Alex Perry Tells Us What To Wear To The Office Christmas Party

By Alex Perry

www.alexperry.com.au

As the Festive season fast approaches, so does that time of year when inhibitions bubble dangerously close to the surface, alcohol acts as a truth serum and fashion faux pas abound. So just what is the appropriate level of glamour to take to the office party and avoid being branded the Brynne Edelston of your organisation?

Never fear – Al is here to once again to ensure you get a promotion in the glamour stakes, rather than a dressing down from your boss for your tawdry attire.

Work functions are an extension of your professional day. NOT an opportunity to get plastered, tell your colleagues what you really think of them or pash the cute mail boy in your favourite nite club size-of-a-band-aid skirt. Save the micro mini sequinned boob tube for Saturday night with the girls. Keep your after-hours party look just as “on brand” when attending work functions as you would during your official working day. They key is to look for great “Desk to Dinner” [D2D] dresses that can take you from your working day, and be transformed into a fun – but not trashy – party look by night.

Go for dresses with asymmetrical, strapless or shoe-string strap necklines that look great after 5pm, but can be worn with a chic tailored jacket during the work day.

Opt for necklines that are well supported and not too plunging and revealing.

A fitted sheath dress with hemline that sits on or just above the knee is office appropriate but can equally get its groove on after the cocktails flow.

Black is always a safe option, but the festive season is a great time to try this season’s hottest trend – colour. Whether a bold head to toe bright, a “pop” of colour with accessories, or all over colour blocking … colour is always festive and fun. Yet it can be pared back for day by wearing back with conservative neutral accessories.

Add accessories that sparkle. This is the classic D2D trick – add a sparkly shoe, necklace, earrings and clutch purse to any corporate work wear look and voila – just add champagne and you are instantly party ready. The more conservative your dress, the larger, sparklier and bolder the accessories can be.

Stow away the sensible ballet flats and slip on a sky high stiletto or fierce platform for a maximum glamour uplift to any outfit.

Maintain polished groomed and sophisticated styling. Slick hair into a smooth high ponytail, matt down foundation and add a shaded sooty eye or a bright high voltage lip. Stay away from garish eye colours, glitter highlights anywhere, frosted anything or any makeup look that’s too “on trend”. Fragrance, deodorant and mouthwash are a must to keep in your desk drawer.

Last but not least … don’t get messy! Alternate each glass of alcohol with mineral water and leave EARLY. Before the mistletoe gets the better of you, the karaoke suddenly seems like a good idea or the bar top podium calls your name. Stay only for the obligatory 2-3hours and ensure that you speak to all relevant bosses and corporate hierarchy [without slurring]. If it helps, make a late dinner date with friends afterwards to ensure you eject … BEFORE your make up smudges like a crack-whore, shoes are flung to far corners of the room narrowly missing your bosses wife and dresses are hiked sky high in an effort to do the limbo with previously mentioned mail boy.

You can thank me in the New Year when you’re not still wearing the disco dress in the unemployment line!