Do’s and Don’ts of a Work Holiday Party

This weekend my office celebrated the holidays and another year in the books.  I think this is one of my favorite events of my year because it’s one of the only opportunities we get to really get dressed up and have a good time.  I also love seeing what everyone else is going to wear.  This year I decided to create a do’s and don’ts list to hopefully help you out when you get invited to an office shindig and don’t know what to wear.

Do: Let your hair down, and have a good time.  This is a great opportunity to celebrate the year’s hard work.  Have a couple drinks with friends and co-workers if you’d like.  But remember you have to see these people on Monday…

Don’t: dress too casually. Most work holiday parties are more of a semi formal occasion.  Unless formally expressed I think going with that category of dress is a safe bet.  But don’t go anymore casual.

Do: Get a little sparkly! Get fancy!  As mentioned in the last tip don’t go casual, an office holiday party is a great way to go all out.  If you’re like me you will take any chance you get to get dressed up.  This year sequins seem to be all the rage so get a little sparkly! If you don’t want to invest in a dress you might not wear again check out Rent the Runway for amazing designs!  I used it last year and shared why I love this company here.

Don’t: dress for the club, while deep backs, deep fronts and short hemlines are definitely in just be careful your dress isn’t too risque.  If you wouldn’t wear it in front of your parents, you should probably say next to the dress.

Do: Bring a fun date, I know my company holds our holiday party at a local casino so there’s the opportunity to stay the night.  Bring a good friend, you know is outgoing, or even better knows a couple of your co-workers, or you can bring your significant other if you think they will have a good time.

Don’t: Feel obligated to bring a date.  I’m sure there is an opportunity to bunk with a co-worker. Don’t feel like you need to bring a date if you feel like they won’t have fun.  Going stag you have the opportunity to mingle and have fun without worry.

 

Do: Pose for Pictures.  Ask friends to take lots of pictures, document the night but know when to put the camera away…

Don’t: Talk Shop.  Make sure to leave the work talk at work. This is your way of getting to know your co-workers a little more personally and to cut loose from the structure of the office.  So have a good time, talk about weekend plans or your favorite hobbies but just take a break from work.