What to Wear to an Office Christmas Party: 3 Glamorous 1950s Looks

From Kitty with Love ruby red faux fur 1950s swing dress for a Christmas party

Party invitations are starting to land, and if you're already wondering what to wear to the office Christmas do, you're not alone. Every year the same two worries come up when customers ask us for help: "Will it be comfortable all night?" and "Will it fit properly?" Here's everything we tell them, plus three complete looks to take the guesswork out of it.

What should I wear to an office Christmas party?

A tea-length 1950s-style dress is the perfect answer. It's elegant enough to feel special, covered enough for a work event, and the full skirt is made for dancing. The three dresses our customers choose most for Christmas parties are the 'From Kitty with Love', our Grace Kelly dresses and our Dee Dee dresses, and each one suits a slightly different kind of party.

Kitty: the easy, festive all-rounder

Kitty is ruby red with a faux fur trim, and she has stretch, so she's the easiest fit of the three. She's made for Christmas parties, nights out, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself. If you want to feel festive and comfortable all evening, she's the one. Kitty is on pre-order now, shipping from 25 November, in time for party season.

Grace Kelly: ultra glamorous, for posh parties and black tie

Our Grace Kelly dresses are elegant, sophisticated and seriously glamorous. They have a closer fit that accentuates the waist and beautifully sculpts the body. Choose a Grace Kelly for black tie events, smart Christmas parties and winter weddings.

Dee Dee: 1950s Hollywood glamour

Dee Dee is pure 50s Hollywood glam, in a similar spirit to Grace Kelly. She's very elegant, with a fit and flare shape that's lovely for dinners and parties where you want to make an entrance.

Will a 1950s dress be comfortable all night?

Yes. Our dresses are made in the UK from high-quality fabrics, and many have stretch for extra comfort, with a hidden zip for a smooth finish. And yes, you can absolutely dance in them, petticoat and all.

A couple of tips our customers love:

  • Wear a body shaper underneath for a smooth line and extra confidence. Our body shapers are designed with our dresses in mind.
  • Add a petticoat for that full 1950s swish. It's comfortable to sit and dance in.
  • Keep warm on the way with a faux fur capelet over your shoulders. Our new Wonderland coats are also coming soon, made to the exact length and fit to wear over our dresses.

How do I get the right size?

This is the most important bit. Before you order, check the size guide next to the price on each dress, and choose the size you're closest to. Please don't size down. Some of our dresses are non-stretch and have a structured fit, so sizing down won't give you a comfortable evening.

Three complete Christmas party looks

1. Kitty, the Christmas party all-rounder

2. Grace Kelly, for black tie and posh parties

3. Dee Dee, for 50s Hollywood glam

Why choose a British Retro dress for your Christmas party?

Because nobody else will be wearing it. Every British Retro dress is designed by us and made in the UK, in limited editions and small quantities. We're a small business, and our designs are our own, so you won't walk into the party and spot three other people in the same dress.

How will I feel wearing it?

This is our favourite part. Customers tell us that people stop them all night to ask where their dress is from. They say they feel confident, glamorous and truly special, like a queen or a princess. Head-turning, in the best possible way.

If you'd like help choosing your dress or your size, just get in touch. We're always happy to help.

British Retro x