The Office Party

The office holiday party has rules nobody writes down. Festive, but not a costume. Dressed up, but not more dressed up than your boss. And it usually starts an hour after your last meeting, so the outfit has to go from a laptop to a champagne toast without a trip home.

This look does it with one piece: a green velvet blazer. Over a satin cami at your desk, it reads polished. Add the earrings and the clutch, and it's a party outfit. Black wide-leg trousers keep it grown-up, and kitten heels mean you're still standing for the gift swap.

The Office Party Formula

Long Velvet Blazer
A longline velvet blazer in deep green with a soft, draped open front. Velvet is the easiest way to say "holiday" without a single sequin, and the longer cut looks sharp from the 4 p.m. meeting through the last toast.

Satin Camisole
Black satin with a V-neck. Under the blazer it looks like a blouse, and once the blazer comes off it's the evening version of the same outfit.

High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers
Black trousers that sit at the waist and move when you walk. Sleek enough for work, flowy enough for the dance floor.

Slingback Kitten Heels
Pointed black slingbacks on a low heel. All the polish of a pump, none of the regret by 9 p.m.

Hammered Disc Drop Earrings
Big gold discs that catch the light in every photo. One bold pair does more than a whole set of jewelry.

Pleated Evening Clutch
A small gold clutch on a chain, just big enough for your phone, a lipstick and your badge. Wear it crossbody so your hands are free for a drink and a handshake.

Pro Tip: Keep the earrings and the clutch in your desk drawer. At five o'clock, swap your work tote for the clutch, put in the earrings and add a deeper lipstick. You're party-ready in the time it takes the elevator to arrive.

The best office party outfit is the one you forget you're wearing.

Look festive, stay professional, and leave before anyone starts the karaoke.