Dress: Vintage via Rokit, Fur coat: My mum’s, Shoes: Schuh, Bracelet: Glitzy Secrets, Clutch bag: MIMI C, Necklace: Swarovski
Images by Geoff Slaughter (also known as one of my besties)
Ah yes, the good old Christmas party at work. I indeed wore that dress and this was truthfully the location of our office’s do. This does not mean that I am okaying for everyone to roll up to their office parties in backless dresses clad with fur coats. So Edita said it was ok is not an excuse. There are a lot of things that partywear is going to depend on; from what kind of people you work with to your own personality.
My colleagues not only know of my blog, they are following it and also encouraging it. In fact, a lot of my posts would be impossible without the warmness from the people that I work with. This means that they are mentally prepared on a daily basis that I am likely to wear something unorthodox at any moment. Some even voice disappointment and criticism if it’s a kind of blah fashion day from me, which I love. Mindless compliments are not my thing and have never been, so I’d rather a “you look like shit today” instead of “awww, that’s a nice rip on your denim”. So a quick recap: people I work with are ace and are totally calm about my backlessness. Got it? Got it.
But now let’s talk about advice; after all, I am trying to be helpful here, which is why I kicked off with a word of caution. But let me cover the general basics that you probably know of anyway, but seeing as this is a “what to wear to a work party” article, I have to tick some boxes here at least to appear as a legit style blogger in-the-know.
Right. A whole array of stylists will tell you to never wear red to an after-hours office do as it screams, as they suggest, desperation. Same goes for figure-hugging styles and those that reveal too much flesh. Ahem. There is also a general consensus that what used to be the go-to option, the LBD, has also become as boring as fuck. Next, over-doing it with the glitter and sparkles brings the look closer to Vegas hooker chic, and wearing printed dresses can potentially be a day-to-night outfit but may underline the wearer’s laziness to bother to change clothes.
Before you panic and think, what the hell is left for one to wear, here’s a quick exercise we both can take part in. Let’s stand up, breathe in, breathe out (rolling out a matt and striking the down-dog yoga pose is optional) and ask all of these rule-makers to kiss our backsides.
Do these fashion experts know the kind of office environment you are in and have they personally profiled the people you work with including your CEO and MD? No. So this means, my friend, you are on your own as they have no idea what your work life looks like, therefore cannot possibly suggest a dress that’s right for you. These sorts of advice pages are redundant even before they are written. Just like those about wedding guest attire.
So what CAN you DO?
Evaluate your situation. Where will your party take place? This can give you some direction. The bowling alley? A grand ballroom? A cocktail bar? Once you find out, google the place and take inspiration from the decor. It seriously works.
Ask around. Oh hi, have you thought what you are wearing, colleague A? Why yes colleague B, I am wearing this and that – what about you? Oh, this is fun, let’s discuss ideas over lunch. Cool, it’s on me. See? That was easy. Your co-workers can help and often their advice will be much better than that of field experts simply because they know the rules in your office.
Use common sense. You have a great dress that fits like a dream? So what that it is 10 years old? You have no problems and you shouldn’t be even reading this. A good fitting dress is a timeless find.
And stop being so indecisive. We both know that you KNOW what you want to wear and don’t really need any “insider” advice. If it looks good, feels good, just wear it. Over-thinking it kills the fun.
Happy Christmas office parties, folks!
77 Responses
Stunning! Loving your dress and sparkly clutch! Very feminine! 🙂
Awww thanks Andrea 😉
The dress is marvelous. And well I want that purse! Thanks for the great tips about dressing for the office party.
Heidi’s Wanderings
Heidi – you can totally get that purse via Kristina Goes west 😉 It’s a wonderful piece! x
This is beautiful Edita. The dress, makeup and location are simply stunning.
xoxo
Ivy
http://www.purrpleivy.com
Thanks so much Purple Ivy 🙂
You look very chic 🙂
Kiss
http://www.mademoisellemode.com/
Thanks so much Mademoiselle Mode 🙂
So lady like 😉 the clutch is perfection! XO
http://stylesensemoments.blogspot.com/
Awww thanks so much Marija 🙂
Gorgeous dress and of course, you look absolutely stunning. Always nice to have colleagues who encourage you!
xo,
http://www.lustingforleather.com/
Thank you kindly lustingforleather!
You look like a star Edita!
Your clutch is to die for..
