Work Christmas Party Outfits: What To Wear To A Work Christmas Party

With the nights growing darker and party season glittering away on the horizon, now is the perfect time to put some thought into what to wear to your work Christmas party. It’s the one night of the year where you can swap the spreadsheets for sequins and the conference calls for cocktails.

To help you craft a brilliant outfit that strikes the perfect balance between professional and party-ready, our style elves have put down their tools to bring you the ultimate office party clothes guide for ladies and gents.

Women's Christmas Partywear

This season, there’s plenty to mull over in our Christmas gifting and partywear collections, from understated elegance to dazzling luxury.

What to Wear to Smart Casual Christmas Parties 

Even if your office Christmas party is a more understated affair, there’s plenty you can do to dress up your outfit when the code calls for smart casual.

A common question is, "Can I wear jeans?" and the answer is yes. For a smart casual Christmas party, jeans are perfectly acceptable if you choose a dark-wash pair (indigo or black) free from rips or distressing. Pair them with a floaty printed blouse and elevate the look with a blazer to make sure you’re the guest of honour. 

Jumpsuits and maxi dresses are another great shout for meals out and festive bar hopping. Comfortable and warm, yet on the dressier end of the spectrum, they’re gorgeous paired with boots or heels and look just as good cocooned in a big winter coat.

Whether you’re looking for a classy pattern like a houndstooth, prefer rich velvet clothing, or want something more unique and boho, we’ve got you covered.

What to Wear to Formal Christmas Parties 

When all the stoppers need to be pulled out and the dress code is formal or black tie, it’s time to ladle on the luxury. You can never go wrong with festive classics like deep reds, forest greens, and rich navy blues for your formal Christmas party attire.

A classic party dress is a great first port of call, though anything in dazzling sequins, metallic materials, or sumptuous velvet can also make a statement. For late nights spent swanning around dancefloors (or belting out Fairytale of New York at the top of your lungs), you can’t go wrong with a mini dress. Just don’t forget a matching pair of tights to layer for the walk to the taxi.

Add the right finishing touches and accessorise to catch the eye with daintier bracelets, necklaces, and rings to add some elegant pizazz. Then pair with a smaller handbag or clutch in a colour that matches your outfit.

Men's Christmas Partywear

Christmas parties aren’t just for the ladies to show off their style. Gents have plenty to strut their stuff with our fabulous menswear collection.

What to Wear to Smart-Casual Christmas Parties

Men’s smart casual gets a bit of a bad name (a crisp shirt and trousers don’t exactly bellow ho-ho), but there’s plenty you can do to look a little more magnificent.

If there's no specific dress code, aiming for "festive smart casual" is always a safe bet. A smart pair of dark-coloured jeans is a versatile starting point. Layer on an embroidered shirt or one with a jaunty collar-and-cuff print to make the look jingle. And you can never go wrong with a piece of men's knitwear, a classic cable knit, or a fun, festive jumper is a surefire winner.

A snazzy blazer will make your shirt and jeans look more distinctive. And if you’re spending an evening on the tiles, a colourful waistcoat gives festive cheer while still being freeing enough for frenzied move-busting. A blazer-waistcoat combo tends to lean more towards formal wear, so keep warm on the train home with a smart winter coat.

Shoes-wise, clean and cool white trainers are perfectly fine or go for something a touch dressier, like a casual boot or brogue.

What to Wear to Formal Christmas Parties

When the occasion is a more formal affair, it’s time to up the formality. While a suit is a safe bet, you can mix and match separates for a dashing look. Swap out your jeans and chinos for smarter tailored trousers; herringbone and plaid are lovely places to start.

Definitely throw on a blazer (affix a festive pin to win the company’s best-dressed award) and even a waistcoat. Matching both with your bottoms will give a finer, more tailored look that will turn heads for all the right reasons. If the temperature’s sub-zero, combine your tailoring with a thick roll-neck jumper for a continental look with ladles of je ne sais quoi.

Fabric-wise, work whatever’s best for you, though a woollier, tweedier number definitely better suits the season. And if you really want to go all out, a bright silk tie will bring the jazz while still keeping your top button done up, in line with the occasion. Deck your feet with sleeker, smarter shoes like polished brogues. Just make sure to match the leather with your belt, as the style commandments dictate.