You can build your holiday look on this framework: Start with the invitation, then consider the venue, time of day, and your workplace culture. Here\u2019s a quick rundown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- The invitation\u2019s dress code:<\/strong> What does it say on the invite? If the dress code states \u201csmart casual\u201d or \u201cblack tie,\u201d then take the wording at face value. If the language is vague (for example, \u201cdress to impress\u201d), ask the RSVP contact for more details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The venue:<\/strong> Where the party is taking place gives you a strong signal of what\u2019s appropriate to wear. A hotel ballroom calls for something more formal than the office break room, and a rooftop lounge settles somewhere between the two.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Time of day:<\/strong> A lunch or early-afternoon gathering leans light and casual, while evening parties typically mean darker colors and richer fabrics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Company culture:<\/strong> Think about your workplace\u2019s typical vibe. A relaxed office may treat the holiday party as an extension of a casual workday, while a more conservative company may expect a dressier look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> Even when the invitation says \u201ccasual,\u201d keep the setting in mind. For a workplace party, that usually means relaxed pieces that still look intentional and appropriate. If you\u2019re still unsure, aim for slightly dressier rather than slightly underdressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Office Holiday Party Outfit Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you know the party\u2019s dress code, it\u2019s time to choose the right pieces to bring together a memorable look. The best holiday party outfits for work start with a few basic concepts and add minor festive touches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smart Casual and Business Casual Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You likely have all the pieces you need in your closet at home for a relaxed holiday party at the office. Smart and business casual<\/a> aren\u2019t about pulling out all the stops \u2014 they lean into texture, layering,and perhaps a seasonal color or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a layered look, wear a crisp white dress shirt<\/a> with a contrasting cardigan over the top (think burgundy or forest green). The cardigan adds a touch of warmth for the cool months, along with a hint of polish. Finish with wool trousers and leather loafers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try a wool blazer<\/a> over a solid shirt and tailored trousers to achieve a textured aesthetic. You can also swap in a blazer with a soft check or herringbone pattern. The result is an outfit that looks right for the office but has a touch of festive flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fine-gauge merino rollneck works well under a tailored blazer, especially when paired with dress trousers and leather Chelsea boots. This combination is polished yet warm, so it\u2019s a solid pick for partially outdoor parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leather loafers or boots will usually finish the outfit more naturally than sneakers. These shoes tie the outfit together, but they\u2019re still casual and comfortable enough for a long, low-key party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cocktail and Semi-Formal Party Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If the dress code calls for a cocktail outfit<\/a>, wear a suit or intentional, tailored attire. A navy or charcoal suit is an easy choice for these types of parties. Pair it with a pale blue dress shirt and leather shoes, then add a seasonal touch with your accessories. Try a textured tie or patterned pocket square<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This look is versatile. Swap out the colors for various holiday vibes. We also recommend a crimson suit with a cream dress shirt, or a green suit with a gray dress shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> A great cocktail look can be one of the most dependable Christmas outfits for men. They often fit a range of dress codes and wouldn\u2019t look out of place in business casual or formal parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formal and Black Tie Party Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Both formal and black-tie events leave less wiggle room than other dress codes. Formal occasions usually require suits in dark shades like charcoal and black. Wear a neutral shirt, dress shoes, and limit your accessories to one or two pieces \u2014 say an understated watch and a pocket square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, adding velvet works for a dressier night. A velvet dinner jacket<\/a> in black or burgundy, worn over a subtle shirt and black tailored trousers, looks festive without leaning casual. If the event is more formal, wear a bow tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For black tie events, the choice is straightforward: A tuxedo, bow tie, and polished dress shoes<\/a>. You can typically choose black or midnight blue, but the same baseline look always applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> For formal and black tie parties, match your shoes and belt, and ensure the tones look cohesive. It\u2019s a subtle difference that people notice at dressier events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Look Festive Without Going Over the Top<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Holiday parties provide an opportunity to look festive, but it\u2019s unfortunately easy to cross the line and overdress. To avoid a costume-y aesthetic, try the \u201cone festive element\u201d rule. This asks you to choose one seasonal color or texture for your outfit, and leave the rest more relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For color, bright green and red often dominate the palette, which can be a little loud. Consider choosing burgundy and forest green, or opting for alternatives like midnight blue and winter white to celebrate without shouting from the rooftops. Add these shades into your outfit creatively: Opt for a burgundy tie<\/a> or rich blue pocket square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After color comes seasonal textures. Here are a few to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Velvet:<\/strong> Dressy straight off the bat. Wear this classic via a formal jacket.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flannel or heavy wool:<\/strong> The go-to fabrics for cold-weather occasions. These are best in button-down shirts and sweaters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cashmere or merino:<\/strong> Soft knits look dressy and seasonal. Wear these as sleek sweaters on their own or under a blazer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Corduroy:<\/strong> A relaxed choice that works well for smart casual parties. This one is most common in pants, but a warm corduroy jacket is equally sophisticated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What To Avoid Wearing to an Office Holiday Party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Holiday parties give you room to have fun with your clothes, but a few choices can still feel out of place at a work event. Here are a few to watch out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Novelty sweaters:<\/strong> A bright, flashy sweater pulls attention away from the event and comes across as unprofessional when you\u2019re with a work crowd. Unless you\u2019re attending a dedicated ugly-sweater party, leave this attention-grabbing piece in the closet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Khakis and a satin-tie:<\/strong> While there\u2019s nothing inherently wrong with this combo, it can read a bit too much like an ordinary work day. Mix and match these two basics, and create something a bit more festive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Overly casual pieces:<\/strong> Comfortable hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers feel great, but they aren\u2019t on the list of appropriate party attire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Statement pieces:<\/strong> Loud colors, patterns, and accessories can cross into costume territory. Follow the one festive element rule, and add bold pieces slowly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Poorly fitting clothes:<\/strong> Even a well-chosen outfit can look off if the fit isn\u2019t right. Avoid anything too-tight or oversized. Whether it\u2019s a formal suit<\/a> or a simple sweater, your clothes should comfortably taper around your frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Find Your Office Holiday Party Look at Men\u2019s Wearhouse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Khakis and a satin-tie:<\/strong> While there\u2019s nothing inherently wrong with this combo, it can read a bit too much like an ordinary work day. Mix and match these two basics, and create something a bit more festive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flannel or heavy wool:<\/strong> The go-to fabrics for cold-weather occasions. These are best in button-down shirts and sweaters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The venue:<\/strong> Where the party is taking place gives you a strong signal of what\u2019s appropriate to wear. A hotel ballroom calls for something more formal than the office break room, and a rooftop lounge settles somewhere between the two.<\/li>\n\n\n\n