 100% sterling silver herringbone. Our last bit of eye candy? That would be Balenciaga’s marvelous mini bag.

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Tinsel won’t be the only thing gleaming once you arrive in this sensuous silver gown. The deep plunge front and dramatic front slit combine with plenty of dramatic draping. Keep the goddess energy going with Swarovski’s major statement earrings, a pair of asymmetrical silver slingbacks (available in wide width) and we finish with a sparkly, slouchy clutch from Vera Wang.

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Like the song says “black velvet, if you please”. This sinewy and sensuous long dress from Windsor has just the chef’s kiss touch of bodycon to show off your curves. While any metal color could work, why not add to the classic vibe of this piece with some antique gold pieces, such as Rebecca Minkoff’s radiantly radial ear climbers and M. Gemi’s fabulous Francesca bag (it effortlessly converts from wristlet clutch to crossbody). A pair of timeless black and rhinestone pumps by Charles David completes this amazing look.

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Green is the theme with this next fit. A beautiful, off-the-shoulder gown weaves it holiday magic with equally sparkling druzy drop earrings. To this we pair Kurt Geiger’s beguiling bag, covering in burnished gold crystal and chain and complete the look with Gianvito Rossi’s sleek gold and crystal slingbacks.

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When on-trend meets iconic, it’s a beautiful thing. Case in point, this glorious, drapey dress from Micas in deep burgundy. The silhouette reads effortless chic, which matches so well with a pair of smoldering amber d’orsay heels and a clever, studded clutch. Rounding out the accessories, we found this sparkly tiara in deep red, ready to take your up do to party ready.

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Finally, we end things with this fantastic, flowy mesh and knit gown. From the billowy sleeves to the sensuous square neckline, this dress evokes classic Hollywood glamour. Keep that vibe going with Gem & Harmony’s freshwater pearl and sterling silver lariat necklace and a pair of scene stealing heels by Alexandre Birman and Moschino’s terrific two-toned mini bag.

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So there you have it –  a whole range of fun fits, all ready to go for you. How’d we do? Give us a shout and let us know, and from our work family to yours – Happy Holidays!!

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