Company holiday parties sit at the intersection of professional and festive. You want to look polished and confident while still embracing the celebratory mood—without crossing into anything too casual or too bold for a work setting. Choosing the right outfit depends on the company culture, venue, and time of day, but there are reliable guidelines that work for most office holiday events.
This guide helps you decide what to wear to a company holiday party with practical outfit ideas and tips for both men and women.
Understand the Type of Company Holiday Party
Before choosing an outfit, think about the event itself. Not all holiday parties are the same.
Office party at work
These tend to be more conservative and professional. Subtle festive touches work best.
Restaurant or banquet hall
These allow for slightly dressier outfits while still maintaining professionalism.
Casual gathering or happy hour
These events are more relaxed but should still look work-appropriate.
Virtual holiday party
Comfort matters more, but your top half should still look polished.
When in doubt, dress one level nicer than your everyday work attire.
General Style Rules for Company Holiday Parties
These universal guidelines help ensure your outfit is appropriate for a professional environment.
Holiday party style tips:
- Choose polished, well-fitting clothing
- Add festive elements in small doses
- Avoid overly revealing or flashy pieces
- Prioritize comfort for socializing and standing
Festive doesn’t mean formal—it means thoughtful.
Colors and Fabrics That Work Well
Holiday events are a great opportunity to wear richer colors and textured fabrics.
Safe and festive color choices:
- Deep green
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Soft metallic accents
Appropriate fabric choices:
- Velvet
- Satin
- Wool blends
- Structured knits
Avoid overly loud patterns or costume-like holiday prints.
What to Wear to a Company Holiday Party: Women
Women have flexibility to balance festive and professional with ease.
Safe outfit ideas for women:
- Midi or knee-length dresses
- Dressy blouses with tailored pants
- Skirts paired with structured tops
- Elegant jumpsuits
Layering and footwear:
- Blazer or tailored jacket
- Low heels, block heels, or dressy flats
- Closed-toe shoes are usually safest
Women’s holiday party tips:
- Keep hemlines and necklines office-appropriate
- Choose one festive element, not several
- Opt for comfortable shoes if standing is expected
- Bring a layer for colder venues
A polished silhouette with subtle holiday details is always a safe choice.
What to Wear to a Company Holiday Party: Men
Men can look festive and professional without much effort by upgrading everyday work pieces.
Safe outfit ideas for men:
- Dress pants or dark chinos
- Button-down shirt
- Blazer or sport coat
- Optional tie depending on formality
Footwear and finishing touches:
- Leather dress shoes or loafers
- Coordinated belt and shoes
- Minimal accessories like a watch
Men’s holiday party tips:
- Choose darker, richer colors for evening events
- Keep shirts crisp and wrinkle-free
- Avoid novelty ties or overly casual footwear
- Layer with a blazer for flexibility
A blazer instantly elevates a simple outfit for a holiday setting.
What Not to Wear to a Company Holiday Party
Even festive events have professional boundaries.
Avoid wearing:
- Jeans (unless clearly stated as casual)
- Sneakers or athletic shoes
- Extremely short skirts or low-cut tops
- Heavy sequins or clubwear
- Anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing in front of management
When unsure, err on the side of professionalism.
Dressing for Different Company Cultures
Company culture plays a major role in outfit choice.
Traditional corporate offices
Stick to classic business or business-casual attire with subtle festive details.
Creative or startup environments
You may have more freedom, but polish still matters.
Client-facing companies
Dress more conservatively, as colleagues and leadership may be present.
Observing everyday office norms is often the best guide.
Accessories and Grooming Matter
Small details complete your holiday party look.
Accessory tips:
- Choose understated jewelry
- Avoid noisy or oversized pieces
- Keep bags and shoes clean and coordinated
Grooming reminders:
- Neatly styled hair
- Clean, polished shoes
- Minimal fragrance
Well-groomed always reads as professional.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for a company holiday party is about balance. You want to show personality and embrace the festive spirit while still respecting professional boundaries. By focusing on fit, polish, and subtle holiday details, you can confidently choose an outfit that feels appropriate and stylish.
When in doubt, keep it simple, add one festive touch, and dress slightly more polished than your everyday work attire.