Looking for more inspiration to channel the biggest and coolest holiday party outfits? Start here, here, and here.
You could spend the month of December worrying about the holiday party Gifts-You know what you’re going to get from that colleague you barely know at your office’s annual Secret Santa exchange. in FeverqueenHowever, we’d rather spend this time of year worrying about the holiday party Fits— or what exactly we’ll wear to the wave of dances accumulating on our calendars as the fourth quarter comes to a close. The added pressure, of course, is enough to inspire a meltdown worthy of its own Netflix mini-series. How formal are we talking? Who’s coming to the party? Will anyone notice if I wear the same pants twice?
Before you start spinning, remember that you are in a safe place. Also: these parties are just exceptional reasons to dress up. It’s time to rock that special occasion suit, those mirror-shiny dress shoes, and that ultra-luxe shirt. A holiday party is an excellent opportunity for you to dress to impress, whether that means catching the eye of your office crush across the water cooler, earning your father-in-law’s grudging respect over breakfast, or ruining your kid’s socializing. He feeds on fresh moccasins and can’t resist moving them.
Fortunately, we’ve been to our fair share of parties over the years, and we’ve harnessed the collective power of our soiree experience to break it all down nice and easy for you, the big guy. No matter where you’re headed (or who’ll be there), here are 5 foolproof holiday party outfits to help you make the right impression.
1. The dreaded Labor Party
Work parties are funny. They’re for employees to relax and decompress from the stress of the last four quarters, but they’re essentially pizza parties for adults, self-serve corporate devices to keep gears in gear and profits up. (John from accounting is a total rat.) Even with the subsidized liquor, you can’t help but feel flexible with your boss. But take advantage of the free drinks and appetizers that may be available and try not to trick yourself into having your best friends at work coordinate the after-hours. Which, as you might expect, starts with your clothes.
Show up in a full suit and have a brown nose. Show up in jeans and a blazer and you’ll hear about it from HR. This step is to enter the clothing space that lies between the business world and a night out. Consider wearing a plaid sport coat and turtleneck sweater over dark jeans. Or a casual blazer with a brave shirt and contrasting tie. We’re avoiding sneakers here, so throw on some oxfords, loafers, or a pair of dress shoes.
2. New Year’s party
Of the many nights and concerts held in December, New Year’s Eve is the one you really look forward to (assuming you’re not at the age where your bedtime is in the single digits). It’s the only night when people dress up in their sexiest outfits, ready to party all night long with champagne and, if you’re lucky, a midnight kiss. Think of it like a costume party, but instead of wearing a sexy, mysterious mask, you’re wearing goofy 2025 glasses.
