Try to gauge what’s appropriate by asking your co-workers what they plan to wear or what they have worn in the past. For men, it’s always nice to wear a shirt and jacket, and it’s simple to remove the jacket if the party’s more casual, she says. For women, the rules are a little trickier.
“While it is nice to get dressed up and have a fun night out on the town, be sure to think about what will be the most appropriate when choosing your attire for an office holiday party. Sure, that flashy dress might be flattering, but it’s not worth risking the positive, professional image you’ve cultivated in the workplace. Remember, the impressions you make on your co-workers do matter, no matter what the location,” says Meador.
A simple rule of thumb: If your attire is not appropriate for work, it’s probably not appropriate for the holiday party, either.