10 Holiday Party Attire Atrocities
Remember, this is Christmas, not Halloween, and this is a company event, not Vegas. What happens at the company party does not stay at the company party.
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Welcome to the office holiday party: that annual perfect storm of co-workers, cocktails, revelry, and awkward moments.
We sincerely hope awkwardness doesn't trump fun at your company events. But if it does, don't make things more awkward by dressing like a fool.
Besides the obvious advice to dress tastefully -- ladies, that means avoiding skimpy dresses, and gentlemen, avoid shirts unbuttoned to the sternum -- we'd also like to warn you about overdoing your holiday attire to the point of being bizarre, or underplaying it to the point of being rude. The important thing is to walk the line of dressing formal without being boring, casual without being unkempt, and merry without being tacky.
Not to stereotype, but IT folks are not known for their fashion radar. Combine that with their independent, creative streak and you might witness some irreverent or over-the-top outfits. But this slideshow isn't only for IT staffers. Any employee can show up in holiday threads that cross the line. So this is for you, antler-and-red-nose-wearing sales guy. And you, overly enthusiastic marketing gal wearing an elaborate Santa hat that jingles when you move your head. But also you, hipster developer who's wearing what he wore to last week's Vampire Weekend show.
You want to dress festively, but avoid being garish or weird. Remember: A company party is a great occasion to unwind and socialize with colleagues, but you don't want to end up chatting with the CIO about digital disruption and data analytics while wearing a snowman sweater adorned with flashing lights. Should he take you seriously?
Remember, this is Christmas, not Halloween, and this is a company event, not Vegas. What happens at the company party does not stay at the company party. So act and dress accordingly.
Do dress up. Wear a red dress mixed with some green flourishes; wear a vibrant Christmas scarf or candy-cane colored tie, or even a Santa hat (no bells or lights please). Pin a sprig of holly on your sports coat. Get into the spirit of the season with your wardrobe; just don't turn yourself into a cartoon.
As a visual guide of "don'ts" we've put together some of the most cringe-worthy Christmas party get-ups we were able to find. Happy holidays!
With all due respect to Will Ferrell's epic performance in the comedy classic Elf, dressing like this for a company holiday party is overkill personified. We like your spirit, but this is a Christmas party, not a costume party. After the nervous chuckles subside, strange looks and palpable awkwardness are sure to follow, with possibly an arrest.
Atrocity: Too costume-y. Way too costume-y.
(Source: Flickr)
Wearing a drinking flask on your belt or in your pocket or exposed anywhere on your wardrobe is a great idea if you've been waiting for the holidays to tell your colleagues you drink too much.
Atrocity: Too drunk
Sweaters covered with Santas and snowflakes are an amusing Christmas staple. But they're too goofy for a work party. Colleagues might start to wonder if you're being ironic or you're just an enormous dork. Hang on to your wool monster for the next ugly sweater party.
Atrocity: Too loud (Source: Flickr)
Mistletoe kisses are usually innocent fun, but wearing mistletoe is a tad forward, wouldn't you say? It's sure to make people feel uncomfortable, perhaps even harassed. If you do make a love connection with that HR hottie or IT stud (and we hope it happens without the help of a dangling evergreen plant), do everyone a favor: Toss the mistletoe and take the lip-locking offsite.
Atrocity: Too desperate
You do know that "I'll be there with bells on" is just a figure of speech, right? Bells that make little chiming noises are cute for a minute, and then annoying for the rest of the night.
Atrocity: Too jingly
Everyone knows Christmas is the season of lights. But can we please limit them to trees and houses? As a general rule, your company party attire should never need batteries or make other party-goers squint.
Atrocity: Too bright
Unless you're actually being paid to play Santa Claus, this is just strange. And with open bars common at some company holiday parties, you could quickly slip into Drunk Santa territory. Drunk Santa is scary. Don't be Drunk Santa.
Atrocity: Impersonating St. Nicholas
(Source: Flickr)
A Rudolph headset is a better fit for an 8-year-old girl than a 48-year-old professional. It's not right for a company party or, for that matter, any party where adults are present.
Atrocity: Too cute
(Source: Flickr)
Who do you think you are, Baby New Year? Put on some clothes.
Atrocity: Too exposed
Who do you think you are, Baby New Year? Put on some clothes.
Atrocity: Too exposed
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