We know well how we should look at work, even if there is no dress code. We also like to go wild with our favorite outfits and accessories when going to a club party. However, when the phrase "company party" comes up, we start to feel a bit puzzled. Is the party formal or not? How should we present ourselves to the employer and team, and can they see us in any version? In short, how to dress for a company party to look good while not feeling like we're at work?
The term 'party' can encompass many events. It can be a barbecue or bonfire, as well as an anniversary important for the company. It may take place in a club, an elegant venue, on a boat, or simply at the company headquarters. What is important is that a company party can be organized on a larger or smaller scale. Teams or departments in larger companies organize outings to clubs, pre-Lenten parties, Christmas Eve dinners, or themed or integration events. In such circumstances, we often wear casual attire, perhaps a bit more elegant. Themed parties, e.g., Halloween, are an opportunity to dress up in carnival costumes. Naturally, you need to have a bit of a relaxed attitude and a sense of humor. But how to dress for a more formal company party?
Every company has jubilees or celebrations on the scale of the whole company rather than departments. These parties often also gather business partners and important clients. They can be galas, charity events, lavish banquets organized on a grand scale, sometimes in the company of celebrities. These are often events gathering a large number of people and featuring numerous attractions. Here, we are exposed to contact with many people, often important figures with whom we usually don't have daily contact or only communicate by phone. Undoubtedly, we want to make a good impression when we suddenly stand face-to-face with them.
Such events have a formal character, so the attire should be formal too, which doesn't mean we should look like we are at the office. The question of how to dress for such a party depends, among other things, on the time of day since a daytime event requires different attire than a typical evening one. How to dress for a company party in that form? For an evening event, we can opt for richer jewelry and more overall shine in the outfits, while for a daytime party, delicate jewelry and pastel, light-colored outfits are definitely more appropriate.
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Seasonal trends are tempting, but one has to use them skillfully and not follow them blindly. Moderation matters, and classic outfits don’t have to be boring. Combining modernity with timeless classics is an art. It's about simplicity in patterns, subdued color schemes, high-quality fabrics, and coherence of clothing elements with each other and chosen accessories. These accessories may contain an element of modernity and current trends, but also luxury. Such elements can be impressive shoes with a distinct color accent. It can also be an elegant gold or silver chain belt with ornaments and pendants. Another possibility to bring modernity to timeless classics could be a luxurious multi-row choker decorated with crystals or rhinestones and a long pendant. And what is best to exclude from the outfit for a company party?
The outfit should be neat and carry an appropriate dose of elegance. Therefore, excessive tightness, too deep cleavage, or skirts and dresses that are too short will not be a good choice here, even if we like to dress that way at parties outside the company and receive compliments. Such an outfit can not only be perceived as a lack of respect but also cause us not to be taken seriously. Too many glittery elements or sequins are also not a good idea. If we want to shine, let it be an exposed piece of jewelry or part of the outfit. We should rather not combine both and always remember that these should be attention-grabbing but not dominating or seeming excessive. It is also important that the outfit, though elegant, fits the body well, does not restrict movement, and is not too loose. It's best to choose proven cuts we are sure will be comfortable. Otherwise, discomfort on the body can translate into lack of ease in behavior and mannerisms, and of course, we want to make a good impression.
A company party as a larger-scale event certainly allows more freedom than a company meeting or business meeting, but we are still in work-related circumstances. Therefore, when thinking about how to dress for a company party, classics, elegance, and a bit of chic will be the most appropriate solution. We will look classy and sophisticated.
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