What to wear to a formal holiday party.?

Question

My boyfriend is an Accountant and his firm is having a formal holiday party at a hotel in a downtown area.

I know formal typically means wearing a dress. My question is.. is a dress an only option? What colors are appropriate? It is winter time, so should the dress be long or short??

Answer 1

Sue is absolutely right. Accounting firms are very conservative and it's best to err on the side of caution. I am assuming that this is an evening event (after 6 p.m.), because you did not mention the time.

A dress is your safest bet, and I would go floor-length (personal preference), but you can also wear a full-length skirt paired with a nice top or even a cashmere shell. Pay special attention to the fabric of your outfit. A wool business suit is not appropriate for a festive evening function. Proper materials are almost all types of silk, velvet, brocade, satin, etc.

Since it's a December event you can wear rich, darker colours. Personally, I would get closed-toe evening pumps, because I hate the look of sandals, even strappy ones, in the winter time. It's just not appropriate (unless you are wearing ballroom shoes).

If you absolutely hate dresses and skirts and refuse to wear either, you could also wear dressy evening trousers and a matching top or evening jacket.

As a woman you have many options. Browse some upscale department stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, etc.) and boutiques for inspiration. You don't have to buy anything, but you can always get good ideas, and if you decide you need something, buy a less expensive version at a discount store such as Filene's Basement or even TJ Maxx.

Here are some ideas:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=2986&N=1200056&pCategoryId=194&categoryId=235&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_235¤tPageNo=2

Tops:
http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/prodnav/viewall.aspx?pfid=1637&BID=&h=M&sk=M

Answer 2

For women, formal 'always' means a dress. Accounting firms are among the most conservative office environments, so keep that in mind in selecting your attire.

A simple black dress - no shorter than just above the knee, accessorized with sparkly accents, should be just fine. Wear hose (sheer or black) and pretty shoes.

Alternately, a nice quality black skirt (think wool, not rayon) with a nice brightly colored blouse are appropriate. You want dressier than would be worn to the office, but not sheer.

Accessories should be all in one tone (all gold, all silver) and not include an 'every day' watch, purse or coat. Polish the shoes or clean them up -- people notice junky shoes!

Avoid all of: low cut, backless, short, tight, and anything that makes you look trashy.

Your boyfriend's reputation can be impacted by what you wear, how you behave, and how much you drink, and how crazy you get on the dancefloor. This is NOT the place to try to show off, get silly, or drink too much. In fact, drink two LESS than you think you can handle (no more than one drink per hour and a half).

Answer 3

Formal doesn't necessary mean wearing a dress. If you choose to wear a dress, it doesn't have to be long. Black is appropriate anytime. If you choose not to wear a dress, you can choose silky pants , or a long silky skirt with a sparkly top such as silver or gold, with some great looking heels. If you choose a short elegant dress, be sure the length is not so short you're uncomfortable during the party, maybe a couple of inches above the knee.

Answer 4

If it is truly formal, a dress is the best option - minimal knee length, but floor length is good as well, assuming it is not black tie.

While dress pants (no jeans, no matter how studded) are acceptable, they should be VERY dressy pants - e.g. chiffon or something like that.

Colors - Black is always good, or other dark colors. White would probably be out of place as would most pastels - but if the dress is dressy enough anything would likely work.

Answer 5

For formal, a dress is best. Since it is work, it's best to err on the side of conservative. That and the time of year would suggest a long dress.

Try to check with any of the other spouses or women in the office who you might know to get a better sense of the style.

Answer 6

If they really used the word "formal," that means tuxedo and gown. If you are just using the word "formal" to mean "dressy," then you would at least need a blazer and tie if you don't own a suit. For women, its much trickier. She could probably wear a cocktail dress or skirt & blouse, if she has some really nice, high, strappy shoes, black stockings, does her hair and make up well, and can find some sparkly jewery to dress it up. Girls with a nice body can fit in anywhere; if she generaly has trouble finsing clothes that flatter hr body, the shos, hair, makeup and jewlery become pretty important.

Answer 7

Yes why u want to wear good dress for formal holiday party, "wasting of money,the world is very much advance now a days thats why my option go to party naked you will be super hit person in the party.

Answer 8

the same way you would dress for a New Years party

Answer 9

I'd say knee length is good, red or black maybe a little sparkely.

: D

I'm sure black pants would be suitable too. As long as its paired with a nice top.

Answer 10

I would pick a knee high red dress. have fun there.

Jenny
http://www.threerollmill.com