Keep it MBAchic: rock the holiday office party
It’s December! Can you believe it’s time to rock the holiday office party? That might be overstating, but if you’ll believe it, the end of the year/decade is right around the corner and that means holiday office party season is here. What signals to you the start of the season? I remember back in high school, I worked at a Central-Perk-type-ice-cream-shop-slash-coffeehouse on the weekends and once Thanksgiving hit, it was a 24/7 stream of holiday music, burning vanilla candles, cinnamon and espresso beans brewing. Some smells truly help set the tone (ps: this fall and winter I’ve been burning Nest’s sugar cookie candle every so often and it transports me right back to that first job and all of its holiday cheer). Whatever your spiritual jam or beliefs, the sights, sounds and smells of this season really hold some kind of magic, and that actually makes me sort of look forward to the holiday office party. Regardless of what’s going on, it’s a chance to pause, hang out with your colleagues and clients in a less formal setting and celebrate another year in the books.
Before we dive into the looks, I wanted to take the moment to shoutout our new status as Brand Ambassadors for Sarah Flint who makes some of the most stylish, but comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Check out her holiday collection here. I’d love to recommend an option or two for each of the below looks, and remind you that if you use our promotional code BAJEN50, you’ll get $50 off of whatever you choose. Let me know if you have any questions – I’ve done a review on Instagram Stories (in the “Keep it Chic” highlight) but I’m happy to discuss these shoes *anytime* so please reach out!
As it certainly depends on your office environment and dress code, not all looks will work for everyone, but we definitely took time to pull a few themes (lots of alternates for all budgets) that work for a good number of offices. As far as your office party game plan, how much you drink, how long you stay, etc…. do whatever works for you that lets you keep it chic (in all respects). Check out the looks below and let me know what else you’d add! Also, for fun, sharing Ivie’s guest post on this same topic back in 2011 – cool to see how things have changed, and how some things haven’t!
Keep it MBAchic: rock the holiday office party
One of my favorite shows at NYFW this fall was the Fashion Palette showcase of six different brands – the show was dynamic, varied and one true standout line was House of Campbell. This gorgeous suit (my video footage is on IG) is perfect for your holiday party: Sloane jacket, Sloane pant.
I really like how that gorgeous gem tone fits in with the season, but I’ve also got these gorgeous options from Ralph Lauren (jacket, pant) and rich dark green suits by Elie Tahari (jacket, pant) and Universal Standard (jacket, pant; combo also in black and gold).
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Sandal 85.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Depending on your holiday office party vibe, you might find yourself attending a gala requiring a floor-length gown. There are some gorgeous, sleek, statuesque gowns that’ll have you looking long, lean and incredibly stylish. Avoid anything too tight or sexy (size up if you need, it’s still a work event). The pictured options are by Solace London (Rent the Runway – absolutely love that shoulder) and Xscape (another great shoulder detail in a subtle metallic).
This Badgley Mischka option is another structured stunner, with forgiving ruching detail, and this Lauren Ralph Lauren dress has such a regal touch with that long cape (the drama!).
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Pump 85.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Keep it MBAchic: rock the holiday office party
The love for pleated skirts this season is very clear; but this metallic look is one I’ve personally rocked this season, to endless compliments. This pictured look is an old one from Marie’s Bazaar, but it’s back this season just in time for you to rock the holiday office party.
Take a look at these options, one of which I own and continue to wear around NYC all fall/winter, whether or not there’s a holiday party happening. This Altuzarra is classic and you’ve probably seen it on your Instagram feeds at one point or another. This gorgeous Rebecca Minkoff has a slightly more silver / glitzy look and who is complaining? And this ONLY skirt is perfect for hitting the trend without breaking the bank. Finally, this Lane Bryant dress really deserves a shoutout because while it’s not a skirt, it really is a gorgeous holiday option and you need this.
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Pump 85, The Perfect Emma, The Natalie, The Desiree Sling.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Stay with me here. Some of your offices are going to call for a casual, cozy holiday party, and if so, this is your look. This gorgeous, luxe frock by Rachel Zoe just looks warm and cozy.
These gorgeous options: this architectural black midi by Mango, the feminine green Eliza J with bell sleeves and the vneck camel Staud option (watch out for that vneck, make sure it’s not too low on you with work folks) are cozy, polished and you’ll be happy you made the choice.
If you’re going with a cozy sweater dress like one of these, I’d jazz it up with your accessories – bring on the glitz, the hardware, the textures, to really kick it up a notch.
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Pump 100, The Claire, The Desiree Sling.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Keep it MBAchic: rock the holiday office party
How gorgeous is this look. A tuxedo suit is always a sick option, and this REISS look (jacket, pant) is amaaaaaazing. Absolutely into this look (with a black or silver cami underneath).
Some other options out there create this look with a jumpsuit, including this stunner by Tahari ASL (jacket, jumpsuit) and this Eloquii peplum jumpsuit (would pair with an understated cropped jacket, to really let that peplum shine).
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Sandal 85.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
A bold red dress is so on brand for the holidays, it was clear we needed to include some looks. How beautiful is this red dress? The lace details, that trim… it’s all so good. This look is by Three Floor and we found more gorgeous options from Fuzzi and Lane Bryant. The number of gorgeous red options is really overwhelming so good luck out there – send us what you find!
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Sandal 85, The Kara 85, The Desiree Sling.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Keep it MBAchic: rock the holiday office party
Sometimes, all you really need is a chic LBD. We found this classic Calvin Klein with mesh sleeves which you can wear to your holiday party, and keep in your closet for about a million other parties and engagements (I’d make sure it hits you at the knee, or that you wear darker hosiery with the look).
The other LBD options vary in their details and design, but you really can’t go wrong with a chic, elegant LBD. Check out the Carla Lace dress by United Wood, the Dina by M.M.LaFleur the Pleated Flare Sleeve Dress by Eloquii, and this sweetheart top with mesh panel option by Maggy London.
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Sandal 85, The Kara 85, The Perfect Pump 85.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
Feeling bold, perhaps sequins will be the way to go; be sure to size up so the look is not too tight – it’s still a work event, save the sexy dresses for date night or a night out with friends. There are a ton of options here, but this really does bring on the holiday cheer. The pictured options are by Veronica Beard (I’ve been seeing this raspberry dress everywhere, even on attendees at NYFW shows this fall and I’ve been obsessed with it since – also comes in silver) and Lane Bryant (how gorgeous and work-appropriate is this look? loving this!).
We’ve shared options in a bunch of different colors like this gorgeous blue by Lane Bryant, this classic black by Taylor, this rich wine by Marina, and this silver and blue look by Koché.
My Sarah Flint pick: The Perfect Sandal 85, The Perfect Pump 85.
Be sure to use BAJEN50 at check out for $50 off.
You want to enjoy yourself but at the end of the day, it’s still a work event. I’d make sure you’re wearing something you won’t regret the next day (read: the holiday office party is not the time to tart it up), but still feel free to embrace your sense of style and the holiday spirit. If you’re questioning a look, maybe swap it out for something a bit more modest (or consider posing Qs/store links to the newly-launched MBAchic Facebook Group for guidance). All the best and enjoy your holiday office party!
What are you wearing to your holiday office party? Did you rent or buy your look (and from where)? Have a great time, and keep it chic.
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Pictures from stores or Pinterest unless otherwise stated
