What to wear to a work Christmas party
A work Christmas party dress should be festive and still fit for colleagues. The venue tells you how far to go.
| Venue | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Drinks in the office or a bar | A midi or wrap dress in a festive colour, with the shoes you wore to work or a dressier pair |
| Restaurant dinner | A satin midi, a knit dress or a cocktail dress |
| Formal function or ball | Follow the dress code. Cocktail means knee to midi, formal means long |
| Daytime lunch or picnic | A printed midi or shirt dress, flats or block heels |
Keep hemlines and necklines modest. If you would not wear the cut to a client dinner, save it for a party with friends.
What to wear to a Christmas party with friends
With friends, the Christmas party outfit can go further. Sequins, velvet, a shorter hem and brighter colour all fit. A mini or midi party dress with one statement, such as sequins or a bold red, is enough.
What to wear to Christmas lunch
For Christmas lunch with family, comfort matters as much as looks. A loose midi, a wrap dress or a shirt dress in a festive colour suits a long meal. In Australia choose cotton or linen for the heat. In the US and other cold places, a knit dress with tights does the same job.
Festive colours and fabrics
Red is the classic Christmas party colour, followed by green, gold, silver and black. The fabric can do the work in place of the colour: satin, sequins, velvet and metallic knits all read as festive. One festive element is enough. A red dress does not need sequins as well.
Dressing for the weather
Christmas falls in summer in Australia and in winter in the US, so the same party calls for different dresses. In Australia choose breathable fabrics, shorter sleeves and a light layer for air conditioning. In the US choose long sleeves, velvet or knit, and add tights and a coat that suits the dress.
Shop the dress code
See all christmas party dressesCommon questions
What should you wear to a work Christmas party?
Choose a dress one step dressier than your usual workwear. A midi or knee length dress in a festive colour or fabric works for most offices. Keep hemlines and necklines modest.
What colour should a Christmas party dress be?
Red is the classic choice, followed by green, gold, silver and black. Any colour works if the fabric feels festive, such as satin, sequins or velvet.
Can you wear sequins to a work Christmas party?
Yes, in moderation. A sequinned dress in a modest cut, or one sequinned piece with plain shoes and a plain bag, suits most work Christmas parties. Keep the hem at the knee or lower.
Can you wear black to a Christmas party?
Yes. A black dress suits every Christmas party. Make it festive with the fabric, such as velvet, satin or sequins, or with red, gold or metallic shoes, bag and jewellery.
What do you wear to Christmas lunch?
A comfortable midi, wrap or shirt dress in a festive colour suits most Christmas lunches. Choose a breathable fabric in Australia, and a knit dress with tights in colder places.
How dressy is a work Christmas party?
Most work Christmas parties are smart casual to cocktail. Check the invitation and the venue. Drinks at a bar need less than a seated dinner, and a function with a stated dress code should be followed as written.