Stylist on Easy Christmas Party Outfits and Going from Day to Night
Fashion experts reveal how to dress for a work Christmas party and nail a smart casual brief
Dressing for a Christmas work party can be a tricky task due to the ambiguous brief of ‘smart casual’ and the balancing act of wearing dressed-up attire that is work-appropriate. Due to this, over four in ten (43%) Brits have felt uncomfortable in their outfit during the event, leading 38% to dread dressing for these occasions.
With 22% admitting they buy a new outfit every year, many have started to plan well ahead of December, reflected by UK Google searches rising by 5,000% for ‘Christmas party work outfit’ and ‘Christmas party outfit ideas’ over the last 30 days.
To alleviate any last-minute outfit stress and so you can nail the ‘smart casual’ brief, we spoke with Jo Collins, head of womenswear design at FatFace. Here, she has revealed her Christmas party staples, exploring garments that can be mixed and matched.
For difficult dress codes, have some reliable options that will work every time:
“I always find it helpful when tackling a difficult dress code such as ‘smart casual’ or a work Christmas party to have safe backup options that you feel comfortable in and will work in case you change your mind on the day.
“I find combinations like pants and a nice top always create a timeless look that can be worn for various occasions. This is also a good way to experiment with different silhouettes to create different shapes and add definition to outfits. Opt for a flared pair of jeans or velvet pants with a blouse to channel smart chic or a smock shirt with fitted jeans to make a statement.
“Jumpsuits are a staple that works well for this brief and are a simple way to create the entire look. Go bold with a paisley pattern or add some sophistication with dark velvet that is paired with strappy heels.”
Opt for pieces that can be transitioned from the office to the party:
“Focus on items that can easily transition from the office to the party. So clothing pieces like turtlenecks, knitwear, and cardigans paired with smart trousers for the workday, and for the party, add a velvet or sparkly blazer for a touch of glamour.
“Layering pieces such as floaty skirts combined with chunky cardigans can easily be dressed up with the right accessories and change of shoes such as chunky boots or kitten heels.
Matching the colour of your shoes to a different bag than your office one, such as a clutch bag can elevate a daytime look to an evening one.”
Add bolder lipstick and oversized accessories to elevate daytime looks:
“Makeup is an underrated accessory to any outfit, so changing to a bolder lip can transform the entire look. If you are in the office on the day of the party, take a small makeup bag with top-up essentials and add a touch more bronzer or a sparkly eyeshadow to take the look from day to night.
“The same can be said for hairstyles and adding a touch of nail polish. Changing your hairstyle can elevate an outfit, so opting for a sleek updo will create a winter glam look. Matching your nails to your accessories, whether it’s a bag or coat is a quick way to feel party-ready and more put together.
“Adding accessories can dress up any look, so opt for an oversized chunky necklace to add some drama or shimmery earrings to add sparkle. Small touches like this can transform a plainer outfit and accessories are easy to transport to the office.”
Incorporate elaborate materials such as silk, satin, velvet and metallics into your outfit to help dress it up:
“Materials such as satin and silk are associated with glamour so opting for a satin blouse with smart trousers or choosing wide-leg jeans paired with heeled boots fits the smart casual brief whilst remaining work-appropriate.
“Equally, materials like velvet are synonymous with the festive season and can add depth to outfits. Opting for velvet trousers will jazz up any look whilst keeping you warm.
“It’s the same idea for metallics, lace and embellished clothing. We see these materials more during Christmas time so choosing a lace top, embellished skirt or a metallic dress will help get you into the festive mood.”
Opt for a little black dress or a maxi length for a timeless look:
“If a dress is more your preference, a piece that will never go out of style and that makes up an entire outfit is the classic little black dress. Throw on a faux fur coat or wool coat for a warmer and more put-together look.
“Midi and maxi dresses are another transition piece that can be worn from day to night. Incorporate a cover-up or shawl to create a new silhouette and to add a touch of glamour.”
Experiment with bolder colours to add festive flair to outfits:
“The Christmas party season is a time to go big and bold with your outfit choices so incorporate brighter colours such as red and green or silver and gold to your look or if you prefer something more subtle – opt for just one of these colours such as a green midi skirt for a statement piece.
“To add drama to any outfit, select a statement blouse that can be worn in the office with flared jeans. A light chiffon blouse that can be paired with an a-line or a flowy skirt is a great option for the office and the entire look can be changed depending on the shoe choice. Opt for square heels to dress it up or trainers to create a casual-chic look.
“Another way to add some festive flair and sparkle to your work outfit is to wear a Christmas inspired jumper or if you prefer something more low-key, opt for a fair isle jumper.”
For those looking to stock up on party essentials, check out FatFace’s wide range of women’s dresses, women’s shoes, skirts, women’s tops and shirts.