What to Wear to a Work Christmas Party: Stylish Ideas for Men & Women

The festive season is here, and one question keeps popping up: what to wear to a work Christmas party. Whether it’s a cosy office gathering or a formal gala, choosing the right outfit can feel tricky but it doesn’t have to be.

In this guide, you’ll discover: 

• Inspiring work Christmas party outfit ideas for both men and women.
• Tips on adding festive touches while staying professional.
• Common mistakes to avoid so you can dress with confidence.
• Practical advice for picking an office Christmas party outfit that fits your company culture.

Keep reading to find your perfect look and make this year’s office celebration your most stylish yet! 

Understanding the Work Christmas Party Dress Code

Before picking what to wear at a work Christmas party, it’s important to understand the dress code. Company culture, venue, and event formality all play a role in deciding what’s appropriate. Here’s a quick guide: 

• Casual: Think smart jeans, festive tops, or simple dresses. Comfortable yet polished.
• Smart Casual: Blouses or shirts with tailored trousers or skirts, casual blazers, and modest dresses.
• Business Formal: Classic suits, tailored dresses, or formal skirts with blazers.
• Cocktail/Formal: Elegant dresses, chic jumpsuits, or sharp suits and ties. Ideal for gala-style office events.
• Festive Theme: Some parties encourage seasonal colours or patterns like reds, greens, or subtle sparkles so you can show a bit of holiday spirit while staying office-appropriate.

Knowing the dress code upfront helps you avoid outfit faux pas and ensures you feel confident from the moment you walk in.

Work Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for Women

When it comes to work Christmas party outfits, I always find it easiest to start with your personal style and build from there. There’s always a way to strike the balance between professional and celebratory.

Chic Dresses and Skirts

From years of managing work Christmas parties, I’ve noticed that dresses and skirts are often the most reliable choice for women. They strike a good balance between being festive and still office-appropriate.

At most corporate celebrations, midi dresses tend to be the go-to. They look polished in photos, work well across different venues, and suit a wide mix of company cultures.

I’ve also seen many guests opt for skirts paired with a dressy blouse, especially for semi-formal dinners. A pleated midi or a clean, tailored skirt usually fits right in, whether the event is held at the office, a hotel ballroom, or a restaurant.

Stylish Jumpsuits and Pantsuits

Another option I see quite often at company Christmas parties is the jumpsuit or pantsuit. These outfits are incredibly practical. Guests move around a lot during company parties. Jumpsuits and pantsuits tend to hold their shape well throughout the night, which means you look and feel comfortable the whole night.

Pantsuits also work brilliantly for events hosted at more formal venues. They photograph well under event lighting, and they give a polished, confident look. Jumpsuits, on the other hand, strike that nice middle ground between elegant and relaxed.

Accessories and Footwear Tips

When it comes to accessories and footwear, I’ve learned that comfort is just as important as style. Guests often underestimate how much standing, mingling, and walking happens throughout the night.

Choosing comfortable shoes is always a good idea. Simple, well-chosen accessories also tend to work best. Understated jewellery or a single standout piece feels appropriate without drawing too much attention.

The goal isn’t to accessorise heavily.  It’s to pick pieces that complement your outfit and let you enjoy the evening without constantly adjusting anything.

Work Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for Men

en’s outfits tend to vary widely depending on the company culture and venue. Some teams stick to a laid-back, smart-casual style, while others arrive looking ready for a black-tie gala. No matter the dress code, there are a few reliable options that always fit the occasion and photograph well.

Suits and Blazers

Suits and blazers are easily the most common choice because they strike the perfect balance between professional and festive. Even at smart casual events, a well-fitted blazer instantly elevates the look. I’ve noticed that navy, charcoal, and dark green are popular picks, especially for dinners and awards-style gatherings.

For more formal celebrations, a full suit is usually the safest option. It photographs well, looks cohesive, and ensures you fit right in. What I’ve also seen is that lighter or less structured jackets tend to feel more comfortable, especially during longer programmes or when there’s a lot of mingling involved.

