So, you have the invitation to your work Christmas party. You know the venue and the dress code, now all you have to do is to decide what to wear? To avoid any fatal fashion fax pas this festive season, there is a basic ‘style guide’ which must be adhered to.
WHEN considering the appropriate attire, I often think those TV ratings should apply. Some of us still need ‘Parental Guidance’ when choosing what to wear. You don’t want to limit your audience or have people switching off because they are offended or affronted by what they see.
For instance, shirts and skirts can easily become ‘Recommended for Mature Audiences’ so please remember, wearing less is not necessarily best. Some people’s nicest assets can be distracting when you’re trying to have an interesting conversation. Men must leave shirts buttoned up; women need only show a little cleavage; and unless you want to be slapped with a ‘Restricted’ rating, the most appropriate length for skirts and dresses is no more than five centimetres above the knee.
Dressing on the conservative side does not mean you cannot add creative flair. Do this in a sophisticated way. Women might like to show some festive bling by accessorising with dangly earrings, a long necklace, sparkly ring or shiny watch. These should not be worn all at once or the fashion police may assume you have stolen the ornaments from a Christmas tree!
Men should refrain from indulging in a mixture of garish shirts and tasteless ties. As a rule of thumb, if you would not wear it any other day of the year – don’t use Christmas as an excuse to dust off the mothballs and drag it from the depths of your closet. Attract compliments by wearing something striking yet tasteful such as a classic, white button-up shirt. Accessorise with cuff-links and an eye-catching tie.
Women can turn everyone green with envy by wearing the colour red in style. Always match your lipstick to the shade of red in your dress. If you’ve left the house in a dress, shoes, bag and jewellery all in red—STOP! Go back inside and limit yourself to three of these items. You want to stop traffic for the right reason. If red is not in your repertoire, try wearing teal green, silver grey or vivid blue.
If you happen to own any Santa hats, reindeer antlers or Christmas-themed clothing, I’ll assume you have children. Ensure these items remain with your children. How can you talk seriously to someone who looks like Rudolf the red nose reindeer or Santa’s little helper? It really isn’t cute for adults to wear themed items at work either. If you’re with your boss and colleagues outside the confines of the office, remember it is still work and your behaviour and attire can leave a lasting impression. If you are the boss, the same rules apply.
Your image is not just the way you dress, it is the entire package you bring to the party including your actions and attitude. If you think you can dance and you’re hoping to be admired by your colleagues, refrain from dancing on the table. This is also not the time to strangle workmates with hugs or slobber on them with kisses, no matter how strategically the holly might be placed. Your attitude has an affect on those around you, so talk positively of others. Complaining and gossiping always comes back to bite in a not so pleasant place.
Christmas parties are a great time to build relationships. Be sure to promote yourself in the best possible light by showing everyone how likeable, confident and capable you are. Alcohol and business aren’t always the best mix. Be sure to leave the venue while you can still capable of ordering (and getting into) your own taxi.
Most importantly, maintain your corporate identity. That way you can guarantee a favourable viewer response and won’t end up before the Classification Board!
Work parties really can be enjoyable if you stick to a few party etiquette tips at your next corporate function.
- Act professionally
- How you act away from the office still has impact in the office.
- Dress appropriately
- Your looks get you noticed, aim for style and class.
- Be a great networker
- Ask intelligent questions and really listen to the answers.
- Eat and drink in moderation
- Don’t over-indulge in the Christmas spirit.
- Remember to smile
Have fun but not too much.
Gerlinda Aras
Image Consultant/Personal Stylist – Mirror Image Consultations
