Christmas Party Outfits: Office, Friends and Family Looks

December brings three kinds of Christmas parties, and each needs a slightly different outfit: the office party, the night out with friends and the family get-together. Here's what to wear to each.

Office Christmas party

Festive but still professional. You'll see colleagues on Monday.

1. Velvet-look blazer + black trousers + loafers
2. Satin midi skirt + fine knit + block heels
3. Sequined top + tailored trousers + blazer
4. Dark suit + turtleneck (men)
5. Knit dress + statement earrings + boots

Tip: add one festive element (sparkle, velvet, a deep color) to your usual work look.

Night out with friends

More fun, more shine.

1. Sequin skirt + oversized knit + boots
2. Metallic top + black jeans + heels
3. Slip dress + faux-fur-look jacket
4. Black jeans + velvet-look shirt + chelsea boots (men)
5. Leather-look trousers + sheer blouse (see sheer trend)

Family Christmas dinner

Comfortable enough for a long meal, nice enough for photos.

1. Cozy cable knit + midi skirt + ankle boots
2. Fair-isle sweater + dark jeans + loafers
3. Knit dress + tights + boots
4. Cardigan + shirt + chinos (men)
5. Turtleneck + tailored trousers + loafers

Festive colors and fabrics

Deep red, emerald, navy, gold, silver; velvet, satin, sequins, chunky knits. Keep it to one or two festive elements per outfit.

Rewear and remix

A sequin skirt worn three ways (with a knit, a tee and a blazer) covers three parties. See outfit repeating for why that's a good thing.

Christmas party outfits for men

• Office: dark suit or blazer with a fine turtleneck or crisp shirt, leather shoes.
• Friends: velvet-look or dark shirt with black jeans and chelsea boots.
• Family: a festive knit or cardigan over a collared shirt with chinos.

Planning for several parties

If you have three or four parties in December, pick one festive hero piece (a velvet blazer, a sequin skirt, a dark green knit) and style it differently each time. Changing shoes, layers and accessories makes it feel like a new outfit, and you avoid buying something for every invitation.

Try it with your own closet

Ask Wardrobely's AI stylist "Office Christmas party, festive but professional," and get a look from your own clothes. Planning more? See New Year's Eve outfits, winter outfit ideas and cocktail attire.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to an office Christmas party?

Your smart work clothes with one festive touch: velvet, sequins, satin or a rich color. Keep it appropriate for colleagues.

What do men wear to a Christmas party?

A dark suit or blazer with a turtleneck or shirt, or a velvet-look shirt with dark jeans and boots for casual parties.

Is sequins too much for a Christmas party?

Not at all. One sequined piece balanced with simple basics looks festive without overdoing it.