For that perfect balance of festive frivolity and proper office attire, we’ve put together 10 dazzling holiday looks for your office holiday party. We can’t promise a raise, but maybe some impressed raised eyebrows.

Navigating through the proper outfit landscape for an office holiday party can seem daunting. You don’t want to be inappropriate—these are your work colleagues after all, and you will have to make eye contact with them the next day. At the same time, you don’t want your look to be a snoozefest. The holiday season is arguably the most decadent time of the year when we all have permission to wear as much sparkle and shine. Even if you don’t like to bring attention to yourself, you can still delight in a festive holiday outfit to subtly show off to your coworkers. 

So what’s the secret sauce for a killer Christmas outfit to impress everyone with your fashion prowess? First, would you feel comfortable wearing a similar outfit at the office? Is your neckline cut too low or the hem too short? Will you be comfortable wearing your look chatting and drinking for a couple of hours? If the piece is something you would consider borderline inappropriate for a regular day in the office, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and nix it.

For that perfect balance of festive frivolity and proper office attire, we’ve put together 10 dazzling holiday looks for your office Christmas party. We can’t promise a raise, but maybe some impressed raised eyebrows. 

A Trendy Tartan

A tartan or plaid skirt in a soft flannel gives off that understated holiday sentiment and can easily work with different tops from chunky sweaters to silk button-ups. Plaids in reds, greens, or a combination of the two up the Christmas factor, while still maintaining the classic silhouette. Keep your look in check for the office with a midi or maxi-length skirt just to be safe. 

Shimmering Sequins

The ultimate holiday accent, sequins scream the life of the party. If you’re ready to dazzle your coworkers, then a dash of sequins or head-to-toe sparkle is your go-to for a dramatic entrance. Keep the neckline and hemline in mind when picking a top or dress. You can always layer a fabulous low-cut top over a thin turtleneck for a look that’s still chic and won’t take away your shine. 

Flirty In Fringe

The fun cousin to sequins, fringe can offer just as much entertainment with less shimmer. A fringe dress or skirt has that kicky swingy energy as you move around the party working as a conversation starter. Fringe is also perfect for a more formal holiday party outside the office. If the invite calls for evening attire, then fringe is a great way to incorporate holiday cheer into a black tie look. 

Classic Christmas Red

You can’t go wrong with cheerful red during the holidays, the color works easily with any kind of dress code too. An all-red velvet suit is glamorous and appropriate among your coworkers or a high-shine red silk top paired with wide-leg trousers feels just as festive. Go for saturated hues in luxe-looking fabrics to make it extra special and still feel comfortable in your outfit. 

A Fair Isle Sweater

Save the ugly Christmas sweater for your family photos and go for a classic Argyle or Fair Isle sweater. For those of you attending a low-key function, this cozy sweater is a great option to celebrate the season and dress up or down. Pair your sweater with a slip skirt and tights or even a dark wash pair of jeans. It’s a comfy combination without feeling too done up and still celebrates the seasonal fun. 

Rolling In Velvet

Fabrics can truly transform an outfit into something holiday party-worthy. You want something luxe or expensive looking, a way to show you took care to put on something special for the occasion. Velvet ticks all the boxes and then some with its subtle sheen and soft drape. Whether it’s a dramatic black velvet dress or a tuxedo-worthy blazer in crushed velvet, this fabric is so versatile to fit any personal style. 

Utilize Festive Accessories

Sometimes we just need a dash of sparkle or shine, this is where you can let your accessories do all the talking. A bejeweled puffy headband and glitter-encrusted clutch are easy additions to a look, especially if you’re crunched for time. And if you’re celebrating with coworkers virtually, a glitzy necklace or earrings are the perfect decorations to stand out on the screen.

A Blooming Skirt

Sometimes drama comes in the form of sheer volume like a taffeta or tulle skirt. A large poofy skirt in a cocktail or maxi length makes for an easy and fun focal point in a holiday look. Paired with a matching fuzzy sweater, it helps balance the dramatics for a more semi-formal or casual Christmas party. 

Icy Blue and Silver

If you’re over all the red and green, try embracing a color palette inspired by the cold temps outside. A combination of blue and silver still gives off a wintry sensibility without being too on the nose. Whether it’s a sparkling silver and blue dress or a standout blue sequin skirt topped with a silver blazer, choose pieces that feel office-appropriate and have fun with the rest of the styling. 

Fluffy White Sweater

Nothing says winter like a big fuzzy sweater, the keyword being fuzzy. Even if you’re going to a casual office holiday party, a bright white sweater feels more special than your typical everyday cable knit jumper. A soft and extra fluffy sweater paired with a white skirt or pants matches the winter white aesthetic or you can reach for something as easy as a nice pair of black trousers. Just remember your ABC’s— always be cozy!