What Are the Best Dresses for Your Holiday Office Party?
The right dress transforms your holiday office party experience from awkward small talk to confident networking. Whether your company hosts an upscale dinner or casual cocktail hour, these five dress styles strike the perfect balance between festive and professional, ensuring you look polished while celebrating with colleagues.
The Classic Little Black Dress
A well-tailored black dress remains the most versatile choice for office holiday events. The knee-length or midi silhouette with three-quarter or long sleeves maintains workplace appropriateness while incorporating festive details through fabric texture.
Look for dresses featuring velvet, satin, or subtle metallic threads that catch light without overwhelming like our Brigette Bow Velvet Midi Dress. This is the ultimate holiday party dress - stylish, comfortable, warm and work appropriate. It's also available in regular and plus sizes.
- Opt for necklines that sit at or above the collarbone
- Select hemlines that fall at or just above the knee
- Add personality through accessories rather than revealing cuts
The Festive Dress
If you're a classic holiday lover, opt for a dress in holiday plaid. Our Nicoletta Dress is a red plaid off-the-shoulder maxi dress that signals celebration while maintaining professional polish. And its maxi length offers sophisticated coverage that works for being out and about with all your co-workers. Add a bold gold or pearl earring to keep the look elevated.
If plans include dancing the night away, opt for a plaid ruffle mini dress like the Evelyn Plaid Tiered Ruffle Mini Dress (available in regular and plus sizes). Pair this with opaque tights, fun kitten heels and a faux fur jacket.
The Metallic Sheath Dress
A subtle metallic sheath dress brings holiday sparkle without costume-party vibes. Champagne, rose gold, or pewter tones offer festive shimmer while remaining office-appropriate when styled correctly.
The sheath silhouette creates clean lines that look intentional rather than flashy. Pair metallic dresses with neutral shoes and minimal jewelry to prevent sensory overload. A structured blazer over top allows easy adjustment if the office party requires more formal presentation before transitioning to social time.
- Select muted metallic tones rather than bright silver or gold
- Choose dresses with lining to prevent sheerness
- Balance shimmer with matte accessories
- Consider cap sleeves or sleeveless styles with a coordinating cardigan
The Off the Moment Color: Rich Burgundy
Deep burgundy clothing is majorly trending for winter 2025, and the holiday office party is a perfect place to show off your style.
Sequins are subdued in this rich hue in our Irina Burgundy Sequin Mini Dress. And its longer and swingier silhouette makes it office party appropriate. Pair with tights or high boots for colder weather covering up. This is great look if the party is at a trendy bar or restaurant.
For a more laid back affair, try the Brooks Burgundy Velvet Mini Dress. Velvet is a great pick for holiday parties.
Sequin or Sparkle Dress
When all else fails, go for a dress that’s full of sparkly sequins or glitter.
While a full length sequin dress always adds a layer of sophistication, the swingy skirt and corset style bodice of Gwyneth Pale Pink Midi Dress makes this feel office party appropriate with just the right amount of party.
Making Your Final Selection
Consider your office culture when selecting from these five options. Conservative industries benefit from classic black or jewel-tone midi dresses, while creative fields allow more experimentation with metallics and sequins. The goal is feeling confident enough to network effectively while respecting workplace norms that extend to after-hours company events.