What to Wear: Office Holiday Parties

Now that the economy is picking up, many companies are reinstating the classic holiday party.  Last year, my first year at my job, my company held its festivities in the office hallways after work on a Thursday... this year they've reserved space at the country club on a Saturday night - quite the upgrade.

Since this will be my first office holiday party, my first reaction was to get very excited at the opportunity to mingle with my co-workers outside of the office while looking fabulous.  But now that I've had a chance to think about it, I wonder - what to wear?!

Dressing for work parties is a fine line to walk since you want to look both appropriate and hot.  Here are some examples that I think would work well in that intimidating scenario:

Long Sleeves:

Olivia Palermo in a long-sleeved sequin Marchesa LBD, snakeskin clutch and studded Valentino T-straps; Sandra Bullock in a gold AllSaints shift and a black relaxed blazer with a brown diamond Pomellato necklace around her wrist, pave Irit Design earrings, and metallic Jimmy Choo heels and a clutch; Jessica Biel in a white Victoria Beckham sheath and cutout Blonde Ambition booties. 

Bold colors:

 

Jamie King in red Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet trousers with a cinched-waist blouse, gold jewelry and suede pumps; Zoe Saldana in a Michael Kors marigold sheath and cocoa accessories with Jack Vartanian jewelry; Claire Danes in a Valentino cocktail dress with a black clutch and heels.

A Fun Print:

Kerry Washington in an embroidered Marc Jacobs design accented with a beaded clutch, stacked rings and satin peep-toes; Freida Pinto in Chanel's iridescent confection and peep-toe Roger Vivier booties; Taylor Swift in a silk Ted Baker print dress, teardrop danglers and black heels.

Looks to Avoid:

too revealing: Lea Michele in a lace Emilio Pucci dress and metallic sandals; too bleh: Olivia Wilde in a polka-dot skirt and floral-accented blouse; too conservative: Felicity Jones in a Bulgari leather skirt with a high-neck blouse and black accessories;