What to Wear to a Company Christmas Party: an Expert Guide

last updated 6 December 2018

Reminder: Your company Christmas party is just around the corner. So what are you planning on wearing? Don't panic—we're here to help you tackle the issue head-on.

Whether you work in a straightlaced environment or in a trendy (likely loft-based) office, your attire needs to echo that of the company whilst still looking chic. In these instances, it's important to dress in a way that makes the right impression on colleagues you may not deal with day-to-day. That said, it's one of the few occasions you can really inject your personality into your work attire, and when you love clothes like we do, that's not an opportunity you want to let pass you by.

To help you navigate the sartorial waters, we've decoded exactly what to wear to your company Christmas party, depending on your kind of workplace. From gorgeous dresses to chic suiting, keep scrolling to shop the looks guaranteed to have people talking around the coffee machine the morning after (for all the right reasons, of course).

SMART-CASUAL

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Smart-casual is the holy grail of dress codes, as it basically gives you a free pass to wear whatever you want (sports tops aside, that is). Never one to turn down an opportunity to dress up, we'll be following Lucy Williams's lead with a satin blouse tucked into edgy leather trousers.

Zara

Satin Bow Top

This blouse looks significantly more pricy than it actually is.

Wallis

Leather Trousers

Straight-leg cuts look incredibly flattering on all body types.

Hillier Bartley

Leather Cube Clutch

Big enough for your keys, phone, debit card and lipstick (what else would you need?).

Gianvito Rossi

Lilane Lace Pumps

Lace courts will add gloss to any outfit. Invest in them now, and you'll wear them all season long.

MUST-LOOK SLEEK

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Whether your party is set to be quite formal or if clients will be in attendance, consider a midi dress your go-to. It's effortlessly elegant, and if you're dashing from your desk straight to the party, it'll cut your getting-ready time in half while still making it look as if you've put in all the effort. Just add a faux-fur stole to keep the chill at bay.

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Velvet Wrap Dress

This delicate pink hue will suit everyone.

Mango

Bead Earrings

No party outfit would be complete without statement earrings.

Helen Moore

Faux Fur Scarf

Wear this as a stole after dark or pair it with a blazer, jeans and loafers during the day.

L.K.Bennett

Grey Glitter Shoes

Intent on dancing the night away? These party flats are where it's at.

ULTRA-CORPORATE

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Work in a pretty straightlaced environment? Then we recommend wearing something that isn't too far removed from your usual get-up. Thankfully there are plenty of gorgeous trouser suits to be had this party season. Look for fancy textures or prints to make it feel less 9-to-5.

H&M

Patterned Jacket

Wear this blazer sans blouse underneath to give it a glamorous spin.

H&M

Patterned Trousers

These strides will look just as sleek paired with a camel roll-neck after the fact.

Mulberry

Small Winslow Minty Green Croc Print Bag

Give your suit a playful spin with bright arm candy.

Charles & Keith

Slingback Kitten Heels

Slingbacks strike the perfect balance between sexy and sophisticated.

TOTALLY CREATIVE

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If your workplace is one of those über-hip places, don't be afraid to let your outrageous side come out. A sequinned skirt is a firm party season fixture, but for a next-level look, pair it with a printed top and kitschy accessories.

River Island

Printed Top

Tuck this blouse into anything—from jeans to pencil skirts.

Alessandra Rich

Heart Buckle Belt

This waist-cincher is giving Gucci belts a run for their money this party season.

J.Crew

Sequinned Crepe Skirt

Gold sequins and a grosgrain bow? It doesn't get much more Christmasy than that.

Jimmy Choo

Misty Suede Sandals

Bright heels will instantly elevate monochromatic or tonal ensembles.

Still in need of styling inspiration? Why not try one of these seven foolproof Christmas party looks?

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.