PARTY QUEEN / Nov 26, 2024

WHAT TO WEAR TO A HOLIDAY WORK PARTY: 5 HEAD-TURNING LOOKS

Dressing for a date? Easy. Prepping for a red carpet event? No problem. But deciding what to wear to a holiday work party? Now that’s stressful. You want to look fabulous and leave a great impression on your boss, all while keeping it chic—and making sure you don’t get called into HR on Monday.

Don’t sweat—we’re here to help. Discover 5 holiday work party outfits that’ll help you make a great impression, all while letting your personal style shine.

Choosing a Corporate-Friendly Holiday Party Outfit

Before we share our favorite corporate holiday party outfits, here are some style tips to help you climb the style ladder:

1. Consider the Dress Code and Theme

There’s nothing more important than being on theme, so be sure to double- and triple-check the dress code before shopping. A black-tie gala often calls for an elegant long gown, while a Roaring '20s theme might have you searching for a glamorous flapper-style dress dripping in gold.

Style tip: Check photos from last year’s party to see what everyone wore! It’s a great way to gauge your company’s level of formality and see how adventurous colleagues get with their holiday looks.

2. Keep It Work-Appropriate

Sure, it’s a party, but remember that it’s still a work function—so keep things classy, not trashy. Avoid outfits that would raise eyebrows or ruin your professional image, such as revealing dresses better suited for a girls’ night out. Instead, go for classic styles, timeless silhouettes, and eye-catching colors that make a statement without being too bold.

3. Infuse Your Personality

While your typical "going-out" dress may not be the most appropriate choice, you don’t have to abandon your personal style. When choosing what to wear to a holiday work party, find ways to tastefully express yourself through certain elements of your look. For example, if you prefer a fresh and youthful look, try trendy colors or silhouettes instead of mini hemlines.

4. Aim for Balance

When choosing what to wear to a holiday work party, it’s tempting to play it safe with overly modest choices—think absolutely no skin-baring moments. While you definitely want to avoid anything too risqué, the key is balancing your look’s elements. If you’re drawn to a dress with a shorter hem, make sure it has a more conservative neckline. Or, if your dress has a revealing neckline like a deep-V, pair it with a longer hem to maintain a professional vibe.

What to Wear to a Holiday Work Party: 5 Polished Picks

Here are 5 chic yet work-appropriate holiday work party outfits to wow the entire office:

1. Emerald Green Mermaid Dress with Illusion Sweetheart Neckline

Get the Look: GL3456 - Illusion Sweetheart Ruched Back Rome Jersey Mermaid Long Dress

We’re starting strong with a dress in a classic holiday hue—green.

For formal holiday work parties, it’s crucial to maintain a polished, professional look—and this jewel-tone gown does just that. The structured bodice creates a flawless, flattering silhouette, while the luxurious fabric drapes beautifully over the body. The front ruching provides tummy coverage—a definite must-have if you’re planning on indulging in holiday treats—and the illusion sweetheart neckline is a sexy touch that doesn’t compromise modesty.

2. Red Velvet Dress with Jeweled Waistband and U-Back

Get the Look: GL2559 - Jewel Accented Waist Line V-Neck Velvet Dress w/ U-Back

Wondering what to wear to a holiday work party? Here’s an option that’ll easily promote you to the office fashion icon.

Velvet is a favorite for the festive season for its ultra-luxe feel, especially when it comes in a classic Christmas color like red. Plus, it’s wrinkle-resistant, allowing you to maintain a flawless look all evening long.

For an effortlessly polished look, this velvet creation is the perfect choice. It features a curve-contouring mermaid cut, beautifully highlighted by a bejeweled waistband that accentuates your figure. The U-back offers a tasteful peek of skin, while the illusion neckline lets you show off a deep-V without any wardrobe mishaps.

3. Red Bodycon Cocktail Dress with Embroidered Bodice

Get the Look: GS3509 - Glitter Jersey Sweetheart Neckline Bodycon Homecoming Dress w/ Cut-Away Shoulder

Not sure what to wear to a holiday work party when your invite says “cocktail?” Definitely go for something knee-length or shorter, but avoid itty-bitty dresses that may be deemed inappropriate for work events.

Flirty with its length yet still sophisticated, this dress strikes the perfect balance of fun and professionalism for a corporate cocktail party. The structured bodice, covered in floral embellishments, adds a feminine touch, while the subtle glitter offers a festive feel without being overly flashy.

Style tip: Consider pairing this dress with black tights, especially if your party leans more towards cocktail formal than cocktail casual, or if it’s being held in a chilly venue.

4. Red Asymmetric Gown with Puff Sleeve and Sequins

Get the Look: GL3159 - Sequin Asymmetric Velvet Mermaid Dress w/ One Long Puff Sleeve

The holiday season is the perfect time to shine in an all-sequin ensemble. Sequins can easily infuse your look with the fun, festive touch that holiday work party outfits demand.

Bring the glam to your work party in this floor-sweeping dress. With every inch covered in sequins, this asymmetric dress is your perfect “ready-to-party” outfit. Its mermaid cut is timeless, while the thick velvet fabric skims over your body, ensuring a flattering silhouette without clinging too tightly. And can we talk about that one-shoulder sleeve with its very 1980s puff? Iconic.

5. Rose Gold Cocktail Dress with Sequins and Spaghetti Straps

Get the Look: GS3083 - Straight Across Neckline Velvet Bodycon Short Dress w/ Leg Slit

If your work party is a bit more laid-back (i.e., with dancing, games, and best of all—an open bar), why not opt for a cocktail dress embellished with sequins? As we’ve mentioned, sequins are a surefire way to make any outfit feel celebration-ready—just like our last (but certainly not the least) fabulous outfit suggestion.

Exude a playful yet refined vibe in this bodycon dress, covered in sequins that catch the light and reflect your vibrant personality. The straight-across neckline and “short-but-not-too-short” length offer the perfect balance of modesty and style, making this dress a standout choice for holiday work parties. It’s the kind of look that’s sure to leave a lasting impression in all the right ways.

Work It in a Holiday Party Dress from GLS Collective

Choosing the right outfit for a work party can be tricky, but the key is to strike the balance between fabulous and professional. Take inspiration from the styles above as you decide what to wear to a holiday work party, and explore GLS Collective for looks that will set the standard for all your future work events.

Whether you're after a full-length gown or a cocktail dress, we offer a wide selection of styles that cater to every theme, dress code, and taste. Just don’t blame us if you have a hard time picking a dress—we know, it’s hard to choose just one!

Need more style inspo? Check out these articles from your fashion experts at GLS Collective: