The holidays are almost here. Soon you will be celebrating with your family, friends and neighbors. And let’s not forget the annual tradition that is anticipated by some, while dreaded by others: the office holiday party!
With a little foresight, the office party can be a fun and memorable event. Because it’s the holidays, you can step out a little with your attire, but keep your behavior in check.
Let’s start with the obvious… what should you wear?
First, your workplace probably has a dress code – either official or unofficial – that you observe every day. You know what attire is appropriate for your particular industry, so keep this code in mind when selecting your party attire.
For the party, your outfit can have a little sparkle (‘party’ jewelry or a dress made of shiny fabric) or you can show a little cleavage. (Men can step out with a more colorful shirt-tie combination, but avoid anything gimmicky like a Santa tie or Santa hat.)
It is a party, but remember it also is a work function. There are parts of your body that your boss and co-workers do not need to see. Period. This is not the time to reveal the tattoo you got during Spring Break of your senior year!
Avoid wearing anything that is too tight, too short, too low-cut, too sheer or any combination of the above. You are going to a party with your co-workers, not applying for a job at Hooters.
If you plan to dance at the party, wear shoes that will be comfortable all evening. Do not wear shoes that you’ll have to kick off after just one spin around the dance floor. Wearing a party dress while dancing in your stocking feet just makes you look drunk, whether you are or not.
Speaking of alcoholic beverages …
Keep in mind that this is an office party. Put the emphasis on ‘office’ and not on ‘party.’ Sure, there is an open bar, but this is not the time to experiment with new concoctions or overindulge in your favorite beverage. Know your limit and strictly obey it.
The last thing you want to do is drink too much and embarrass your spouse/date, your clients, your boss, or most importantly, yourself.
(I once had a co-worker who imbibed too much at the holiday party. In her inebriated state she ‘flashed’ several colleagues and French kissed another one. I didn’t even attend the party, but our co-workers replayed the unfortunate events of the evening for me, minute by minute. She never lived it down, and her party story became legendary.)
Now, back to you. Come Monday morning, you will be back in the office working side by side with your co-workers and your boss. Unlike Vegas, what happens at the office party does not stay at the office party. So, don’t wear or do anything that will make you the main character in a cautionary tale.
