What to Wear to an Office Holiday Party: 3 Polished Looks

The office holiday party is one of the trickiest invitations of the season. You want to look festive and put together, and maybe a little more glamorous than a regular Tuesday, but you are still among your manager, your clients and the colleagues you will see on Monday morning. The goal is celebration with polish. Here is how to get it right, whether the party is a lunchtime toast in the office or a cocktail evening at a restaurant.

First, read the invitation

Look at the time, the venue and any dress code. A daytime gathering in the office calls for your work wardrobe with one festive upgrade. An evening party at a restaurant or hotel lets you go further, with velvet, satin and a little sparkle. "Cocktail attire" means a dress or a dressy suit, and "festive attire" is your cue to have fun with color and shine.

If there is no dress code, aim one step dressier than what you wear to work. You will never feel out of place.

Option one: the power suit, holiday edition

Nothing looks more confident at a work event than a sharp suit, and the holiday version swaps everyday wool for satin details and richer fabrics. The Black Satin Lapel Tuxedo Suit ($150) is our favorite: a tailored blazer with glossy satin lapels and matching trousers. Wear it with a silk camisole and pointed heels for evening, or a fine knit for the office.

How to make a suit feel festive

• Swap your usual shirt for a satin or lace camisole.
• Add one statement piece, such as chandelier earrings or a brooch on the lapel.
• Choose a metallic or jeweled clutch instead of your work tote.
• Finish with a red lip. It is the easiest way to look celebratory.

Option two: the satin blouse and velvet trousers

If a full suit feels too formal, separates give you the same polish with more personality. A fluid satin blouse instantly reads "party", and our Satin Tie-Neck Blouse ($37) has a soft bow at the neck that feels elegant rather than flashy.

Pair it with the High-Waist Velvet Wide-Leg Trousers ($43). Velvet is the texture of the season, and the high waist and wide leg look long and graceful with a heel. Best of all, both pieces go straight back into your work wardrobe in January.

Option three: the elegant holiday dress

For an evening party, a dress is the most festive choice. The key is a modest neckline and a midi length, so you look glamorous without worrying about it all night.

The Glitter Velvet Ruched Midi Dress with Crystal Buckle ($98) has long sleeves, a crew neck and a softly ruched skirt with a crystal buckle at the hip, in shimmering stretch velvet. It comes in six jewel tones, from red to emerald to gold. Find more styles in our Holiday Party Dresses edit.

Accessories that work at work

Accessories are where you can shine without overdoing it. Keep jewelry to one focal point: statement earrings or a necklace, not both. A small evening bag is far chicer than an everyday tote. The Pleated Satin Pearl-Handle Clutch ($40) holds your phone, keys and lipstick, and its pearl handle feels special in photos.

Choose shoes you can stand in for three hours, such as a block heel, an elegant kitten heel or a pointed flat. Bring a tailored coat for the trip home.

What to avoid

• Very short hemlines and deep necklines. Save them for New Year's Eve with friends.
• Head-to-toe sequins at a daytime office party. Choose one shimmering piece instead.
• Brand-new shoes. Break them in first, or bring a backup pair.

Need a suit or matching set? Browse our Suits & Sets collection. Many styles are in our Holiday Sale now.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a dress to an office holiday party?

Yes. A midi dress with sleeves or a modest neckline, in velvet, satin or a jewel tone, is ideal for an evening office party. For a daytime party, add a blazer over it.

Are sequins appropriate for a work holiday party?

A touch of sparkle is perfect, such as a sequin top under a blazer or a crystal clutch. Save head-to-toe sequins for parties with friends.

What should I wear to an office party straight from work?

Build your outfit around something that works at both, like a suit or satin blouse with tailored trousers. Before the party, swap in statement earrings, a clutch and a bolder lip.