It’s officially Christmas party season!
Work Christmas parties, you’re either counting down the days or thinking of an excuse not to go…
If outfit dilemmas are what’s putting you off then say no more!
Here at PLT we’ve done the research and are sharing everything you need to know about work Christmas party outfits.
Get set to sleigh the Christmas party with PrettyLittleThing!
Stressing about how you should dress for a work Christmas party?
We’ve done the hard work for you and banished the work Christmas party outfit dilemmas. You’re welcome!
So, whether you’re part of the 62.5% of Brits who are happy and excited about their Christmas party or the 30.8% who feel stressed, anxious or nervous – we’ve got you covered.
Not only have we polled the UK to figure out your Christmas party outfit dilemmas but we’ve teamed up with in-house PLT stylist, Ella Wright to bring you PLT approved party ‘fits.
First up, here are the top three concerns when it comes to attending your work Christmas party:
How you’ll feel in your outfit – 14.9%
Socialising with colleagues (obvs not work besties) – 14.4%
What colleagues will think of your outfit – 13.7%
The PLT survey also revealed that almost 4 in 10 (38.2%) leave festive ‘fits to the last minute – talk about added pressure!
As if finding the perfect party wear wasn’t already hard enough, twice as many (60.0%) of us have a festive dress code that requires us to dress up compared to those who will be keeping it casual (21.2%).
Whether you leave choosing your party outfit until the last minute like 38.2% of the nation, or you’re in the 19.4% who prep at least four weeks in advance, avoid outfit regret by taking inspo from what other people might be choosing and PrettyLittleThing stylist, Ella Wright’s, top tips.
#1. Jewellery can instantly glam up any outfit.
Bold earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets can really add that wow factor.
Corsage neck flowers have been a massive trend this year too and we’re obsessed with statement earrings this party season.
Black Studded Bow Statement Earrings
#2. A high heel or platform is another way to elevate your look effortlessly.
Think sequins, metallics, and glitter for dressing any outfit up for the party season!
Try and work in some festive colours like reds, silvers, golds, or greens if you’re feeling bold.
Silver Wide Fit Faux Suede Round Toe Sequin Strap High Stiletto Heeled Mules
#3. Be sure to experiment with your accessories.
This can be done through a pop of colour, metallic, or sequins.
One of the easiest ways to do this is with a diamante bag as the glitz takes your outfit to the next level (and you can wear it again on NYE!).
Black Diamante Mini Shoulder Bag
#4. The same outfit fear is real, avoid it if you can.
Whilst we love a twinning ‘fit when planned, turning up in an identical outfit to a colleagues might be a worry.
A great way to overcome this is by styling your look with a jacket – buying ‘off the rack’ always runs the risk of someone turning up in the same outfit as you.
Although the chances are rare, if one of your colleagues does end up twinning in the same dress, you can use your jacket to differentiate.
Opt for something that’ll add some drama, such as this faux fur oversized maxi coat, which will become the focus of your outfit and keep you warm!
Black Faux Fur Oversized Maxi Coat
#5. Make it your own so no one else is the same.
Don’t be afraid to go all out and mix trends – velvet with lace, denim with lace, velvet with sequins.
Alternatively, you can go wild with things like accessories that might not be in your everyday wardrobe – opt for gloves or chunky jewellery to look different and put your own flare on the outfit.
Black Zebra Devore Glove Detail Bandeau Draped Midi Dress
Silver Chunky Diamante Statement Hoop Earrings
Statement shoes are also a great way to add some individuality to your look, these sequin over the knee boots are a PrettyLittleThing favourite.
Silver Sequin Point Toe Over The Knee Heeled Boots
Shopping on PLT Marketplace is another option.
Buying pre-loved reduces the risk of someone having the same outfit on as you.
Start shopping early (like now) so you’ve got plenty of time to browse and choose something that you’ll love and then when you’re finished you can even resell it to put towards your next party look.
Find out more about PLT Marketplace here.
Plus Black Sequin Bandeau Corset
Plus Black Resin Sequin Wide Leg Trousers
Stuck on what colour to style this festive season?
From our survey there was a clear winner – you guessed it, all black outfits (33.8%).
Black Textured Sequin Corset Bandeau Jumpsuit
Black Velvet Puff Hem Bandeau Bodycon Dress
Black Sheer Sequin Rose Detail Ruffle Trim Split Leg Maxi Dress
Black Pointed Corset Woven Shift Dress
Red is set to be the second most popular choice with a little over one in five planning to style the festive colour.
Red Satin Corset Bardot Ruched Long Sleeve Shift Dress
Red Ruffle Detail Cowl Neck Chiffon Tie Back Jumpsuit
While blue might not seem like the most festive choice, 21% are planning to incorporate it into their party fit.
Dark Blue Skinny Strap Thigh Spilt Metallic Maxi Dress
Navy Chiffon Corset Bandeau Draped Midi Dress
Rounding out the top five are two traditional Christmas choices, white (15.2%) and green (11%).
White Textured Sequin Corset Bandeau Jumpsuit
White Satin Corset Detail Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Emerald Green Satin Cowl Neck Tie Back Maxi Dress
Khaki Backless Strap Detail Satin Shift Dress
When it comes to trends, unsurprisingly, you can expect to see classic Christmas styles like velvet (12.2%), sequins (11%), and lace (10.9%) everywhere this year.
Black Velvet Draped Wrap Detail Bandeau Maxi Dress
Plus Emerald Green Sequin Tie Front Maxi Dress
Black Lace Panel Velvet Bandeau Maxi Dress
Black Woven Oversized Contrast Bow Detail Wide Leg Jumpsuit
That said, our data revealed that two less obvious choices made it to the top five this season, with denim beating out the classics to take the top spot (12.7% of the vote).
Whilst jeans aren’t necessarily off the agenda for a more low-key event, we’re expecting denim corsets, skirts, and co-ords to have their moment at the work Christmas party this year.
Blue Embellished Metallic Coated Denim Corset Top
Blue Embellished Metallic Coated Denim Wide Leg Jeans
Tailoring isn’t going anywhere yet either with 8% of the vote.
Yes to blazer dresses, suits, wide leg trousers and PLT Label – obsessed!
PLT Label Charcoal Tie Side Detail Blazer Dress
PLT Label Light Grey Asymmetric Ring Detail Shirt & PLT Label Light Grey Low Rise Maxi Skirt
Worried about a wardrobe malfunction?
Firstly, stock up on that boob tape – you’ll appreciate it come Christmas party night.
If you’re worried about feeling too exposed in a mini dress or skirt, opt for trousers, a midi or maxi dress.
Balance your outfit out by having your arms on show if you’re choosing something that’s longer in the leg so you’re still party-ready.
Black Eyelash Knit Look Bandeau Maxi Dress
Shape Silver Metallic Cut Out Back Maxi Dress
Adding an outer layer can also provide extra comfort whilst still being dressy and on-trend.
Oversized blazers have been everywhere this year and they’re not going anywhere this season, so why not layer one over your look for comfort while still looking your best.
Black Tailored Oversized Dad Blazer
White Tailored Oversized Dad Blazer
If you still can’t find something that you feel comfortable in in front of your colleagues, stick to the keep it covered method.
Think a long sleeve dress and nothing too low cut to prevent a potential nip slip after a few drinks!
Covering up doesn’t have to feel boring though – opt for something with embellishment or a Christmassy colour so you still feel festive.
Black Velvet Diamante Trim Long Sleeve Puff Hem Dress
Black Slinky Cut Out Mesh Flared Sleeve Bodycon Dress
Sage Green Acetate Slinky Bardot Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
Red Shoulder Pad Long Sleeve Midaxi Dress
Feeling the Christmas party inspo?
Want to check out the full campaign onsite?
Sleigh The Christmas Party With PrettyLittleThing
Heading to a work Christmas party that has a theme? We got you!