Kisses
NEW POST
http://www.angelswearheels.com
Aww Dania, you say the nicest things 🙂
Beautiful!!!
http://www.shareasecretmag.com
xoxo
Thanks so much 🙂
Luxurious and pretty outfit! you look great. You have a nice blog, let me know if you want to follow each other to stay in touch. I’ll follow right back. Have a great day & Happy Holidays !
noradulce.blogspot.com
Sure thing, Nora 😉
oh the clutch is absolutely stunning!♥ lovely look!:) I follow you on bloglovin♥ you can follow my blog too if you’d like;) kisses!
http://www.lorietta.cz
Lorietta Bloglovin profile
Thanks Lorietta 😉
I love backless dresses and I LOVE that clutch…sparkly perfection! I agree with what you say about office party dressing, stuff the ‘rules’! That’s great your colleagues are so supportive, I still haven’t told a soul about my blog!
By the way, love your last post you look so amazing! And don’t be worried about your glasses, they look fab on you xxx
Awww Josie – you are the sweetest!
The dress is so beautiful, a dazzling colour that looks amazing on you! You are so sweet to stop by…Happy End of the Week Darlin 🙂
Thanks so much Sammy 🙂
Well you look great! Very retro. And I am suer no one minded.I thought about wearing leather leggings and a faux fur vest but think I am going to wear a sliver skirt, black tights and sequined jacket.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
That sounds awesome, Ali – let me know what you decided on at the end!
You are right. People spend so much time on deciding. Using common sense is the key, frankly!
True that Ayesha! x
Wow stunning dear i lov your accessories its amazing… nice party wear dress…
Thanks so much Veronica 🙂
Amazing pics 🙂
Federica
http://www.thecutielicious.com
Thanks Federica 🙂
Awesome look…color of dress is so nice
You are the best, Inna! Thanks!
I love your dress!
XO
C
Thanks so much Celeste 🙂
Very nice dress!
Thanks Paola 🙂 x
I love so much your outfit darling, perfect location 😉
Bisou
Viky — MySecretFashionPoison
Awww thanks Viky 🙂
Lovely dress.
x Krizia
Shark Attack – Fashion Blog
Thanks so much Krizia 😉
You look absolutely stunning! I would like to invite you to MY office party if I would ever throw one! The peach colour dress flatters your complexion so well and I love all the accessories and make up as well!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog recently! I really appreciate it!
Let me know if you want to follow each other 🙂
Keep in touch~!
I am sooo going to your office party 😉 x
That fur coat of your mom is really pretty! Your mom has some good fur taste haha.
xx
http://www.thedutchcountryside.com
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11298797
https://www.facebook.com/thedutchcountryside?ref=hl
Haha – true dat!
yes and yes
and more yes!
What a lovely dress is that! I really love it, oh myyyy!
That little clutch is just adorable and a perfect fit!
Love,
Karlien
http://polishedcats.blogspot.be/
Thanks so much Karlien! x
your bag is so prefectttt!
Karole
Thanks Karole!
Wow,so beautiful.*__*
Lovely greets Nessa
awww thanks Vanessa! x
Hi!
You look gorgeous, and very classy ! Love your clutch !
Thanks so much Melo! x
Have a nice weekend 🙂
Kisses
http://www.mademoisellemode.com/
You too doll! xx
So elegant!! Love this dress and the bag!
xoxo
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4487669
awww thanks Patrcia 🙂
Love these tips, I’m having a Christmas dinner tonight and this was really helpful 🙂 Love the dress btw, just ordered a blackless dress for my birthday and I can’t wait to wear it!!
http://vintageloyal.blogspot.pt/
awesome to know – enjoy the backlessness! x
I’ve never had a real Christmas party so I have no idea what to wear this year, nor what to expect. I think we’re having dinner and drinks so I think my winter green repro vintage dress might do
Magnificent!
Thanks Gizem!
Let me know what you ended up wearing 🙂
Gorgeous look. Beautiful photos.
Adela x
misspinkstyle.net
Aww thanks Adela 🙂
Stunning clutch!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Agreed 🙂
“LBD, Boring as Fuck.” LMAO. <3 YOU! And you look stunning. that clutch is EVERYTHING!
Hahaha, I knew you’d like it Nicole!
It seems an excellent outfit and you look super glamorous. Especially that pink backless party dress, swarovski necklace and mimi c clutch is fantabulous. I also <3 that golden lamp!
xoxo
Sara
Thanks so much Sara 🙂
Waaw you look so beautiful ! Amazing look and great pics, very chic 🙂
Check my new blogpost a little question and answer session for 1 year The Fashion Panda !
Ask me anything ! 🙂
http://www.thefashionpandacrew.blogspot.be
http://www.thefashionpandacrew.blogspot.be
Thanks so much fashionpanda! x
You look amazing and so glamorous! <3 LOVEEE your clutch! ^.^
XO Karla
http://www.kqnstyle.com