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What to wear to a work holiday party

The work holiday party is the one night your coworkers see you out of work mode, which is why it's hard to dress for. Aim for the polished, slightly-more-fun version of yourself: dressier than a Tuesday, still someone they'd put on a client call on Monday.

Updated October 31, 2026

Describe your event and let Siftur find it

Work party outfits in the shops right now

  1. Selezza London, Sequin Tank Top: A pale aqua paillette tank. Wear it with black trousers and it goes from desk to party.
  2. Veronica Beard, Bridgitte Tweed Dress: Cream metallic tweed with a square neck: polished enough for colleagues, with a bit of shine.
  3. Carolina K, Mala Velvet Dress: Rust crushed velvet with an embroidered hem. Add a cardigan or blazer to cover the strapless top.
  4. Jaus, Sierra Sequin Top: A black sequin halter. Under a blazer it stays office-appropriate, and the blazer comes off later.
  5. Norma Kamali, Turtleneck Dress: A black jersey turtleneck sheath with strong shoulders: the easy yes for a work party.
  6. ASTR the Label, Blythe Metallic Midi: Gold plissé midi, a little sparkle at a length that works in front of your boss.
  7. Never Fully Dressed, Emerald Velvet Tilly: Emerald velvet midi with sleeves: festive and fully covered.
  8. Tanner Fletcher, Cordelia Midi Dress: Burgundy satin with a mock neck and puff sleeves: dressy and still office-appropriate.

The rules

The short answer

One step dressier than your work clothes, one step quieter than a party with friends. A dressy fabric or a bit of sparkle, with office-friendly hemlines and necklines.

By venue

In the office: your best work outfit plus one festive piece, like a sequin top or velvet blazer. At a restaurant: a midi dress, satin set or trousers with a dressy top. At a bar: sequins or metallics work. At a hotel or formal event: cocktail attire, or what the invite says.

What the invite says

"Festive attire" means cocktail plus some holiday shine. "Cocktail" means a dressy knee-length to midi look. No dress code usually means dressy-casual. When in doubt, ask someone who went last year.

The one thing to skip

Anything you'd feel self-conscious about in the photos that end up in the company Slack. Very short, very sheer and very low-cut are the usual regrets.

Dress, set or trousers

All are fine. Trousers with a dressy top are the most forgiving if the party starts right after work.

Straight from the office

Wear trousers or a simple dress to work, then swap the top, the shoes and the earrings. A velvet blazer or a sequin top does most of the work.

How to search for one

Tell Siftur the venue, your industry's vibe and the one thing you want. "A sequin top for a work party at a wine bar, finance crowd, not too flashy" gets you there.

Common questions

How dressy should I be for a work holiday party?

A step dressier than your normal work clothes. Match the venue: work-plus in the office, cocktail-level at a hotel or formal event.

Can I wear sequins to a work holiday party?

Yes. One sequinned piece, like a top or skirt, is festive without being too much for coworkers.

Can I wear jeans to a work holiday party?

Only if the party is casual and in the office, and pair them with a dressy top. For a restaurant or formal event, skip jeans.

Can I wear a dress to an office party?

Yes. A knee-length or midi dress in a dressy fabric is the classic choice. Keep the length and neckline office-friendly.

What should I wear to a work holiday party at a restaurant?

A midi dress, a satin set, or trousers with a dressy top, in a festive fabric or color.

What colors should I wear to a work holiday party?

Deep red, emerald, navy, black, gold or silver all work. One standout color or shine is enough.

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