Holiday Dressing: 4 Ways to Liven Up the Office Party

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
December 15, 2010

If cubicle fever has you feeling cabined, at least it's the time of year when those let loose (but not too much, please!) holiday office parties are just around the corner. But when partying away involves your boss lurking around the punch bowl, there are some dressing standards to be wary of. We tapped New York-based stylist Young-Ah Kim, who has worked on music videos for Interpol and most recently for Kings of Leon, for some cool fashion advice. "When 'office party' comes to mind, I think it's a chance to dress up and be out of the usual work attire, but the thing is you still have to dress appropriately," Young-Ah Kim told us. "That said, you can still add a bit of glitz and bling by layering on the jewelry. Or don't be afraid of some funky shoes," she recommended. "For example, a black dress does not equal black shoes. Try a jewel tone or sparkly heel in glitter or a gorgeous patent." In case, you're still looking for easy solutions, we've narrowed down the shopping field to four fun ways to liven up the holiday office party. After all, what's better than reaping the compliments at the next day's water cooler?

Bring On The Funk
Save your cleavage for your toes, by swapping your usual office pumps for something a bit sexier. Rich purple, pumps, bright blue heels or lush emerald shades are great options, as are glitter and crystal embellishments that you can also rock come New Year's Eve. If cold weather has you rethinking your options, stylist Young-Ah Kim advises pairing open-toed heels or sexy little booties with opaque tights.

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NEW Jimmy Choo Glitter Sandals

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Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Embellished Heels

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NEW Blue Suede Peep Toe Platform Pumps

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NEW Christian Louboutin Cranberry Patent Platform Booties

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Holiday Dressing: 4 Ways to Liven Up the Office Party

Lace Up
Not only does this delicate peekaboo lace material exude sexy class (read: lace-edged underthings), but it's also a big fashion trend for the season. To avoid looking like you pulled your office party dress from the boudoir, literally, pay attention to the material. The frock should be sufficiently layered or paired with a heavier textile like velvet. We love long-sleeved versions, but if you're in love with a slinky strap or strapless style, be sure to top off with a cardigan or chic little blazer to keep it office- party- appropriate.

NEW Tibi Chantal Lace 3/4 Sleeve Dress

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NEW Alice + Olivia Velvet Dress with Lace Back

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NEW Jill Stuart Blue Strapless Frock with Black Lace Overlay

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NEW L.A.M.B. Lace Sleeveless Dress

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Bauble Bubble
No better way to convey a bit of holiday excess than piling on the bauble necklaces. Young-Ah Kim advises: "Don't be afraid to mix or to make noise. Layer neck pieces varying in length and style or genre. But go minimal on the earrings. Or wear a few different styles of bracelets, in which case go light on the rings."

Art Deco Blue Glass Necklace

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Vintage Yellow Enamel and Rhinestone Necklace

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Vintage Juliana Rhinestone Bracelet

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Amrita Singh 7-Piece Crystal Bangle Set

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Sequins!
What would a holiday season be without sequins? Usually the blinding stuff is reserved for the red carpet, but come December, women everywhere can have fun with glitz. Considering that sequin styles are already a statement maker, stick with solid hues for all-over numbers. Or if you're looking for a just a dabble of sequins, gold or silver trimming is always festive.