Choosing the perfect outfit for a work holiday party comes with a neverending stream of questions and decisions: You want to be elegant but not over the top, you want to be casual but not sloppy, and you want to be festive but professional. On top of it all, you know you might have to brave the worst of December weather, leaving you to wish you had worn a onesie and a parka and called it a night. What’s worse is that you probably have more than one office party to attend: There’s your own, your significant other’s, your clients’—the list of invitations is endless. Can your closet handle all the sequins and sparkles? We think not.
SWEATER + METALLIC SKIRT + MULES
(Braided cable jumper – Topshop, metallic pleated skirt – Topshop, studded velvet bag – Accessorize, red embellished platform heels – Charles & Keith)
“Heading straight from work to the celebration? This ensemble is simple, but it feels just fancy enough for cocktails,” says Madden. Swap out your daytime shoes for a fancier velvet heel if you must—and if you feel like dressing up your outfit with a statement bag, consider a weekly rental from Village Luxe.
TURTLENECK + SLIP DRESS + PUMPS
(Floral maxi dress – Miss Selfridge, grey eyelet detail jumper – Miss Selfridge, DD shoulder bag red – Dsquared2, dual-tone block heels – Pedro)
“While a slinky slip dress might usually feel like a bit much for a work function, adding a turtleneck underneath gives it a cool factor and a bit more coverage,” says the fashion editor. Besides, you won’t get cold if the wind is howling outside. Pair this simple ensemble with statement pumps and a bag.
MIDI DRESS + ANKLE BOOTS + LEATHER JACKET
(Orchid print frill midi dress – Warehouse, leather biker jacket – Mango, bellina velvet clutch bag – Coast, kitten sock boots – Dorothy Perkins)
“A midi dress is more dramatic than something you might wear to a typical meeting, but for after hours, it’s the ideal piece,” explains Madden. “It’s dramatic, but when it’s paired with more grounded picks like sleek ankle boots and a fitted jacket, it all comes together.” We particularly love this option if you’re looking to dress down a favorite dress that gets little wear throughout the year.
BLACK TROUSERS + DEEP-V TOP + PUMPS
(Fluted sleeve tuxedo – Karren Milen, tailored straight trouser – Karren Milen, balck circular detail wallet – Charles & Keith, decoltish heels – Christian Louboutin)
“If you’re looking to wear jeans to your office get-together, stick to a dark hue in a kick flare or skinny,” explains the fashion editor. “A fancier top will help balance out the casual pants, and heels make for the perfect finishing touch to the look.” Step it up a notch with tuxedo-style pants, and let your accessories make your outfit shine.
MIDI DRESS + ANKLE BOOTS + STATEMENT EARRINGS
(Jasmine checked dress – Coast, crystal ring mixmatch earings – Accessorize, brooke ankle boots – Topshop, laminated box clutch bag – Max&Co.)
“Ready to show off your styling skills? Try pairing a floaty midi dress with heeled boots.” says Madden. “Then, add a pair of eye-catching statement earrings to polish off the ensemble.” This outfit formula is unexpected, daring, and cool.
