Choosing the right outfit for a work Christmas party can be tricky, particularly for women navigating the fine line between festive and professional. Whilst the invitation may say “party”, experts are urging employees to maintain professionalism and remember it’s still a work event rather than a casual gathering.
Failing to do so could land you in trouble with HR or damage your professional reputation amongst colleagues.
Jess Oritz, who enjoyed a lengthy career in human resources, has shared her golden rule for women attending their workplace Christmas celebrations this December.
She explained: “HR approved holiday party outfit rule, because I used to be in HR. Let’s talk about the one rule I always try and follow when going to work holiday parties so you can still be the hottest girl in the room, but HR won’t give you the side eye.
“So the rule is to pick one of you best assets that you really want to show off, and only show that piece off. For example if you’re wearing a mini dress, you are committing to only showing off your legs. Cover everything else.”
Jess shared a series of photos showcasing potential outfit choices, all featuring women pairing black tights with mini dresses. She suggested that an off-the-shoulder top coupled with a mini skirt and tights could still be worn as it only reveals a “peep” of skin.
She also endorsed the choice of a jumpsuit, even one with an open back, as HR approved attire.
Jess elaborated: “Same goes for the girls and showing off your back, that’s why jumpsuits work so well.”
Looking ahead to 2025 Christmas parties, Jess predicted a shift towards navy, textured materials like fur and feathers, and bold patterns.
She stated: “I’m going to give it to you straight, we’re no sequins or no burgundy dresses this year. The girls getting all the compliments are the girls in the navy blue, the baby blue and the all white outfit.
“In a room full of girls showing off that their tights are actually fleece lined, are the girls wearing the statement tights.
“Lets not forget the texture rule that we talked about, because dresses with multiple pieces of texture in them is guaranteed to get you a compliment. Don’t be scared to make your fur coat the actual full outfit and not take it off.”
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) confirms that employees could face disciplinary action for misconduct outside work.
Their website stated: “For example, where an employee’s behaviour in front of external clients at the work Christmas party reflects badly on the company. It depends on how serious the misconduct is and whether it could affect business.
“It’s important the employer carries out a thorough investigation and can show the effect on the business.”
