The three parties of Christmas: what to wear

December has rolled around again and it’s time to get dressed up. The Christmas period is chock-full of social occasions at which the dress code is looser than Aunt Breda’s mouth after a couple of sherries, but it is also filled with civil obligations. These are parties that require outfit planning. Here are our tips for three such social situations.

The office party

Inequality in the workplace is painfully obvious at the office party. Men can safely wear a “hilarious” Christmas jumper over an existing work uniform (within reason, of course; this tactic is a no-no if you work in an abattoir), while women are beset with an ever-expanding set of needless, exasperating conundrums.

Men don’t need to worry that a superior or coworker will think their outfits are too revealing, too loud or too informal, but in many industries (especially male-dominated ones), women are judged on their appearance.

It’s a double standard and a catch 22, because women have the choice of either ignoring that unfair judgment and leaving themselves open to criticism, or toeing the line and feeling like they are capitulating. No one wins.

A party dress code is a friend to men and women alike. Pray for one, as it will tell you what to wear. Sod judgmental colleagues and their faulty fashion logic; dress for your job and not for them. If you’re a woman working in corporate territory, consider tailoring with an edge, and update trouser suits with luminous fabrics and colours. If you work in a casual or creative office, rejoice. Wear anything clean with a pair of retro reissue sneakers and you’re golden. Otherwise, a shift dress might be slightly boring, but it will never be a bad idea. Pile jewellery on everything for effect.

Men: just wear the Christmas jumper. It’s your birthright.

 

A meal with the in-laws

There comes a point in every relationship when you may no longer need to impress your in-laws, but everyone has to make an effort at Christmas. The festive season is also the peak time for the first meeting with them, so being presentable is non- negotiable. A semiformal meal also adds an extra layer of sartorial pressure.

If you’re a man, you will have to wear a shirt. It will be long-sleeved. It will not have a crazy pattern or more than three colours. If you’re going for a fancy dinner, you might even have to wear a tie. Put the Christmas jumper away; your in-laws will probably not be appraising you for your ability to facilitate top banter. Be smart, be clean, wear a shirt, turn up on time.

Women should also follow the “smart, clean, punctual” dictum. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but avoid anything too directional or trend-led.

Separates in comfy or classic shapes are a great way to put your personality across without being too out-there. If you’re into a vintage shape, consider pencil skirts and fitted tops. If your style is more contemporary, pick modern shapes and interesting fabrics.

House party with friends

Every year, and at about this time, articles proclaiming that “staying in is the new going out” start to appear. But house party devotees already know that at-home shindigs were always much better than nightclub blowouts – you’re among friends, the bar is only closed when the booze runs out, and if your feet start to hurt, there will always be a comfy chair to sit on. Wear what you like.