Fashion
What To Wear To A Formal Work Party
Holiday parties are one of the best things about the season if you love fashion (sparkles! colors! ugly sweaters!), but dressing for your friend's party is a lot different (read: way more exciting) than dressing for a work party. When you're surrounded by your boss and colleagues, you're definitely going to have to dress much more conservative, but professional doesn't have to be synonymous with dull. If you're trying to decide what to wear to a formal work party, your options are more exciting than you think.
Rule number one: Just because it's an office party, does not mean you have to dress like you're at the office. You can skip the pantsuit/skirt suit/any variation on suit (unless you want to wear one! Suiting can be pretty chic, after all). You're at a party, of course, so you can definitely dress for one, just keep the skin-showing to a minimum and you should be good to go. But covering up a little bit more leaves you some more room to experiment with colors, patterns, textures, and accessories, so it can actually be pretty fun.
If you have a work party on the calendar, here are some ideas to help you party in (professional) style.
1. Mini Dress
Skater Dress, $81, ASOS
Mini dresses aren't off limits, but maybe pick one that's long-sleeved and wear a pair of opaque tights underneath.
2. Wrap Dress
Plus Size Wrap Dress, $36, ASOS
You can never go wrong with the classic silhouette.
3. Jumpsuit
Pleated High Neck Jumpsuit, $68, Topshop
Dress up an understated jumpsuit with a statement heel and clutch.
4. Pencil Skirt
Party Skirt, $128, J.Crew
You might wear pencil skirts to the office on the regs, but the lace on the bottom makes this one more party-ready.
5. Sheath Dress
Plus Size Lace Overlay Sheath, $188, Nordstrom
An LBD might be minimal, but you can make it more exciting with accessories.
6. Metallic Skirt
Midi Skirt, $128, J.Crew
Metallic is always festive, just keep the hemline a midi or longer.
7. Wide-Legged Pant
Wide-Leg Pant, $178, J.Crew
They're made of wool/flannel, so you'll definitely be warm if it's cold out!
Images: J.Crew; Nordstrom; ASOS; Topshop
