I wonder about this too. I will be attending my first office holiday party in several years, and am completely clueless as to what to wear. It's a luncheon, and the invitation says "festive holiday attire." I'm not sure what this means - I don't celebrate Christmas, so a cutesy Christmas sweater is out of the question. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I absolutely hate black velvet! It looks dated and frumpy, in my opinion. I'm picturing the 80s, and/or holiday dresses for little girls- not grown women.

Holiday parties for the office can run the gamut from casual (jeans) to decked-out (cocktail dresses). So ask what the office dress code is on a normal day- scrubs or suits? Just knock it up a notch for the party, and wear nice business casual clothes or the elegant dress based on the office feel. And when in doubt, a little black dress (not velvet!) works ANYWHERE. You can dress it up with pearls or down with simple hair and cute shoes.

For "festive" attire when you don't want to get the cutesy Christmas sweater, just pick up a santa hat for $1 at any store in the nation. If you want to go a little more festive, maybe some "holiday" jewelry, tie, or scarf featuring snowflakes, santas, lights, etc.- you get the idea. But don't spend a lot for something you may only wear to that one party.

Good luck!

"Festive holiday attire" for lunch would be anything sparkly. I have a silver tank that I can wear under a blazer to dress it up. And even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can often find earrings, pins, or necklaces with a secular theme - snowflakes, snowmen, etc.

As for black velvet - I have to agree that it can go anywhere. I have a simple black velvet cropped jacket that I have worn with a long satin skirt and frilly blouse to a winter wedding, with "party pants", with jeans. Jewelry helps dress it up or down.

I rather like black velvet, but I add a caveat that goes with any material -- if you got it, flaunt it, if you don't, minimize it.

As for me, I've got this pretty, silk red blouse that is quite flattering on me and I've been dying to wear.... I suspect it shall make its debut at this year's office party. I've also got a pretty, subtly-sparkly green sweater that I'll be donning with jeans for another, more relaxed get-together. :)

After years of spending big bucks on outfits for the holidays I never wear again, I have to agree that simple black is best because you will be able to wear it again. You can dress it up with jewelry and accessories. You probably already have some black shoes you like. Velvet, silk and sparkly black are options.

Also, I pick an expensive store to browse in to see what is the latest style. Then I go to a more affordable store and buy a knock-off.

"Also, I pick an expensive store to browse in to see what is the latest style. Then I go to a more affordable store and buy a knock-off."

I do this too -- year-round.

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