What would be "holiday attire" for an office party?

[lunalibre]

DH's office Christmas party is Friday night. We just got the email invitation, and it states "holiday attire." What the #$@! is "holiday attire"? I'm guessing it's at least not formal. Is it semi-formal? Business attire with holiday flair? Business casual with holiday flair? DH has not been able to help me with any descriptions. He's planning to wear a red sweater with slacks.

My office simply doesn't do anything formal. "Holiday attire" for us would mean that everyone would wear nice jeans and clean tennis shoes.

FWIW, the party is going to be at an Embassy Suites, and it's going to be held jointly with another company because DH's company is so small. Both companies are tech companies, which means the typical daily dress code is fairly casual...not even as nice as business casual most of the time.

All the semi-formal attire I have is at least 10 years old, out of style, and to be honest, no longer fits and I should ditch out of the closet. I've got a black velveteen skirt with nice black heels. Could I wear that with my fancy embroidered Christmas sweater? Or should I get something dressier? Could I get by with some sort of sweater and that skirt? I really wasn't planning to go out to buy anything like this right now...which is why this question is on the budget list.

So, folks, help me please!!! Can I wear what's already in my closet, or what are some suggestions for the cheapest place to buy something appropriate to wear?

 

[beansmom]

i think what you've got it perfect. Nothing too formal or too casual...I would say just a touch above business casual.

 

[pearlieq]

I've got a black velveteen skirt with nice black heels. Could I wear that with my fancy embroidered Christmas sweater?

That sounds perfect.

I think it's just basically dressy party attire (skirt/dress/pantsuit for women, dress pants and nice sweater or collared shirt for men) with an encouragement for holiday flair.

I don't think you could really go wrong with the outfit you described.

 

[hffmnheidi]

I'd definitely say no jeans at all. The skirt and things that you've already got sound fine. Don't break the budget when you have perfectly good attire already. Maybe splurge on a nice necklace or earrings that are in the budget. Fashion Bug is having a sale on jewlery.

 

[kellia]

That sounds fine!

 

[amamax2]

My DH's company always does a "holiday attire" party - what you described is perfect.

 

[MSSANDRA]

For Holiday attire, I always wear black pants and a nice Christmas sweater and flat black shoes.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Before I retired from the government, when our agency had it's annual holiday party I would wear a Santa Hat from WDW with Mickey Ears on it.

 

[WheelCEO]

 

[lunalibre]

WheelCEO, I think that picture looks like it belongs in a catalog for Halloween costumes.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I'm so relieved that I can wear stuff I already own and not have to go out and shop at the last minute!