3 Best Outfit Ideas for Office Holiday Party: Dressy, Festive and Fun Picks

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Choosing outfit ideas for office holiday party events can feel harder than it should. You want to look festive without crossing into costume territory, stay appropriate in front of a manager and still feel like yourself by the second round of appetizers. This guide narrows the field to three accessories and pieces that work across a range of workplace dress codes. Each pick was chosen using the criteria below, based on product specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly report, not on hands-on testing.

Selection criteria: We looked at how easily each item fits into a business-casual or smart-casual setting, whether the design reads as festive at a glance, how clearly the listing states its materials and sizing, and how often owners describe the piece as a conversation starter without feeling silly. We also favored options that can be worn with clothes you already own.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults

Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults Sparkly Glitter Xmas Hat | Sparkly Santa Hat for Adults, Glitter Christmas Hat, Holiday Party Outfit, Gift Idea, New Year Xmas Party

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Best for: Dressier evenings where you want a touch of sparkle without a full costume

This is a good fit for people attending a cocktail-style office party, a holiday dinner at a restaurant or a company event where guests are encouraged to dress up. The sparkle catches light well, so it reads festive even in a dim room.

Key specs

• Sequined, glitter-style santa hat designed for adults
• Marketed as a holiday party accessory and gift idea
• Fits a standard adult head size according to typical listing descriptions

Pros

• Sparkle adds polish to an otherwise simple outfit
• Easy to take off and pack when the evening winds down
• Works with both dark and bright-colored outfits

Cons

• Sequins can shed slightly, so keep it away from light-colored upholstery and coats
• Less subtle than a plain accessory in very conservative offices

Bottom line: The right choice if you want a polished, glittering touch and your office leans toward dressy events.

WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells

WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells Santa Hats Hat Great Holiday Party Costume New Year Gift Ideas and Accessory Red/Green with Sequins

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Best for: Relaxed, festive office parties where a little playfulness is welcome

This suits employees who want a clearly holiday-themed accessory that signals fun without requiring a full costume. It works well at team lunches, white-elephant exchanges and casual after-work gatherings.

Key specs

• Felt elf hat with jingle bells
• Red and green color scheme with sequin detailing, per the listing
• Sold as a holiday party costume accessory

Pros

• Instantly festive with minimal effort
• Jingle bells add a light sound that many owners find fun
• Pairs easily with a sweater, slacks or a simple dress

Cons

• Bells can be distracting during quiet presentations or speeches
• Felt may hold heat, so it is less comfortable in a crowded, warm room

Bottom line: Best for employees who want a fun, unmistakably festive look and work somewhere that welcomes a bit of silliness.

Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men

Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men – Black, L | Tuxedo T-Shirt Look, Ugly Christmas Party Outfit, Secret Santa Gift Idea, Dressy Office Holiday Wear, Plaid Vest Design

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Best for: Teams with a playful dress code who want a humorous, tuxedo-inspired look

This is aimed at men who want a clearly comedic yet still tailored silhouette. It suits ugly-sweater-adjacent parties or offices where a bit of humor is part of the culture. Check the dress code first, because the print is noticeable.

Key specs

• Long sleeve shirt with a tuxedo-style print
• Listing describes a plaid vest design and a Christmas costume theme
• Sold in black, size L according to the listing name

Pros

• Gives a formal silhouette with a clearly festive joke
• Easy to layer under a blazer for a more office-appropriate version
• Strong conversation starter for mixed-age groups

Cons

• The print may be too bold for conservative workplaces
• Sizing can vary by brand, so review the size chart before ordering

Bottom line: A strong choice for men at offices that embrace humor, and a bit less suitable for formal client-facing events.

Buying Guide

Know your office dress code

Before you shop, find out whether the party is business formal, business casual, festive or costume-optional. Many companies send an email a week ahead. If you are unsure, aim one notch dressier than your normal workday outfit and add one festive element.

