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Hi Sherry -
This may sound silly, but, I'm concerned about what to wear to gatherings with colleagues. We have a couple of parties to attend which are a combination of business and social. (Some are at homes, one is at a restaurant.) I'd like to be a little more festive without coming off too *slinky* Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Nancy
Dear Nancy,
You are right on track, and far from silly. Company parties and holiday business gatherings qualify as professional events. Your festive image still counts toward your overall professionalism and how others perceive you as a whole.
In particular, colleague parties are not the time to play the vamp by wearing ultra-sexy clothing. This means that you do not wear anything too revealing, or show a lot of skin with an extremely low cut neckline (cleavage or not!) or with a strappy back-less dress or top. Garments, however festive, that are too short or too tight are also a no-no.
The trick is to look festive and to remain empowered. With that said, you have numerous options, depending upon your style preferences. Since you did not specify that any of your parties are black-tie events, I am assuming that they are semi-formal (at the most) with some falling into the range of festive casual, or casually elegant attire. Semi-formal attire is dressy, but this classification does not include formal attire, such as heavily sequined garments or full-skirted ball-gown looks.
Since it's the winter holiday season, velvet and crushed velvet garments are appropriate. A sleek velvet dress (long or short) or in black, brown, dark green, or red (or shades of red such as wine, burgundy, etc.) always makes a festive statement. Velvet, although limited for seasonal wear, is appealing because you can dress it up or down. For example, you can pair a long velvet dress with boots and a burned-out velvet scarf for a more casual look. And you can wear dressy heels and pearls to elevate its status. Velvet works well with an array of jewelry and accessories, those that are casually festive and those that are truly formal.
If you opt for a velvet skirt or pants, top it off with a sparkly sweater, or one with a fur collar. If the event calls for dressier attire, top it with an evening-type top made of satin, chiffon, lace, or a metallic fabric. Raw silk and taffeta pieces are also available this time of year. (Avoid billowing taffeta garments with lots of fabric; those are considered formal wear.) A somewhat tailored, yet dressy pantsuit, perhaps one with metallic threads or metallic fabrication is professional and festive at the same time. The classic tuxedo jacket worn with pants (made of wool crepe, silk, or satin) would also cast you in a positive, professional light. Lace pants could also work with this, "IF" you cannot see your skin shining through the lace.
Casual festive attire can look a million ways. This is where some holiday sweaters and tops fit the bill. Yet, I caution you about wearing just any of those. Some look frumpy and little -girlish. If this style fits your taste, avoid the ones with puppy dogs and reindeer. Instead opt for sparkly stars, fur trim, festive ornaments, etc. Stay away from the ones with child-like appliqués.
When "festive casual" is requested, avoid jeans or corduroys. The category is dressier than that; wearing denim or corduroy fabric places you at risk of offending the host that has gone to the effort and expense of having a party. For these types of occasions, wear wool or silk slacks with a holiday sweater (the types described above). If pants are not your best look, wear a skirt. With today's fashions, a long leather skirt (if it's not too tight) worn with boots and a cashmere/ angora sweater or one with fur trim fits the festive casual or casually elegant category.
If the event is dressy, you can never go wrong with a "little black dress," one that is simple in design and one that fits you well. Add pearls or sparkly jewelry and you're set to go. It can be a sleeveless style, assuming that you have good arms, and if it does not have a low cut neckline or if it is back-less. With the long, simple, sleeveless look, wear a shawl (oblong scarf type) draped loosely around your arms. The shawl fabric should be compatible with the dress fabric; it could be made of velvet, lace, or have lurex threads running through it.
To look festive in every way, pay attention to your hair, makeup, jewelry, and your shoes too, not just your clothing. To convey ultimate professionalism, you may want to brush up on your party and dining etiquette skills. Holding your wine/champagne glass or a cocktail glass the correct way or making the right toast at the right time can score big points in your professional corner. For those events that are held in homes, be sure to send a hand written thank you note within two days of the event.
Enjoy the holidays and don't forget that your best festive accessory is a great smile.
Best of luck to you,
Sherry Maysonave
President & Founder, Empowerment Enterprises
"Excellence In Communication & Image"
www.casualpower.com
Author of:
Casual
Power: How to
Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for
Success
© 2003 Sherry Maysonave / Empowerment Enterprises.
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