If you work in a casual office where you really have the freedom to get festive with your attire at the holiday party, you’re lucky. In many offices—especially those on the business formal side—the holiday party is a tough one because you need to figure out how to be festive… yet still professionally-appropriate. That’s not to say you can’t have fun. I mean, just look at this beauty.

When in doubt, stick to classic, professional silhouettes, but bring the holiday cheer with color, print and/or festive accessories. Today, I looked to this super bright red dress to do the job. Bold, bright, and undeniably festive, this is the time of year red dresses come out to play. The color does all the heavy lifting for you—that’s the beauty of a red dress. It makes its own ambience. Just add a fun pump, some festive accessories, a glass of champagne and you’re basically done.

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Of course, the color isn’t the only reason I’m loving this dress by Jason Wu. I mean hellooooo can I hear it for that tie-neck drama? Even the simplest of shapes can take on a whole new personality with a tie neck. The tie can also be worn open for a sweeping effect, but if the party takes place on a cooler night, your neck is covered. Literally.

There are actually a few more details that make this dress a favorite. Those slightly belled and buttoned cuffs add a fun nod to workwear, while the overall style of the dress harkens back to 50s-era femininity. The fabric itself is georgette, and bonus points if you already know what that is. Georgette fabric is a lightweight, dull-finished crêpe that’s ever so slightly sheer. It’s ideal for a festive holiday party look because it’s got plenty of effortless movement, without creating a shapeless silhouette.

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Below, a few more “professional but make it festive” moments for your company’s night of well-mannered merriment. Just remember:  What happens at the office holiday party… will definitely be talked about on Slack for years to come.  Cheers!

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