It’s that time of year again: office Christmas party season is right around the corner, and with it, the perennial struggle of choosing what to wear. The type of industry you work in will largely dictate the dress code of your Christmas party, but whether you need something formal, smart-casual, or totally laid-back, we’ve put together a guide that will take the headache out of choosing what to wear. At the end, we’ll also take a look at some ways you can add a touch of class to any outfit.
Men’s Style Guide For An Office Christmas Party
Formal Dress
The last thing you want to do at any party is over-dress or under-dress, so get a feel for the level of formality from your colleagues.
If your office party is formal, then there’s really no other option than the suit. The key is to not wear a suit that you would normally wear to work. But how do you stand out? Grey is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to black, but a seasonal hue will really set you apart — think deep red, dark green, or subtle navy. The below is a great formal, festive look for your Christmas party.
If you want to take your look another level, try a velvet jacket.
An in-formal office party dress code is covered via the below.
Mix It Up With Smart-Casual
The most versatile of dress codes, smart casual allows you a lot of room for experimentation. You can take it quite literally and throw some of your smart and casual pieces together.
A casual jacket with a nice crew neck or smart shirt is a classic choice that rarely goes wrong. Alternatively, choose smart-casual staples such as knitwear and chinos.
The right pair of shoes will set your outfit apart, and with smart-casual you have a lot of options.
Relax & Get Casual
For a more-chilled affair, consider sprucing up your standard look or incorporating some seasonal elements. The beauty of casual is that you can get away with just about anything, but with a few select items you can still have that wow factor.
Switch things up by wearing a more casual jacket or light jumper in combination with a T-shirt. Shoes can go either way depending on what you prefer. Boots or loafers will give you a distinctive look, but a pair of smart trainers can also easily be pulled off.
Accessories
No outfit is complete without accessories. A belt is a must, but the one you choose should largely depend on your overall outfit. If in doubt, fall back on brown leather for a touch of sophistication. For a smarter look, you will need to consider ties, bow ties, and pocket squares, and these items offer a fantastic opportunity to do something a little bit different and incorporate a bit of Christmas cheer.
For an extra touch regardless of your look, consider adding a sleek watch of your choice.
Something A Little Bit More Festive
Regardless of the party’s dress code, festive elements can be incorporated into almost any outfit. And no, I’m not talking about beard baubles or a Santa hat. You can get in the festive spirit with a more subtle look.
Christmas tones of green and red can easily be brought in, while wintery colours such as blues and whites can also work well. We don’t recommend going all out novelty, but there are some Christmas jumpers that do work. Think simple patterns and muted colours with light wintery elements.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to start pulling together your Christmas party outfit. Irrespective of your dress code, dress sharp, with purpose, and accessorise. Once you’ve sorted your outfit, you might want to take a look at our winter grooming guide to really complete your look.