What to Wear, That Is The Question?

I couldn’t help myself. The day after Thanksgiving, I tossed up the tree with its hundreds of blinking white lights, spread greenery all around the loft, and even pulled out from storage my winking Santa mug. The holiday season arrived at my home and workplace. 

I suspect the holiday season is about to launch where you work, too. For lots of people, that means the office holiday party lurks just around the corner. Confused as to what you should wear to the big event? At the very least, remember this one very important rule--office holiday parties are still business events. Avoid wearing any outfit that reveals too much skin to any of your co-workers.  Reserve those plunging necklines, short skirts, or clingy fabrics for other social events.

Beyond that, here are some general guidelines:

1.  If your office party is scheduled to take place during office hours, you’re in luck. Whatever dress is appropriate in your work setting is appropriate at the office party.

2.  If your office party has been scheduled to take place immediately after work hours, business attire is still appropriate. Before the party, ladies may opt to change into a festive top, for example a sweater shot with metallic thread, or they may choose to wear a bright piece of jewelry that they normally would not wear into work.

3.  If invitations to your office party specify that it is a "semi-formal" event, gentlemen should wear a good quality dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie. Gentlemen should also plan on wearing their dress business shoes and dark socks. Ladies may choose to wear a cocktail suit (one that is dressier than a typical business suit and often is made or trimmed in satin or velvet), a long skirt or a long dress. Appropriate shoes for ladies include dress pumps or dress sandals.

4.  If the invitation specifies "black tie," gentlemen should plan on donning a tuxedo, a white dress shirt with cuff links and studs, a cummerbund and a bow tie. Black patent leather shoes complete the look. Ladies may choose to wear a long, short or three-quarters length evening gown along with dressy high heels or evening sandals.

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