Newly released research from Stitch Fix shows that the pressure to dress appropriately – and stylishly – can be stressful with nearly half (45%) of people admitting to feeling uncertain or overwhelmed when choosing what to wear.
To help take the guesswork out of holiday dressing in the workplace, we teamed up with LinkedIn’s Career Expert Catherine Fisher for her expertise on office party etiquette. Together, with our Stylist Alicia Lloyd, they created a guide to how to dress for a range of festive work events.
“With four generations in the workforce at the same time, the rules on how to be professional are evolving—people need guidance now more than ever,” says Fisher. “Every opportunity to be together with colleagues is an opportunity to learn, grow and make new connections, so it’s worth putting in a little effort to ensure you make the most of it.”
But putting in that extra effort when it comes to what you wear can be confusing for many. In partnership with LinkedIn, we recently discovered that the top concern for professionals when dressing for a holiday office event is finding the perfect balance between formal and festive. In fact, 53% of respondents named it as their biggest stressor.
According to Lloyd, one of the easiest and most stylish ways to balance professionalism and the holiday spirit at office festivities is with a monochrome approach featuring contrasting textures. A look she’s particularly loving this season: a head-to-toe jewel tone—burgundy or plum are faves—mixing cashmere and satin finishes.
“Alternatively, if your office is a bit more casual, opt for a touch of holiday sparkle on top paired with timeless wide-leg denim and a chunky, heeled boot for an elevated look that’s not too formal,” Lloyd says.
For men, Lloyd suggests sticking with tailored pieces that are a bit more polished, like a crisp button-down or classic waffle-knit crewneck sweater paired with tailored trousers. More of a denim guy? That works, too. “Pair them with a blazer or sportcoat to strike the right blend of professional style with a holiday spirit touch,” she says.
Now that you have a better sense of what to wear, let’s get to the really tricky part: The etiquette.
“From what we wear to how we interact with each other, work is changing fast,” says Fisher.
“As the season of office holiday parties draws near, it’s natural to have a lot of questions about what workplace etiquette looks like nowadays.”
Fisher shares three simple tips to make a great impression upon arriving at the holiday office party:
- Don’t sweat the small talk! Holiday parties can be a great opportunity to network and increase your visibility with leaders. Prepare a few conversation starters (“Do you have any fun vacations planned?”) and stoppers (“I’m so glad we connected. Let’s continue the conversation over coffee.”)
- Ditch the devices. Give others your full attention—that means turning off all pings and dings—to show that you’re actively engaging and interested in the conversation.
- Linger longer. Arriving on time and staying a while shows your enthusiasm for being part of the team. As you work the room, be intentional about extending yourself to meet new people.
In addition to mastering the holiday office party style, we found people are most commonly attending festive events with family (82%), friends (65%) and seated holiday dinners (32%). To help clients understand the best approach to dressing for these occasions, check out Lloyd’s top styling tips:
Festive Family ‘Fits
When celebrating with family, this is the time to embrace cozier, more relaxed looks. “Opt for pieces that feature subtle, holiday-inspired colors in traditionally wintery fabrics like corduroy, flannel and cashmere,” says Lloyd.
Celebrating With Friends In Style
For more relaxed settings, like a casual happy hour with friends, festive sweaters such as ones that have a seasonal phrase or graphic on them are a fun way to participate. Pair them with dark jeans and boots for women, or layered with a collared shirt underneath for men.
Holiday Dinner Soirée
For more formal holiday events, like a dinner in the city, opt for elevated textures like velvet, satin or faux fur for a vibe that’s equal parts stylish and festive. Another idea: Pair subtle sequins with sleek high-rise trousers or skirts. “For men,” says Lloyd, “elevate your style by embracing timeless seasonal hues, like deep reds or forest greens, and finish the look with a fun tie, pocket square or festive socks.”
Mastering holiday dressing (and the art of small talk) ensures you’re prepared to shine at any festive gathering, whether it’s with colleagues, family or friends. Use these expert tips from Stitch Fix and LinkedIn to help you balance professionalism, personal style and celebration. Now, you’re ready to make every event memorable, meaningful and fun.
