monday manifesto: office holiday party attire

it's monday of the week that everyone is getting toasty with their colleagues--and no, i don't mean warm. in the spirit of the holiday, i thought i'd run through some dos and don'ts when it comes to dressing for such affairs. the line between extra-festive and inappropriate can be an easily blurred one, particularly when alcohol and lampshades are involved. so, to ensure that your job is safe and sound post-chrismakwanzukkah, read on and apply accordingly.



the fabulous anna walsh getting ready to boogie, office-holiday-party-style.

1. dress as if you're going to meet the sibling of your signifcant other at a semi-formal dinner.
what does this mean? i think meeting your boyfriend/girlfriend's sister/brother is the perfect analog to the office holiday party. you can have a bit more fun with your outfit than, say, meeting the parents, but you still want to make sure you're giving off a good, modest impression. don't choose anything slutty, slovenly, or simply lacking in personality.


2. a little bit of color and sparkle is fine; a red and green sequined gown is not.
everyone loves to wear red and green and gold and have shimmery baubles all over. don't overdo it, lest someone think you are the christmas tree and try to impale the top of your head with a giant star.



runway, yes. office, not so much.


3. this is not the time for jeans.
even if your office allows denim, the holiday party is a time to show that you care enough that your employer is throwing a party for everyone to dress up a little bit for it. it's impolite to be underdressed, and in the absence of exact instructions, always better to overdress.

4. test things out in lighting similar to your office, if you are planning to wear something new.
i know this sounds a bit extreme and silly, but i had a fantastic argyle sweater that, in my apartment, looked perfectly fine, but under the harsh fluorescent lighting of my office, became instantly sheer. this is not a good look to have in front of your boss's boss's boss.




don't let this happen to you.


5. bring a tide to go stick.
if you're like me, if you're eating it, you're probably also wearing it. these things save my LIFE.

beyond that? enjoy, but don't over-enjoy; booze at holiday parties is not there for hydration purposes. don't be a cocktail-shrimp-hog, and do make sure to make the new guys and girls feel welcome. make sure you have a quality chat with the boss and compliment his ho-ho-ho necktie or her light-up snowman earrings. and, most importantly, have a wonderful holiday season full of compliments on your fabulous office-party attire.