Office Christmas Party Chic

Most people spend more time worrying and more money necessary on what to wear to the office Christmas party. It shouldn't be so difficult and it should be an event where you can be a stand out. The problem is that many people end up standing out for all the wrong reasons.

Make no mistake, the office Christmas party is still about work and with that goes a professional demeanor and apparel to match. Yes, it is a time to relax and enjoy, but not to the extent that you become the target of gossip or innuendo. I remember a few years ago, at my office Christmas party, when a colleague of mine made a serious fashion mistake. She had recently lost a great deal of weight and decided to show off her glamorous new figure. She arrived wearing a dazzling black pantsuit. When she took off her coat the room cringed. My colleague did not have Michelle Obama toned arms as few of us do. She was the topic of water cooler jabs for weeks. Instead of noticing her great new shape everyone noted the jiggly arms.

Making the mistake of revealing too much flesh is not the only fashion faux pas. As a rule of thumb, you should check your employee manual for dress code standards. They apply, yes, even on party night. Many people don't understand this etiquette detail, but I promise you, supervisors, board memebers and possibly even client guests are noticing. They all have long memories as well.

Men are thought to have an easy time with attire for these events, but I am surprised by how many make glaring mistakes in the wardrobe department on office Christmas party night. Sneakers, jeans, baggy anythings and anything but the button down shirt are inappropriate. This is a semi formal affair. Dark pants, belt, socks and dress shoes round out the best outfitted of the evening. The Santa and snowman novelty ties only look cute on the boss. You are not dressing to look silly, but competent and responsible.

If you are of either gender and inclined to piercings and wearing multiple articles of jewelry at the same time, leave them home. You are in a professional setting and expected to dress in an exceptionally professional way.

Women hate the office Christmas party because we make it so much harder than it has to be. Instead of scouring the mall to find just the right dress, save time, money and effort by using your work wardrobe as the foundation for an elegant evening look. If you wear suits wear your favorite and most dramatic suit to work on party day. Dress professionally for work and bring along a beaded or shimmery metallic top to change into for evening. This year's look are sparkly metalics in all colors from high end designers right down to discount retailers.

If you normailly wear your hair down, sweep it up and pin it with a dramatic clip or barette. If you usually wear it up
wear it down. Remember to apply more dramatic make up for evening. Low lights are a terrific opportunity to go dramatic, just be careful not to overdo. Adding rhinestone, crystal or other light catching earrings or jewlery is the right way to go as well.

Shoes, whether you will be dancing or just dining and mingling make your outfit. Pick elegant pumps or strappy sandals with a heel. This is not the place for stilettos when you are looking to look silly especially on the dance floor or when landing head first in the punch bowl. Keep the shoes elegant and simple but as glam as you can.

As for the Santa hat, those cute little reindeer ears on a headband and all other novelty head wear, leave it home. No one takes these silly accessories in the corporate world as a sign that you are capable and competent.

Have a great time and get out there and dazzle!