
It's office-holiday-party season, which means getting tipsy with your coworkers and getting dressed up. If your company has a theme (i.e. ugly Christmas sweaters), lucky. The rest of us will have to tread the waters between casual Friday and big-meeting-with-my-boss. After all, you do want to feel a little fancy for that group photo booth picture.
Since you'll likely spend the day at the office before heading off to the bar or your boss's house, we found six outfits that pass the 9-to-5 test, while incorporating some seasonally-appropriate sparkle.
•••
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).
What to Wear With Leather Pants
For a special alternative to jeans, try leather pants. (Don't worry, you won't end up like Ross in that one episode of Friends.) Leather bottoms are already a statement look, so you can simply throw on a sweater and call it a day. Dress up your edgy pants with fancy heels and accessories. And, don't forget to cover up with a puffer jacket. It'll be cold after the hot toddy runs out.
Shop the pieces: 1. Vince wool coat, $795; 2. H&M sweater, $30; 3. Aritzia leather pants, $148; 4. Isabel Marant sandals, $875
What to Wear With a Suit
This blush pink velvet pantsuit set from Frame has #bosswoman written all over it. Instead of skipping an undershirt (as celebs and street style stars tend to do), keep it work-appropriate by styling a cream satin blouse underneath. A pop of leopard print keeps the ensemble playful but fierce while coordinating blush heels give you that fashion-girl monochrome look.
Shop the pieces: 1. The Line by K top, $160; 2. Frame velvet blazer, $575; 3. Frame velvet pants, $325; 4. H&M gold earrings, $8; 5. Miu Miu pouch, $240; 6. Reformation heel, $218
What to Wear With a Dress
For the daredevils who plan to wear a dress without tights (!), choose one with long sleeves and a longer hemline like this one from The Line by K. It'll protect you briefly from the winter elements as you make your way through the doors. A teddy coat—one of the season's It outerwear—will keep you warm and cozy while a pair of lace-up ankle boots shield your feet from the frigid air (and keep things conservative). Finish off with sparkly silver drop earrings and a crossbody bag.
Shop the pieces: 1.The Arrivals Koda II, $1,395; 2. The Line by K dress, $225; 3. Baublebar drop earrings, $36; 4. Zara lace boots, $90; 5. Kate Spade New York bag, $298
What to Wear With Tights
Since leggings and sweats aren't viable party attire options around the boss, your next best thing is tights. The bottoms can be tricky to style, but a foolproof outfit is to wear it with a blazer dress, Meghan Markle style. This check option called "peggy plaid" with four side buttons contains just enough intrigue without making you feel uncomfortable.
Shop the pieces: 1. Parker blazer dress, $203, 2. Lizzie Fortunato earring, $195; 3. J.Crew black tights, $20; 4. Balenciaga boots, $1,490; 5. Fendi handbag, $2,790
What to Wear With a Metallic Skirt
A metallic skirt is one of the most festive pieces you can wear. Not a fan of solid silver or gold? Go for a deep print like this Tanya Taylor skirt. The skirt's asymmetrical gold foil pattern and hint of shimmer say, "I'm ready to party." Wear with a black sweater that says "but I still know you're my coworkers." Pull it all together with a layered gold necklaces and black ankle booties.
Shop the pieces: 1. H&M sweater, $25; 2. Frame trench coat, $2,495; 3. Tanya Taylor skirt, $297; 4. Maria Black necklace, $205; 5. Mejuri necklace, $285; 6. & Other Stories ankle boots, $179
What to Wear With Mules
Heels sound like a great idea, until you're three drinks in and trying to dance to "Señorita." Save yourself the blisters and sore toes on Friday morning by opting to walk into the party in flats. Pick a pair with embellishments (flats don't have to be boring!) and wear a glittery dress to show off your black fancy footwear.
Shop the pieces: 1. Zara double-breasted coat, $219; 2. Ulla Johnson dress, $645; 3. Missoma earrings, $115; 4. L'Afshar bag, $990; 5. Sergio Rossi x Rosie Assoulin shoes, $750
What to Wear With a Jumpsuit
A sequined jumpsuit is my secret weapon for looking dressy with minimal styling efforts. I just throw it on and add a pair of festive gold studs. Okay...I'm kind of lazy, but the jumpsuit is already the sleekest, most put-together look I could ask for. Complete it with a classic belted furry coat, then go the extra mile, slipping some color into your ensemble with a happy holiday hue like red.
Shop the pieces: 1. Vince belted coat, $595; 2. Iris & Ink x Julia Restoin Roitfeld jumpsuit, $230; 3. Corita earring, $88; 4. Bottega Veneta clutch, $2,350; 5. Sam Edelman heels, $84
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.
-
Charlotte Tilbury Is Honoring the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee With a "Timeless" Limited-Edition Collection
You can already scoop up a few pieces from the royal-inspired set.
By Samantha Holender
-
Fashion Brands That Recycle, Resell, or Upcycle Your Old Clothes
Here's what to do with your unwanted pieces.
By Rachael Noll
-
What I Wear to Work: Emily Tisch Sussman
The podcast host of 'She Pivots' embraces brights, patterns, and pieces from her past.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 38 Best Summer Dresses of 2022
Say yes to the dress(es).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Spring 2022 Handbag Trends to Get Excited About
The humble bucket bag is back.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 12 Best Loafers for Women to Stay Comfy and Cool In
Loafers are the new pumps. There, we said it.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 6 Summer 2022 Handbag Trends to Get a Grip On
Logo designs, raffia fabrics, and Y2K silhouettes are front and center this season.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 13 Best Eyeglass Chains Out There
This isn't your grandmother's accessory.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 13 Best Jelly Sandals to Fall (Back) in Love With in 2022
Your childhood favorite got an upgrade.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
18 Luxury Mother's Day Gifts When She Deserves Something Really Special
These elevated finds speak for themselves.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 8 Best Beach Outfits for Long Days in the Sun
Ready to hit the sand in 3, 2, 1...
By Gabrielle Ulubay