How to Look Festive at Work (And be festive, but not go overboard)

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Okay, I think everyone is officially ready to go into holidays overdrive. Plaid everywhere, sparkle everywhere, snow everywhere! (Except for snow in DC, drat!) But some people tend to go a bit overboard. And don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with loving the holidays, you do you girl, but when it comes to the work place, you need to keep yourself in check. Is it a great idea to wear your Christmas sweater every other day? Ummm, maybe not.

It’s okay to share your love of the holidays at work, but there’s a way to do it without distracting from getting work done and annoying everyone (especially your boss).

So how do you look festive at work without going overboard? I’m here to help!

Everlane The Luxe Cotton Crop Tee c/o
Old Navy High-Waisted Pants (Similar, Similar)
J.Crew Factory Necklace (old, similar, similar, similar)
Everlane The Day Heel Pump (Similar, Similar, Similar)

How to Look Festive at Work

There are plenty of ways to look festive at work. But the key here is to remember the WORK part and not go over board. You aren’t going to a party, just work.

You can have pick one holiday color (or pattern) per outfit.

I’m sorry, but red and green SCREAMS holiday season. I’m also the biggest plaid lover you can find, but will I wear the matching plaid shirt with plaid pants like J.Crew shares on their site? No. I’m going to work, not a holiday party. Just stay away from these obvious color pairings!

The easiest way to do it? Just think to yourself, would I wear this in January? The answer is most likely no. So grab that white or black top or pants and wear that instead.

Also, the only real exception to this rule is the unofficial colors of Hannukah, “blue and white.” Don’t worry, if you wear that color pairing, no one is going to assume you’re dressing festively for Hannukah (I say this as the person who celebrates Hannukah).

Pick and choose your accessory

This kind of goes back to my last regarding colors. You really have to be careful about overdoing it. Accessories during the holiday can be a really easy way to overdo it, so take Chanel’s advice and take off the last piece of jewelry you put on before you leave the house.

Lay low on the sparkle

Again, for the holiday parties, BREAK OUT THAT SPARKLE. Be the brighest sparkler out there. For work, hold off a little. For example. I pulled out this necklace for my outfit, but that’s it. I wouldn’t pair this with a sparkly hair clip or big rings. One sparkle!

Rule of One

This is really just my own personal rule of one, in this case. But I really think it applies here. I always like to try to have one focus piece of my outfit and then build the rest of the outfit around that. It doesn’t really always work, but it really applies here.

Your rule of one for your holiday work outfits? One holiday-ish accessory. Is that plaid shoes? A little sparkle? Your bright red festive sweater? A glimmer-ish skirt? Great, that’s your piece. Keep everything else pretty neutral. Allow that piece to shine! But you also won’t look crazy in staff meetings.

Other ways you can be festive in the office (besides clothes)

You can still bring a little holiday cheer to your office in other ways! There are even ways to do it that your coworkers will like.

Decorate Your Cubicle (But keep it to a minimum)

Maybe it’s a teenie tiny faux christmas tree or menorah on your desk. Or a jar full of holiday hershey kisses or gold coins (gelt). Just one or two little things that will make you smile when you come back to your desk.

But avoid lights, anything that sheds, or anything that will fall into your co-workers’ desk. No one appreciates that.

Change out your mug (travel or desk) for a more festive one!

You know you drink a lot of tea when…break out the holiday mugs! The one I’m holding always makes me think of the holidays since I picked it up during a holidays Starbucks promotion one year. It’s just so much fun and it makes me think of dressing up for holiday parties. Plus, no one can argue with a cute holiday mug. It’s the easiest swap to make that will instantly make you feel more festive!

Are you dressing a little more festive during this time of year? Or do your habits stay the same? Also, do you make any changes to your desk or do you keep it the same?

Photos by Kimberly Graydon