Good picks for this: Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults, WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells

Choose a festive element you can remove

Accessories you can take off are ideal for offices with mixed expectations. A hat, a brooch or a small headpiece lets you adjust the look during the event without changing outfits. Keep a small bag or drawer at the office for easy changes.

Good picks for this: Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults, WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells

Check fit and sizing

Novelty and costume pieces often run inconsistently. Compare the listing’s size chart with a garment you already own, and measure chest and sleeve length if the item is a shirt. Hats are usually one-size-fits-most, but check head circumference notes if the listing provides them.

Good picks for this: Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men

Consider the level of print and sparkle

Sequins, glitter and bold prints photograph well but can read as too loud in some settings. Plain colors with one festive accent, such as a red scarf or a sparkly hat, usually work across more workplaces than full-coverage prints.

Good picks for this: Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults, Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men

Think about comfort over a long evening

Office parties often run two to three hours and may include standing, mingling and dancing. Look for breathable fabric, a hat that does not pinch, and shirts with enough room to sit comfortably. Felt and synthetic materials can feel warm in crowded rooms.

Good picks for this: WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells, Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men

Plan for care and storage

Sequins can shed and felt can crease. Store hats flat or in a box to keep their shape, and check care labels on shirts before washing. Keeping items together in one bag makes the next holiday season easier.

Good picks for this: Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults, WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells

FAQ

What should I wear to an office holiday party if I am unsure of the dress code?

Choose business-casual clothing, such as dark trousers or a skirt with a fitted top, then add one festive detail like a red accent or a small hat. This keeps you appropriate in most settings.

Are novelty hats appropriate for a workplace party?

In many offices they are, especially at casual or team-building events. Look at how colleagues dressed at past parties, and wear a hat only if the culture is relaxed.

Can I wear a holiday shirt to a dressy office event?

Usually not as a standalone piece. Layer a tuxedo-print shirt under a dark blazer or cardigan to tone it down, or save it for a more casual gathering.

How do I keep sequins from getting on my clothes?

Store sequined items in a separate bag and avoid rubbing them against coats or upholstery. If a few sequins fall off, a lint roller usually removes them from fabric.

What colors work best for holiday office outfits?

Deep red, forest green, black, navy and cream are classic choices. They look festive without clashing with most office settings, and they pair well with metallic or sparkly accessories.

How early should I plan my outfit?

Aim to decide about a week before the party. This gives you time to check sizing, order items with reasonable shipping windows and test how an accessory feels with your clothes.

Should I bring a change of clothes?

If the event runs late or includes dancing, a small bag with a backup top or your work shoes can help you feel comfortable. It is also useful if the party has a costume-optional theme you did not expect.

Conclusion

For most offices, the Christmas Sequin Santa Hat for Adults offers the most polished festive touch, the WTTORDE Elf Hat Felt Elf Hat with Jingle Bells is the most clearly fun option, and the Christmas Tuxedo Long Sleeve Shirt Funny Xmas Costume for Men suits teams with a humorous dress culture. Match your pick to the dress code, and you can build one of the most enjoyable outfit ideas for office holiday party events without overthinking it.

For more planning help, see Office Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas: 12 Crowd-Pleasers That Work, Holiday Party Dress Ideas: 10 Looks That Work for Any Venue and Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Ideas: 12 Fun Themes and Activities (2026).

Sources

• Workplace safety guidance that can help when deciding on decorations, candles and accessories at office events (osha.gov)
• Product safety information on costume accessories, small parts and choking hazards to check before buying (cpsc.gov)
• Professional guidance on workplace events, inclusion and dress expectations for employers and employees

Related reading

• Workplace Holiday Party Ideas: 4 Best Picks for Office Celebrations (2026)
• Ideas for Holiday Work Party: 14 Plans That Suit Any Office
• Holiday Party Corporate Ideas: 12 Plans for a Memorable Office Event

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday hosting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.