Dress to impress at your next office holiday party by following these simple guidelines:
(Smart) Casual Holiday Party
This is a great opportunity to your style. Combine different pieces that shows off your personal style, mixed with more formal parts paired with some relaxed pieces --> you got smart casual!
Start by choosing your shirt; what color? what style? If you're unsure, go for a light colored one. By choosing a light colored shirt, you're staying close to the classic white shirt (that you can't go wrong with) but add a touch of color for a more stylish, and less corporate touch.
Light Blue 100% Cotton Shirt & Purple 100% Cotton Oxford Shirt
Pair the dress shirt with a tie - the tie doesn't have to be "the typical business tie". Use this opportunity to show off your style by combining the colors and patterns you like. Basically, use accessories to show off your style.
Pair your shirt with a wool sweater or a blazer. Complete the look by wearing dark colored jeans or chinos (jeans for a more casual look, chinos for a dressier look).
To get some extra style points, choose a classic blazer and add a unique lining. Like these ones below:
Blue 100% Wool Blazer with Red Lining & Grey Wool Blazer with Purple Lining
Formal Holiday Party
Suit up! No matter if your daily working environment requires a suit or not, if you're attending a formal holiday party you're expected to wear a suit. This, however, doesn't mean you need to put on a regular grey or black suit. This is your chance to experiment with different suit styles and color, and to show off your personal style.
If you'd like to keep it stylish and more safe, choose a suit like this blue checked one below. It's trendy, yet it doesn't stand out too much.If you want to step up your style game, why not choose a 3-piece suit? To make it less corporate, don't just wear all pieces in one fabric or color - mix them! Like the one to the right below:
Blue Checked 100% Merino Wool Suit & 100% Wool 3-Piece Suit
Don't forget to add accessories such as bowtie or tie, pocket square and cufflinks.
Final Advice
Regardless if you're going to a corporate, dressy, or casual holiday party, a well-fitted quality shirt is the best foundation piece for anything you'll wear. Switch the shirt colors and styles depending on the party's level of formality.
If you wan't to go with a casual "winter holiday party" vibe; get a flannel shirt and combine it with a pair of jeans or other black casual pants. Remember to check the dress code before you're going to the party, dressing wrong can make you will look (and feel) really out of place. Last, but not least - layer! Invest in a good winter coat that will keep you warm and stylish.
Good luck, and enjoy yourself!
Holiday Parties, dressy or casual, give you the perfect chance to try velvet pieces! The Statement Fabric Velvet