WORK IT: WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR OFFICE PARTY

If your place of employment likes its festivities with a flourish, you might be looking for a more formal party outfit this season. Whether it’s cocktails and canapés or a chic rooftop bar, balancing the corporate and glamorous elements of these events can be a challenge.

These work Christmas party dresses are the perfect choice if you’re planning in a pinch – with a range of options in terms of length, colour and silhouette. If you’re heading into things blind, stick with simple shapes and muted colours (bonus points for trending shades like deep red and chocolate brown). And it’s always worth opting for a more modest look if you’ll be brushing shoulders with the boss.

GET THE LOOK: 

ARRANGE mirror embellished cami column midi dress in black, £180
ARRANGE Curve deco linear embellished asymmetric midi dress in black, £220
Oh Polly Desdemona hooded plunge neck thigh split maxi dress in black, £58
ARRANGE embellished shard sequin longline halter neck top in red, £95

While a lucky few will spend their work party at a high-end establishment, most of us will be partaking in a more casual affair – be it bowling, a trip to the pub or a variety of hands-on festive activities. These parties call for more casual attire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grasp the opportunity to dress up. Sequins and sparkles are a fun way to nod to the festive season, and you can confine these bold details to your accessories if you want to avoid an OTT look.

Jazz up your jeans and T-shirt with a heel (this velvet pair feel seasonal and a touch more special than your usual footwear) and ensure you feel comfortable. After all, you might be partying with your colleagues, but you want to leave work firmly behind.

GET THE LOOK: 

ARRANGE Sydney suede high waisted barrel trouser in navy, £220
Topshop Sian sequin embellished shoulder bag in red, £40
ASOS DESIGN Saffron bow detail mid heeled shoes in black velvet, £32
Mango premium t-shirt in white, £15.99

If Christmas work lunch outfit ideas is what you need, look no further. These plans might take place during working hours – and therefore involve some pre-planning outfit-wise. If your team is popping out between meetings, you want to feel well turned out without looking too dressed up, so this is all about making tweaks to your usual office 'fits.

Maybe swap that top for a structured shirt? Or your go-to jacket for a statement blazer. A heeled boot is a great way to add some dressiness to your look without it feeling too formal, and consider adding some finishing touches in your jewellery (everyone loves a statement earring this time of year). Of course, there’s always the trusty Christmas jumper to fall back on – and with argyle trending this season, you can lean into fun alt knits without going full-blown Santa Claus.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN Charmed heeled knee boots in chocolate, £52
ASOS DESIGN drop earrings with 3D floral design in gold tone, £14
ASOS DESIGN linen blend cinch collarless blazer in chocolate, £65
Topshop ovoid sleeve blazer top in green, £65

The most common – and arguably, most fun – of the work parties is the going out-out party. It’s one of the rare times you and your colleagues can shut the laptop, throw up the OOO message, and really let your hair down. Disappointing catering aside (we’ve all had a cold slice of pizza at these things), the going-out soirée is prime time to wear your favourite party outfit – be it a sequin mini dress, a brightly coloured co-ord, or a satin slip.

Start with trending textures like suede and leather if you want to turn heads, and layer these heavier fabrics with lighter details like lace and tulle for a delicious mezze of a look that’s sure to cement your status as the most fashionable employee in the office.

GET THE LOOK: 

Oh Polly embellished mini skirt in beige diamante, £52
Topshop co-ord sheer organza maxi skirt in black, £36
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve with square neck mesh mini dress, £42
Stradivarius Denim top with buttons in overdyed blue denim, £29.99