It’s that time of year. Holiday e-cards, secret santa gifts, and holiday office parties! These parties are a time to wind down with your colleagues, take a small break from work and celebrate end of the year holidays. For some it can also be a time to break away from the boring business casual and to show your co-workers that you CAN clean up nice! So MBA ladies, what should you be wearing to the holiday work party?
In choosing the perfect outfit for this occasion, there are a few things to consider:
1) The type of office environment – Do you work in a more corporate and conservative office? Is it more business casual? Or can you pull off more laid-back and casual looks?
2) Venue and type of party – Is the party at a swanky space with the entire office invited? Or are you just celebrating with co-workers at a local bar?
Depending on your work environment and the type of party, you have some flexibility in choosing an outfit that will have your colleagues remembering what you wore well into the new year.
Since holiday work parties vary for many of us, I’ve come up with some stylish options for a few different party scenarios – formal vs. casual and at a few different price ranges.
A Very Formal Corporate Affair
My office every year has a really big, fancy holiday-bash which calls for more formal wear. I chose to cover up a bit by opting for a longer hemline but I like to spice things up with a bright, bold color or with some sparkly fabric.
A Fun B-School Party
You current MBA ladies can opt for a dress that is a bit more fun and flirty, but still professional. Since you can be a bit more daring, I’d even try something chic and unconventional like a well-structured jumpsuit.
 Reiss Eyelet V-Neck Dress ($137) |
 Fringed Metallic Dress ($30 at forever21.com) |
 Asymmetric Jumpsuit ($90 at zara.com) |
 Pleat Bust Jumpsuit ($91 at asos.com) |
Getting to know your colleagues (or classmates) in various social settings is part of the job so I’d recommend dress styles that suit your tastes and show off your style and individuality. Don’t forget to complete the package by adding accessories and a polished makeup look. Happy holiday partying!
_________________________________________________________________________
Ivie Ero of My So-Called Corporate Life is a recent MBA working in management consulting. She blogs about her personal corporate style and workwear inspiration.
