The festive season has arrived, and the annual work Christmas party is almost here. Like Santa Claus, it comes around only once a year, so it’s vital to make an effort and look your very best.
However, navigating a Christmas work do dress code can be tricky. Do you dust off the tuxedo? Or will chinos and a shirt suffice? Ultimately, it’s important to ditch your normal workwear and make a good impression without looking like you’ve tried too hard.
Fortunately, the 2024 Christmas work do season offers an abundance of men’s formal suits and styling options with something for every party theme and occasion. Once you’ve worked out the location, dress code, and whether it’s a formal or casual affair, you’ll be well on your way to nailing the perfect Christmas work party look.
Whether you’re heading to a swanky dinner at a plush hotel or just a few laidback drinks down at the local, this guide will ensure you’re dressed appropriately for the big celebration. So, grab a mince pie and a glass of bubbles while you indulge in these top Xmas work do fashion tips.
1. The Timeless Black Tie
In many ways, this is the easiest Christmas work do outfit to perfect. A black tie party is all about formality, so that means digging the tuxedo out and embracing the season’s traditions. Black tie is the second-most formal dress code of all after white tie, so there’s no need to overcomplicate things. Simply wear a crisp, white dress shirt with concealed buttons underneath a dinner jacket, preferably with a Windsor collar or wing collar.
Footwear should incorporate plain, dark dress shoes, black Oxfords, or patent leather shoes with a glossy, ultra-polished finish. Being the festive season, don’t be afraid to experiment with winter colours and fabrics such as a velvet tux in warming crimson or vibrant emerald. If you’re wearing a classic black tux, add pops of colour with a bold bow tie or pocket square, or switch up your accessories with a statement belt, cufflinks, or dress watch. Whether you’re attending a gala dinner or grand ball, black tie always makes a lasting impression.
2. The Smart Casual Ensemble
Sliding down the formality scale, a smart casual dress code offers a myriad style options for any Christmas party. Smart casual sits somewhere between the formality of a suit and the casualness of weekend wear. It isn’t about dressing down, but rather striking the right balance between a polished appearance and comfort. However, smart casual can be interpreted in several ways, so always check the invite to avoid potential embarrassment.
Opt for a safe blend of casual wear mixed with more refined pieces such as a stylish blazer with smart jeans and a patterned shirt. Alternatively, pair a woollen roll-neck jumper with a suit jacket for warmth and sophistication. To complete a classic smart-casual look, throw on a pair of vintage Chelsea boots along with a leather belt, watch, and other accessories to complete the look.
3. Full Casual Party Outfit
You’re in luck if your Christmas work do comes with a casual dress code. After all, as long as you make the effort, there’s not too much that can go wrong. A casual dress code is an open invitation to pull a relaxed, informal outfit from your wardrobe. Focus on personal style and comfort, and denim is most definitely allowed at a casual party. So, jeans are perfectly acceptable on this occasion and go well with just about anything from thick winter knitwear to colourful, patterned shirts. What if your Christmas party is taking place outdoors? Simply make a throw on a thick padded jacket or leather coat part of your outfit while keeping out the winter chill. While casual implies a more relaxed style, always consider work expectations so that you don’t arrive in ripped jeans or something inappropriate that may land you in hot water with the CEO the following Monday morning.
4. All-out Festive Flair
Never forget that a Christmas do is all about having fun and celebrating the hard work you put in during the year. If there’s a festive theme to your office party, it’s a golden opportunity to unleash your creative side and be as bold and daring as you like (within reason, of course). Brighten up your outfit with a Santa-themed bow tie or choose a vibrant, patterned tie to go with a shirt and pair of dark trousers. As it’s a festive celebration, choose Christmassy colours like deep red, gold, green, or purple alongside seasonal fabrics such as wool and tweed. And don’t be afraid to throw on a fun Christmas sweater or Santa hat along with reindeer socks, a Christmassy singing tie, jokey cufflinks and just about any other fun accessories that match the party mood.
5. Emergency Christmas Party Outfits
Christmas work do invite didn’t reach your inbox? If you’ve been caught out this festive season there’s no reason to panic. You can create the perfect party outfit with items already lurking in your wardrobe. Simply focus on statement garments like a sharp blazer and match it with smart trousers to form the basis of a classic look. Where possible, stick with timeless combinations such as a crisp, white shirt and dark trousers that’s both effortlessly stylish and can be elevated with the correct footwear and accessories. Also, layering up will make you party-ready, so consider a waistcoat underneath a well-fitted blazer, and don’t be afraid to mix prints by pairing bold tartans with stripes for a unique look.
These five simple tips will help you deliver a killer Christmas party look, whatever the setting and occasion. Whether your work’s festive celebrations are based around a formal black tie ball or a casual get-together in your favourite restaurant, you’re guaranteed to strike the right balance between professionalism and festive fun.
