WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY

If your place of employment likes festivities with a flourish, you might be looking for a more formal party outfit this season. Whether it’s cocktails and canapés at a stately home or a chic rooftop bar, these parties pose a challenge – how do you balance the corporate elements with the glamorous?

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

GET THE LOOK: 

01. ASOS DESIGN corset maxi dress with pearl & train detail in black, £65
02. ASOS LUXE embellished mini dress in black, £220
03. ARRANGE embellished sequin maxi dress in silver, £280
04. ASOS LUXE embellished mini dress with faux feather hem in pale yellow, £150

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 on the OOO message and really let your hair down. The nightclub won't know what hit it. 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 animal prints like snake and zebra if you want to turn heads, and layer 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: 

01. Lace & Beads tulle halter ruffle detail tiered mini dress in black, £75
02. Noisy May sequins mini skirt with lace trim in zebra print, £34
03. Topshop chiffon scarf detail mini dress in yellow animal print, £60
04. ASOS DESIGN high neck sheer lace top with mesh panel, £28

The company’s ordered in some food, the festive tunes are bumping, and the drinks fridge is overflowing. It’s the office Christmas party, of course, which means it's your chance to serve corporate chic. While tailored suits were once relegated to the confines of conference rooms, it's now the norm to see them circling back through casual settings and festive soirées alike.

Take notes from everyday office 'fits, but amp the tailoring up with brighter colours, bigger patterns and exaggerated silhouettes. And complete your look with red lipstick, statement jewellery or high heels – all are office-appropriate on this night in particular.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ASOS DESIGN Tailored db soft suit in purple, from £30
02. ASOS DESIGN Tailored boucle blazer with gold button suit in check, from £30
03. ASOS DESIGN tailored cinched waist blazer suit in grey check, £60
04. ASOS DESIGN Tailored blazer suit in textured leopard, from £30

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. These parties call for more laid-back attire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab the opportunity to dress up with both hands. Sequins and beads 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 feels 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.

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There's a time and place for a super-casual Christmas get-together. After weeks of socialising, an evening at the pub can be a nice, festive reprieve. And just because the invite’s a bit more chill, it doesn’t mean you shouldn't consider your outfit.

This time, give the sparkles a break and reach for cooler, calmer, muted tones to match the energy of a moody dimly-lit pub. An off-the-shoulder tee and wide-leg jeans will be cosy enough for a night of drinks. And to seal the seasonal deal, you can throw on a statement faux-fur jacket. The final touch? Add the subtlest of shine with beaded hoop earrings.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ASOS DESIGN hoop earrings with resin beads in gold tone, £12
02. COLLUSION wide leg chambray denim jean in rinse wash, £42.99
03. Azalea Wang Kessia faux fur coat in chocolate, £100
04. ASOS DESIGN off shoulder metal ring studs top in chocolate, £20

If Christmas work lunch outfit ideas are what you need, look no further. These festivities 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). 

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Forget suits and dresses – when party games are lined up, the look has to be ready for anything. Make loose-fitting separates and barrel-leg trousers your go-to formula if you want to top the office league tables. Bonus points if your outfit includes an animal print or some well-placed sparkles.

And don't forget, there’s always the trusty Christmas jumper to fall back on. Classic scenic knits are always a crowd-pleaser, but it's also worth considering timeless designs for investment pieces that work well into spring. With argyle trending this season, you can lean into fun alternative knits without going full-blown Santa Claus.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ASOS DESIGN leather look croc effect barrel trousers in red, £38
02. adidas Originals Samba OG rhinestone trainers in burgundy and cream, £110
03. Miss Selfridge festival embellished oversized tee in stone, £29.99
04. ASOS DESIGN premium embroidered scenic jumper in blue, £45