It’s official, they’re back—work Christmas parties. After what has been a three-year hiatus for most of us, it’s nice to see a return of the work event that most people relish. It’s the proverbial oasis in an 11-month journey through a wasteland. Employees everywhere look forward to shrugging off the gruelling months of long hours, challenging projects, and dare we say it, the pressures of satisfying customers. Finally, we can loosen up and enjoy interacting with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

The annual Christmas party is a time to place ongoing tasks on pause and to forget about the work year’s challenges. It’s a time when the incidences of the year become fodder to regale others and laugh at because you probably couldn’t at the time. Also, nothing beats free food, upbeat music, and the opportunity to get all gussied up. 

As the festive season and office gatherings or parties steadily approach, we’ve decided to enlist the assistance of an image consultant, Image by Anastasia Nicole founder Nicole Thomas, because it’s time to turn heads. Nicole’s tips will help you bring the year to a close, fashionably!

We know you’re excited about selecting an outfit for the Christmas party. However, before you head off to shop for that elegant dress or a dashing suit, there are a few things to remember.

Nicole’s Holiday Party Outfit Selection Guidelines

Consider the dress code or theme. Dressing within these guidelines is essential since they can save you from being socially embarrassed.

Keep the setting in mind. Is it indoor, outdoor, or open-air? The locations should dictate your attire; whether you dress warmly or coolly. 

Note the type of event so you’ll know how to dress.  You should note whether your Christmas gathering is an after-work hangout, a cocktail event, or a dinner. You wouldn’t want to show up dressed to the nines at a Sports Bar.

Check the invite or organisers for invitation guidelines. Are plus ones invited or not? Also, if you plan to take a plus-one, ensure your dress codes correspond. Sometimes, the tendency can be for the woman to go all out and for the guy to step out in jeans—that’s a no-no!

Now, on to the good stuff; here are Nicole’s practical guidelines for outfit selection:

• Check seasonal colours. If you’re uber-stylish, then you may want to pay attention to some of the biggest colours for fall/winter 2023. These are tender peach, rose violet (fushia), viva magenta, red-orange, red dahlia, high visibility (gold), Persian jewel (blue), carnival glass (green), burnt sienna, Kohlrabi (green), coconut milk (white), Eclipse (blue), hot fudge (brown), silver birch (grey), and doe (brown). You should know that amongst these, Vivia magenta is the new “it” colour this season. It’s a wide range of colours, we know. Don’t be overwhelmed. By staying within those margins, you can make a fashion-forward statement when you step out. You can choose one or multiple colours. However, the most important thing to remember is that your selection should complement your skin tone.

• Some of you may be a bit more conventional, and that’s fine. You can opt for more traditional Christmas colours or any colour you fancy.

• For men, a classic black blazer or suit will always look smart. You can add a pop of colour with a red tie, especially if this is not part of your usual ensemble. Or you can reverse it and wear a popping red jacket or blazer with a black tie and white shirt. Either will turn heads.

• Women, you can dust off or purchase an LBD (little black dress); this is always fashionable and appropriate, no matter the season.

• Accessories can make or break your outfit. For the ladies, the Christmas party may present the perfect opportunity to wear some of those ‘special pieces’ in your collection. For men, that ‘special occasion’ watch can make a grand entry here.

Now off you go, fabulously attired and turning heads, we hope. Have a wonderful time at your staff Christmas gathering!

Happy Holidays from Yello and Image by Anastasia Nicole!

Sources: Pantone, Brunette From Wall Street and Dressed For My Day.