Festive Yet Professional Shirts and Ties

To add a bit of festive flair, shirts and ties are usually where you can make the most creative choices. You can introduce subtle holiday elements like deeper colours, small patterns, or textured fabrics. Burgundy, forest green, and navy are always popular and look great under event lighting.

I’ve noticed that patterned shirts, such as checks or micro-prints, work well for smart casual parties. For ties, small festive accents like understated stripes or a hint of shimmer, tend to strike the right balance.

A festive yet professional shirt-and-tie combination is an easy way to lean into the Christmas spirit while keeping your look appropriate for the workplace setting.

Shoes and Accessories to Complete the Look

Shoes and accessories might seem like small details, but they make a noticeable difference. From what I’ve seen, men who wear clean, well-polished shoes instantly look more put together. Classic leather shoes are the most common choice for formal venues, while loafers or smart boots fit well for smart casual settings.

Accessories are usually kept minimal at corporate events. A good watch, a neat belt, and sometimes a pocket square are more than enough. I’ve also seen guests add a festive touch through a subtle lapel pin or textured tie clip.

Creative Ways to Add Festive Touches

If you’re keen to bring a bit of holiday spirit into your look, here are a few office-appropriate ways I’ve seen guests incorporate festive elements at company Christmas parties:

• Seasonal colours: Deep reds, greens, golds, and metallics always appear this time of year and look great under event lighting.
• Textured fabrics: Velvet, satin, lace, or even a light shimmer add a festive feel without overwhelming the outfit.
• Statement accessories: A bold necklace, pocket square, or a pair of standout earrings can elevate an otherwise simple outfit.
• Festive grooming or makeup: For those who enjoy it, a touch of sparkle on the eyes or a classic red lip can feel seasonal without going overboard.
• Layering pieces: Items like a chic shawl, blazer, or structured cardigan in a holiday tone can add warmth and a celebratory touch.

These small festive touches help you feel part of the celebration without stepping outside the boundaries of what’s appropriate for a corporate setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, I’ve seen a few recurring outfit missteps at work Christmas parties. Here are some of the most common ones worth keeping in mind: 

• Overdressing for the venue: A full gala look at a casual office gathering can feel out of place and uncomfortable.
• Wearing impractical shoes: High heels or stiff new shoes often become an issue once the mingling and activities begin.
• Going too festive or novelty-heavy: Light Christmas touches work well, but loud themed outfits can clash with the event’s professional tone.
• Ignoring the temperature: Many venues get warm once the party fills up. Heavy layers often end up being removed and carried around all night.
• Choosing outfits that restrict movement: Anything that needs constant adjusting tends to get frustrating quickly during longer programmes.

Keeping these common pitfalls in mind can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel throughout the event.

Tips for Choosing Your Office Christmas Party Outfit

Now that we’ve gone through all the outfit ideas for both men and women, it becomes much clearer what to wear to a work Christmas party. To help you pull everything together, here are the core guidelines that most guests find useful when deciding on their final look:

• Start with the dress code: It’s the easiest way to narrow down your options and avoid feeling over- or underdressed.
• Choose comfort first: You’ll likely be standing, mingling, and possibly joining activities, so pick something you can move in.
• Plan around the venue: A hotel ballroom, office space, and rooftop bar all call for slightly different levels of formality.
• Keep it professional: Festive touches are great, but it’s still a workplace event, so aim for polished rather than flashy.
• Test your outfit beforehand: This helps you avoid last-minute issues—especially with footwear, fabrics, or fit.

A little planning goes a long way so take a few minutes to think through your outfit. The goal is to look good, feel good, and enjoy the celebration without any distractions.

Conclusion

Choosing what to wear to a work Christmas party doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is balancing professionalism with seasonal cheer. By keeping the tips above in mind, you’ll feel confident and enjoy the celebration from start to finish. If you found these insights helpful, follow Dream Station for more tips, ideas, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from our event team.

Related Articles

For more inspiration, check out these articles:

• Is It Bad to Skip the Company Christmas Party?
• Work Christmas Party Rules to Navigate the Holiday Party Professionally
• The Perfect Company Dinner and Dance Outfit