It’s official – Christmas is just around the corner and the work party season has well and truly arrived!
But how do you dress for a Christmas party if the venue of choice is less than conventional? With bosses choosing quirkier venues to host the festive celebrations, many of us have been left wondering just what on earth to wear.
You can’t go far wrong with the little black dress, but what if your work party requires something a tad more practical? Luckily, River Island have got you covered with this handy guide on how to dress for any office party venue:
Sophisticated Stately Home:
Image source: River Island
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you could be celebrating your work Christmas party in a stately home or castle. Here, you might be greeted with a medieval banquet, take part in some activities or enjoy a ball in your surroundings. Of course, it depends on what’s lined up for you at your party but it’s nice to look the part.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of dancing, you may want to opt for something more comfortable.
Plisse trousers have been on-trend in recent years — they’re comfy and fashionable! This style is perfect for flexibility in movement and keeping your legs covered for the cooler temperatures. Pair with a three-quarter sleeve fitted top or a bardot style crop to complete your look. This style goes great with flat or heeled shoes, so wear what you feel comfortable in. The great thing about these pants too is that they’ve got an elasticated waist (ideal for tucking into a medieval buffet!).
Bowling And Drinks:
Image source: River Island
Who doesn’t enjoy showing off their competitive side? If your Christmas party is at a bowling alley, chances are you’ll probably be heading out for a few drinks afterwards, so you need something that’s suitable for scoring a strike and for when you’re drinking cocktails later on.
Comfort is the name of the game here – but you’ll want to keep it stylish, of course. Think on-trend jumpsuits and trousers with a cute top. You’ve probably noticed that ‘80s fashion has been back with a bang this year, and it hasn’t stopped for AW18. It’s all about being bold with your colour palette and really owning it! It’s not often your colleagues get to see you outside of your work-wear so show them your true colours in a bold jumpsuit. Choose one with a chunky belt to create that ‘80s inspired cinched waist and accessorise with statement hoops.
You can’t go far wrong with this summer’s hottest trend – culottes. But there are so many varieties now that they certainly shouldn’t be kept for just one season.
Play it safe with high-waisted black trousers and jazz it up top with a glitter-infused bodysuit or cute crop — pair with a sparkly clutch and your good to go.
Traditional Restaurant Meal:
Image source: River Island
A meal and drinks is the traditional Christmas party format.
A traditional meal in a restaurant is the most common choice of Christmas party format. But, how should you dress for an occasion like this? It can be uncomfortable to eat a roast dinner in a tight bodycon, but you don’t want to be dressed informally for when you hit the bars later on.
If the little black dress just isn’t your thing, you may want to try something a bit more daring. Show off your pins in a midi dress and channel your inner party animal with leopard or snake print (two patterns that are very on-trend this season). Pair with barely-there sandals and a matching bag and your good to go!Of course, with the temperature being on the chilly side in December, you might want to try jeans with an embellished cami top. The covered legs will keep you warm when you’re moving from restaurant to bar and your fancy top will be admired over the dinner table.
This season, it’s all about sequin embellishments and metallic camis — perfect for this years’ festivities.
Party On A Rooftop Terrace:
Image source: River Island
Let’s face it, we all wish summer could last forever. Due to the colder climate of the UK, we don’t get to spend much time outdoors during the autumn and winter so a party on a rooftop makes a nice change!
Rooftop terrace parties give you the chance to really show off your style credentials – think red dresses, sequins or long glittering ball gowns. Why not go all out in a sequin maxi dress? Or pair an accordion skirt with a sequin top. Keep your feet warm in suede heeled ankle boots or a dressy loafer.
Outdoor venues definitely call for a good coat. This season it’s all about faux fur and we’re loving it! Keep it classic in a black or brown waist-length jacket or go big and bold with a coloured fur coat and chunky collar.
If this isn’t your style, you can’t go wrong in a classic leather jacket — match with a cross-body clutch and your outfit is complete.
