Holiday party announcements in a business formal office always come with their fair share of confusion.  You need a dress that is an extension of your work wardrobe, with a touch of “festive” that acknowledges you’re at a party, not a board meeting.  Keep hemlines on the longer side, and necklines that keep things conservative, but now’s the time to really have fun with color, print and texture.

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We all know that this is the office holiday party that’s going to come up constantly in conversation until next year’s office holiday party so let’s make it good.  If you’re feeling like you can’t have fun with this dress code, let me introduce you to one or twenty killer options below, because you’ve got amazing fabrics to play with.

The Ruby Velvet A-Line Dress by Black Halo that I’m wearing today is my ideal office holiday party dress when I want to keep things on the formal side.  A deep, rich color like burgundy and a wintry texture feels fun and celebratory.  The tie neck detailing offers a nod to the season and if there’s a cure for a slightly flouncy sleeve, I don’t want it.

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Add a bit of sparkle by way of your accessories (this is a party after all), and a slim clutch or crossbody to tote around the essentials.  Which, for once with this crowd, does not include your laptop.  When it comes to beauty, you have room to go a little bigger and bolder than usual (c’mon you know you want to try a red lip), but not so glam that you seem like you’re trying too hard.

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Below, you can check out the fabulous office party dress picks and style tips of Anh Sundstrom, Ranti Onayemi, Jennifer Lake and Jean Wang, and dig into a few more of my office party favorites, too!  Just remember:  What happens at the office holiday party… will definitely be talked about on Slack the next day.  Cheers!

Anh Sundstrom

Editor at 9to5Chic  |  @9to5chic

Dresses with long sleeves make me ridiculously happy (beyond reason!) and this color is the definition of festive. Even though it’s a holiday party, I still follow my workwear rules: nothing too short, too tight or too revealing. This dress checks off all of the above and it still manages to be fun.

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Jennifer Lake

 Editor at Style Charade  |  @jenniferlake

When you find a dress you truly love, buy it in ever color, right?! I have long lived by this shopping mantra, and this dress is no exception. From the statement sleeve to the fit and flare shape, it’s so flattering on most every body type. Plus, they just created it in a gorgeous deep emerald green in time for the holidays. Best of all, the color works perfectly with black or brown accessories, and it definitely falls into the elusive “desk to drinks” category! Pair it with a cognac ladylike structured satchel, nude tights, and brown suede boots for daytime at the office. Then, try it with with a black designer belt, statement heels, and a classic clutch for the holiday party! 

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Ranti Onayemi

Editor of  Ranti In Review  |  @rantiinreview

I absolutely love this dress. I’m always a fan of high-shine and sequin pieces; no holiday is complete without sequins. When accompanying my hubby to his yearly office holiday parties, I love wearing pieces that are well tailored and chic. Finding the proper one can at times be challenging, but this dress fits the bill. It’s simply perfection. 

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Jean Wang

Editor of Extra Petite  |  @jeanwang

For holiday office parties, I like to err on the side of conservatism (and still abide by all the “rules” of professional dressing), but play it up with the fabrics and textures in the outfit! This dress has office-appropriate coverage with long sleeves and a modest length, but the rich hued velvet lends a festive touch. Bonus: the ruched side is one of my favorite features on dresses in general – this detail works magic on camouflaging a tummy after indulging in holiday treats! I’d style this with closed-toe pumps (satin ankle strap ones for a little extra flair) and jeweled stud earrings. 

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