As the calendar tips towards the last month of the year, the office Christmas party inevitably lands on our radar. And with it comes the familiar styling dilemma: how do you look celebratory while keeping things chic, and professional without looking like you’re actually en route to your desk? Dress codes are meant to simplify things, but in reality they tend to do the opposite—especially in the corporate world, where “festive” can mean anything from a pair of earring to full sequins, depending on who you ask.

This grey zone between workwear and after-hours polish is notoriously tricky to navigate, no matter what industry you work in. We like to think of office-party dressing as a mood rather than a strict prescription, but a little guidance never hurts—especially when you’re trying to avoid being either the most overdressed or underdressed person in the room. So, to make the whole ordeal feel a touch easier, we’re breaking down how to approach the season’s most ambiguous brief: what to wear to your office Christmas party, with our favourite picks of this festive season, below.

SHONA JOY Campbell square neck maxi dress

CAMILLA AND MARC Alta Wrap Top and Alta Pant

FAITHFULL Tali Maxi Dress Carob

REFORMATION Saskia Silk Top and Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

VIKTORIA & WOODS Summerhill Dress

LEE MATHEWS Jena Cami Dress

BIANCA SPENDER Black Polka Dot Silk Emerge Dress

Madison The Label Paros Maxi Dress

CLEA Jacqueline Asym Hem Dress

MINIMA ESENCIALES Wren Bias Midi Dress

KHAITE Jodie pleated wool midi dress

DOÊN Davina paisley-print silk-blend twill midi dress

FRIENDS WITH FRANK Bonnie Skirt and Dylan Top

Need more festive dressing inspiration? We've broken down everything you need to know about the ever-elusive cocktail dresscode, plus a guide to nailing black tie dressing for more formal occasions. We've also rounded up our favourite Little Black Dresses for a fail-safe option, no matter the occasion. Happy shopping!