What do you wear to a company holiday party??

LJP

This is a bit of a woe-is-me tale, and I know I'll sound like a social misfit, but here it goes:

In my 7 years with this job, I have never gone to our company holiday party, which is always a sit-down dinner followed by dancing (this just makes me die inside ) and socializing . There is nothing about this type of evening that appeals to me; I take a bit of heat every year for not going, but that's just what happens. Part of it is having to deal with something to wear. The venue itself differs from year to year, but it's not a casual evening. The younger fitness staff go all out with dresses and heels, but that's just SO not me. I don't know what the women my age (there are only a few and they are in finance/administrative roles ) wear. I own a grand total of one dress which isn't suitable for a party , and the evening footwear I do own is ok, but is more suited to at-home hosting duties, not a dinner out somewhere. I don't own a single dressy blouse, or pants in a colour other than black .

The party is this weekend, and it's too late to go now anyways, but I was feeling guilty and like I'm not making enough of an effort to get out and do things with my co-workers. So if I was going (maybe next year), what would you wear? I wear black EVERY DAY , so dressy evening clothes in black are just depressing to trot out again with the same people who see me in black every day anyways. And what footwear are women wearing to these kinds of events now? I am loathe to buy shoes or clothing I won't wear again, so I'm really stuck here. As I mentioned to one woman today, I don't even own a pair of pumps anymore! Ugh - I'm feeling right out of it. Help!

2 weeks ago

Dressing

49 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

JAileen

Veteran

I hate wearing black, too. But it seems to work for Christmas parties.

I always had to dress up for my husband’s office party. I would buy sparkly/festive things from the thrift store where I volunteer. I had a few basics in black: slinky high neck dress, dressy slacks, long suede cloth skirt, long slinky skirt, shoes, knee high boots, evening bag, etc. One year I found a sparkly silver blazer, and wore it with the dress and boots. Another time I found a wool Pendleton boucle cropped jacket in Stewart plaid. I wore it with the suede cloth skirt and boots. Another time I found a black burnout velvet top that looked nice with the slinky skirt. The best outfits were warm and cheap. One year I wore an ugly Christmas sweater. It was bright blue and had little Santas knit all around the hem. Anyway, if someone complimented me on my outfit I would always tell them how little I spent. One year I wore a red dress with a matching bolero type jacket. People loved it! And I only spent 99 cents! Hahahahaha!

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2 weeks ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

Oh Lisa I feel your pain. And I would do the same thing you do, not go.
For the few times I have had to endure something of this dress nature...
I have a black slip skirt with a few choices of velvet toppers in my fav colors.
I have a pair of black D'orsay flats that have seved me well. Hopefully I will not have to attend such an event in warm/ hot weather that I could not wear my velvets

2 weeks ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

FWIW, I would avoid that event like the plague . I really do not enjoy work related social events of any kind - along with being a pretty extreme introvert, I resent being forced to socialize with people I did not choose. Yes I am that much of a grouch. Anyway, if I somehow was roped into going, I would be wearing pointy, glittery flats and a drop waist purple dress. At least that is the first thing that comes to mind .

2 weeks ago

Bijou

Veteran

I really enjoy going to these sorts of things and my DH loathes them. I say it is fine not to go - it's just not your sort of fun!

I used to work in an environment where there were lots of gorgeous younger staff who wore revealing dresses to these things. Personally, I like to be modest, that feels professional and is my comfort zone.

My view is that you want to feel comfortable and true to your own style.
My current go to dressy outfit comprises pieces that when worn together are dressy yet can be worn casually. I have worn the velvet coat with jeans to brunch, because it is a bit like a dressing gown.

Shoes really change things up, I prefer wearing boots but if it was really dressy, then I would go with pumps.

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