What to Wear to a Work Holiday Party

Start With the Venue and the Time of Day

A work holiday party can be a catered lunch in the conference room, a dinner at a restaurant or an evening event at a hotel. Daytime and in-office parties call for a polished midi or a sweater knit dress. Evening parties at a restaurant or venue can handle more shine, like velvet, satin or a hint of sequins. If the invitation mentions cocktail attire, a midi or knee-length dress is the safest choice. For more on decoding invitations, see our holiday dress codes guide.

Keep It Festive, Not Flashy

The best office holiday party dress says "celebration" through fabric and color instead of short hemlines or plunging necklines. A few easy rules:

• Choose a midi or knee length for most company events.
• Pick one festive element: velvet, a metallic thread, a jewel tone or a sequin accent.
• Save allover sequins and very short minis for parties with friends.
• Bring a blazer or wrap if you will be at the office before the party.

Velvet Midis: The Easiest Answer

Velvet is warm, rich and naturally polished, which makes it ideal for a December work event. The Burgundy Velvet Burnout Long Sleeve Midi Dress has a wide neckline, long sleeves and a tonal floral burnout pattern, and it comes in sizes S through 3X. For something cooler toned, the Navy Metallic Burnout Velvet Ruched Midi Dress adds long sleeves, side ruching and subtle metallic detailing. If you prefer a little sparkle, the Espresso Velvet Long Sleeve Sequin Scarf Midi Dress pairs dark brown velvet and padded shoulders with a coordinating sequin waist scarf. Browse all of our velvet dresses for more.

Dressy Jumpsuits for a Modern Look

A jumpsuit is a smart work holiday party outfit if you want to move easily and skip the tights question. The Black Lace Long Sleeve Belted Wide Leg Jumpsuit pairs a floral lace bodice with pleated wide-leg pants, a self belt and side pockets. For a holiday color, the Wine Velvet Belted Wide Leg Jumpsuit has a straight neckline and delicate straps, so add a cropped jacket or wrap for the office. See more jumpsuits for women.

Jewel-Tone and Statement Midis

If velvet is not your style, a jewel-tone midi feels just as seasonal. The Emerald Green One Shoulder Belted Midi Dress has a satin-like finish, a self belt and a circle skirt. The Brick Red Jacquard Cowl Neck Twist Back Midi Dress offers a cowl neckline and a twisted open back, and the Burgundy Velvet Sweetheart Keyhole Midi Dress brings a circle skirt in sizes S through 3X. For a print, the Black Floral Metallic Textured Column Midi Dress combines orange flowers on black with a subtle metallic texture. Explore more formal midi dresses and midi cocktail dresses.

Office Party at Lunch? Try Knitwear

For a daytime gathering or a party held right in the office, a sweater dress is comfortable and still festive. The Striped Long Sleeve Sweater Knit Midi Dress has a round neckline and long sleeves and works with boots or heels. Shop more sweater dresses.

Finishing Touches

Keep accessories classic: a statement earring or a metallic heel is usually enough. In New England, add a tailored coat, since many company parties mean a cold walk from the parking lot. When you are ready to compare even more options, shop our full holiday dresses collection.

Read More:

Holiday Dress Codes: What to Wear to Every Party This Season

Festive Attire Dress Code: What to Wear to Holiday Parties

What Is Smart Casual Attire for Women?

How to Style Dresses with Layering Pieces for Fall and Winter