‘Tis the season for company holiday parties.
Prematurely declared dead or “relics of the past” by many, the festive season is back – and with a bang.
However, despite being supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, corporate gatherings can fill employees with dread when deciding what to wear, almost preventing some from attending at all.
According to ezCater’s workplace holiday party trends report, 92% of businesses surveyed are planning to spend the same amount or more on company celebrations, spending an average of almost $30,000.
For Gen Z, the lavish get-togethers mark the first corporate party of their careers since entering the workforce, mostly during the pandemic when sweatpants were the order of the day.
It’s no wonder that a recent Indeed study found that those between the ages of 18 and 34 believe that holiday celebrations “increase engagement.” A separate report by KPMG said young professionals are largely pro-office parties and believe corporate disputes “facilitate work friendships”.
“From a generational perspective, Gen Z and Millennials really want to use this as an opportunity to maximize the interactions they have at these parties,” Stitch Fix designer Alicia Lloyd told The Post.
“So [it is] a little less about the fun, social aspect — of course, that’s part of it — but more about how they can really use this as a way to come back together in person.”
However, this also means that they have no idea what to wear.
Nearly half of respondents to a new Stitch Fix survey said they’re tempted to skip their office routines because of “dress stress.” When the data is broken down by age, this figure rises to 57% among Gen Z workers.
The biggest concern, according to respondents, was dressing appropriately and stylishly, especially in an environment where they are around their professional colleagues.
NYC-based stylist Liz Teich told The Post that she’s seen her clients stress over what to wear for their own or their spouse’s holidays this season.
“Especially in the last few years, since the pandemic, people are coming back to the office and being seen more, so I think it’s time for people to really show up and make an impact,” she said.
As desperate Redditors post outfit questions in online forums, TikTok has been flooded with advice videos to help ease the “outfit stress” that plagues more than half of Stitch Fix respondents.
In fact, nearly half of respondents are tempted to skip their office functions because of it.
The trick is to find an outfit that suits your personal fashion sense while remaining appropriate for a work event.
“Be yourself and dress in a way that allows you to express who you are—but send the right message about who you are,” Stacy Berns, president of Berns Communications Group, told Business of Fashion, advising against short skirts and short. cleavage.
Some Gen Z workers, however, have been criticized online for wearing inappropriate attire for office social gatherings, such as viral micro shorts.
Hot tip: “If you have to ask her about your co-workers, don’t wear it,” advised one creator.
While it depends on the industry, according to Teich, there are some dos and don’ts to wear to office holiday parties.
For starters, avoid anything “too revealing.” That means no low-cut necklines or short skirts – and strapless or off-the-shoulder looks are also out of the question.
And don’t even think about that backless dress hanging in your closet.
While the “sexy” outfits some women wear to their company holiday parties may be acceptable for their workplace, Teich cautioned that “there’s a time and a place” for that kind of attire — and it’s not with co-workers .
“Save this for going out with your girlfriends,” she said, adding that sequined shorts should be left in the closet.
Lloyd said young people struggle to wear “what feels right for whatever setting they’re in” while also expressing their “individual style,” but she reminded Gen Z workers that office holiday gatherings are about networked – not just “a party opportunity”.
“What is, perhaps, an item that you can both wear to the party, but then would also be appropriate to wear outside of the party?” Lloyd told The Post.
Lexy Onofrio, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of brand marketing for Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market, told Business of Fashion that there is a “value component” to shoppers repurposing workplace clothing for holiday celebrations.
Meanwhile, work-to-dinner style clothing is up 25% at Rent the Runway, the company’s chief merchandising officer Sarah Tam told the outfit.
“The idea is, ‘Hey, this is a great jacket, and this jacket will take you from work to the office party to the weekend,'” Onofrio said.
“If you have to ask about your colleagues, don’t wear it.”
When in doubt, Lloyd said to stick to the basics, such as choose a blazer or a good pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down. To spice up neutral holiday outfits, she suggested a bright clutch, simple jewelry or a “fun pocket square.”
“This is your time to shine, so why not do something you probably wouldn’t even wear to the office,” said Teich, who also advised against “slick” sneakers and skinny jeans.
“I always tell my clients to dress for the job you want and not necessarily the job you have, and it’s a good rule of thumb when it comes to your work party as well.”
Without resorting to ill-fitting clothing, playing with texture is also a great way to jazz up an outfit – such as using satin or velvet, the latter of which is “making a really big comeback.” She recommended a velvet top with a satin midi skirt or satin pants with a chunky sweater.
Teich also recommended breaking out of the red and green Christmas mold and trying other seasonal colors, such as blue or maroon, which don’t necessarily scream luscious and luscious.
Metallics and sparkles are appropriate for winter celebrations — and a little “sparkle” is exactly what Chico’s Black Market and White House customers are shopping for, too, Onofrio said.
“Glow is everything now, especially for the party,” added Lloyd.
If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to ask questions, be it HR or online.
“When in doubt about what to wear, don’t be shy to ask your host and use the Internet,” celebrity stylist Beverly Nguyen told The Post, encouraging employees to look to social media for outfit inspiration.
“I think people have a hard time because they’re just too shy to ask questions.”
The dos and don’ts of office holiday wear
- SO wear flats or heels; both are acceptable, if you choose
- not wear smooth shoes like sneakers
- SO accessorize with an eye-catching clutch, statement jewelry or a fun pocket square
- not wear anything too revealing or sexy: No low cut necklines, short skirts, shorts, strapless, off the shoulder or backless. Sleeveless is okay if you work in a creative environment.
- SO wear jeans if the venue is casual. Dark wash or black jeans are better than light ones.
- not wear something you wouldn’t dare wear to the office
- SO wear metallics that are appropriate for the holiday season and any fun textures like satin or velvet
- not feel limited to red and green. Blue or other bright shades are also suitable.
- SO dress for the job you want if you want to impress
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Image Source : nypost.com