How to dress for a Business Christmas Luncheon

A lot of companies are going for the Christmas Luncheon over a traditional Christmas Office Party these days. Perhaps it’s because they’re tired of embarrassing selfies, lampshades, and the “oops” copies they pull out of the Xerox the next day. A Luncheon is a tricky event to dress for, because it requires both festivity and decorousness. All-out glamorous looks, like satin cocktail dresses or dark suits, are too dressy for daytime. And luncheons are often relatively formal meals, so you don’t want to look sloppy or underdressed. At the same time, the event is a celebration, and drab or stuffy outfits don’t convey the proper holiday spirit. To strike the right tone, take the formality of the venue and group into account, and then aim for a crisp, fashionable look with just a touch of sparkle or drama

For company holiday luncheons, you’ll want to go a bit dressier than your ordinary work wear. If you usually wear a button-down shirt and wool pants, add a silk tie or a blazer. Make a plain knit dress more festive with a sparkling necklace, bright scarf or jeweled sweater. If your workplace is very casual, dressing up may mean wearing dark-wash jeans and a wool sweater. For a work luncheon, you need not dress much differently from usual, but subtle touches of holiday spirit are appropriate.

Generally, for any Christmas luncheon, stay away from cheesy holiday-themed garb. Reindeer ears, Christmas sweaters, loud holiday ties and head-to-toe red and green will make you look silly. Subtle holiday touches, such as a red sweater or a tie with tiny snowflakes, are acceptable. If your family has given you Christmas sweaters and accessories as gifts, wear them to a luncheon only if they don’t compromise your dignity.

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