Too dramatic for xmas office party?

So I have this dress, but I may have gotten a bit bigger (put on a few kilos) than I was here in this photo... but I thought pairing this with my black blazer, black tights and black ankle boots, with red lipstick and red bangles (maybe minimal stud earrings)... would be an okay look for the christmas office party - not sure about the dress code, but if its fancy, i thought this would be a good choice?

Here I'm wearing it to my friend's graduation, in summer. Maybe with all black to go with it, the pattern will not be so loud? I'm only new in the office so I don't want to scream attention either, haha but, still, want to be noticed too!
I do like the dress.. but im afraid it may be tight in the wrong places with tights underneath...

Is it too loud/dramatic to wear for the festive season/office party?

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13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

with a black blazer and black or spectator shoes, it would be SO on trend.

shiny

Beautiful dress!

If you are new to the office, I'd ask around first and find out what other people are wearing, as such things can be all over the map and vary widely from company to company. In general, you want to keep it festive but also still "office appropriate."

My concern with this dress is that it both has a low neckline AND it is fitted/body con. For an office party I think you can press the boundaries a bit but I'd err on side of caution and go with one *or* the other, not both. One idea is to top the dress with a red sweater. Or pair the black blazer with dressy slacks, strappy heels, and a festive sparkly blouse in a little lower cut than you might normally wear at the office.

ClaraT

I love it and you look adorable. However, I agree with Shiny. For office parties, err on the side of professional (so here, if the blazer is kept on, maybe OK). Take it from one who has shown slightly too much skin on occasion...

unfrumped

There is nothing wrong with the print, but from the photo, there may be too much bazoom showing for office, if you plan a blazer that does not actually cover up the top. If you had a little black sweater with the top buttoned, that would work.

You look super, BTW, but in this photo more va-voom than for office function based on usual approach of aiming to look chic but not distracting. Failing that is not necessarily a federal crime and may not even matter in your work situation, but would be the generic approach,

Raisin

I agree. A black blazer (or velvet for a holiday feel) overtop would be killer!

Jenava

(website)

I think with a jacket over top it's great! FWIW, I love to layer a shirt or knit under my strapless dress for day.

Glory

You look fab in this but I agree with the others that it might not suit an office party.

Suz

Lovely dress and you look gorgeous in it. I can definitely see it worn with a blazer to a party, but for an office party, I personally would not be wanting to take the jacket off! You will know the dress code at your workplace better, however.

Gaylene

I'd be wary about wearing anything low-cut or body con if I was new. Until people get to know you, I'd play it a bit safer. Maybe focus on festive office wear instead of festive party wear. You want to be noticed, but in the right way, to keep your career on the right track.

Anonymous

What Gaylene said. Little side note: office parties can be very tricky, especially when you are new. We actually have a probationary period of a year and often observe employees during offsite activities for cues about their behavior and character.

moira

Agree with all of these comments. You look great in the dress, but err on the conservative festive side for a new work environment.

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