Christmas party - please help!

[TreacherousPissFlap]

Long story short, this is the first year I will be attending a proper Christmas party. Normally I avoid them like the plague, figuring that I spend enough time with my colleagues in work time without giving up my spare time too.

This is a new job for me in an organisation I would like to stay in and progress within. On a daily basis we have a strict uniform (which suits me down to the ground!) out of work I am very much a jeans, checked shirts and walking boots type. I'm fairly clueless TBH but even I'm aware this is not suitable Christmas party wear

I never wear make up, but have made valiant efforts lately to have some sort of skin care routine. I do have a decent hair cut which I feel covers a multitude of sins, and I ensure it's cut regularly.

So how do I "do" it please

Well help us out a bit here OP.... what sort of party is it? Dinner? dancing? drinks? posh or low key? When you go to nicer events normally what kind of clothes would you gravitate to? I don’t think you should wear something just because you think it’s festive or appropriate for the occasion I think it needs to feel “ you”. So if you prefer trousers for example wear those but ramp it up a notch or two. I love a tuxedo suit and that would be a suitable upgrade for a devoted trouser wearer. You don’t need make up if you don’t want but a bare face with striking red lipstick or striking ear rings and a beautiful evening suit can be a chic look without resorting to a LBD. Just don’t do bog standard black trousers and a “ sparkly” top.... dull as ditchwater

Well who even knew there was different levels of party?!

It's a meal and drinks, with possibly "going into town" later

I desperately don't want to not be myself, it's taken years to not be bothered by what people think. And as it goes I'm still not fussed what people think on a personal level, but I know that I need to look "together" if I want to make my position into a successful career IYSWIM?

Do you want help with makeup or just outfits?

If you don't usually go too OTT then go for jeans, lovely top and a camel coloured blazer? Wear with court heels or sandal heels and you have a smart and dressy looking outfit that isn't too far out of your comfort zone

I personally think having your hair put together nicely makes a worlds more difference than makeup. Get a round bristle brush and practise doing a proper blow-dry. A YouTube video will do the trick. For hair I also chuck my head upside down and put volumising mousse at my roots and leave for 10-20 min before blow drying properly

I’m guessing you wouldn’t be comfortable in a dress so jeans and top or trousers and top are probably the way to go. Pinterest is quite good for looking up outfit ideas and to get an idea of what type of styles you like. Then it’s just a case of finding clothes in similar colours/ cuts etc.

If you are not a make up person then you don’t have to wear any. If you want something without having a full face then maybe some tinted moisturiser, a bit of mascara and a very subtle lipstick might be the way to go. If you are brave enough think about getting your eyebrows done (unless you have good natural brows) Wax or threading with maybe a tint if they are pale or sparse. Not too expensive and can lift your face and make a big difference to your overall appearance. I know the big heavy brow thing is in at the moment but I personally always go a bit thinner and paler as I don’t like the ‘strong brows’ look.

Definitely trousers and sensible shoes so I don't topple over when I've had a drink

I get away with my normal clothes as a combination of not giving a toot and also buying good quality, well fitting items (for example I only own three pairs of jeans but they are all properly fitted Levi's as I've never found cheaper jeans that fit me as well)

I'm not adverse to spending a little money on "grown up" clothes. I have considered a little makeup in the past, but really don't know where to start - I know colleagues who spend at least an hour "getting ready" in the morning (for a day at work, not customer facing) and just can't imagine me being bothered with that

Tell us a bit more about yourself @TreacherousPissFlap . Shape, height, size, colouring etc

OK waiting for info on height/size etc, but:

If you're a trousers girl and like checked shirts what about these checked trousers. Maybe with a black sleeveless blouse, very shiny brogues and an interesting bracelet/cuff.

www.marksandspencer.com/checked-straight-7-8th-trousers/p/p60264439?color=BLACKMIX

What about something like this snakey top with some black trousers and black ankle boots? Maybe a silver bracelet or some rings?

I think the make up advice above is spot on. Go to the Body Shop or Boots and get some advice on tinted moisturiser or BB cream (basically the same thing). Once you've got the right shade that you feel ok in, a mascara (worth spending a bit more than the cheapest so that the wand is well shaped) and a nice lipstick (try Clinique Bare Pop for example, very low key colour but I look more finished with it on), you could put all that on in about a minute. And just because you have all that, you dont have to wear it - keeping it for occasional times is fine.

Ok,
I'm 5ft 3 and slim build but have put on over a stone in the past year or so (thanks menopause) It's all on my belly / thighs so tightly figure hugging tops are a bit of a no-go.
I have quite a long neck so plunging necklines make me seem a bit like Geoffrey the Giraffe, so are also best avoided.
I'm pale but not ghostly pale, and tan easily. My hair is short and messy - I decided a long time ago to cultivate it's natural messiness and pretend that was the look I was aiming for, rather than attempting unsuccessfully to tame it
My hairdresser has advised that colouring etc would be absurdly expensive as my hair grows extremely fast so I've never bothered

Jeans, boots and a sparkly top with good jewellery is all you need.

This www.next.co.uk/g83108s5#450781

This blazer is gorgeous www.next.co.uk/g83106s1#315687

I really like the red velvet blazer.... sequinned top and jeans. If you’re not interested in heels there are loads of interesting boots with low block or Cuban type heels that will be fancy enough. Keep your hair messy because that’s your look and a tiny smidge of make up if you decide to. ( it’s not compulsory )

I've in fact never been to a work Christmas party where jeans would be smart enough - I really would go for trousers...

Thank you

The blazer is exactly what I think I need and is still close enough to "me" to still be me.

WRT jeans, it's a meal and drinks in a slightly posher pub so perhaps I could get away with them? I have no desire to go out "on the town" afterwards so that wouldn't be a problem.

I agree with PPs it's about wearing what you're comfortable in but the more party version.

I'd suggest some black jeans, a silk shirt, and the velvet blazer which is fabulous.

No suggestions from me but just a confirmation that the blazer is indeed fabulous. I own it and I love it (and wore it to work yesterday actually). Oh and ignore the review that says there are no pockets, there certainly are, and that the sleeves are too short, well not unless you have unfeasibly long arms.

Blazer, black tee or camisole, indigo jeans and block heeled boots or strappy sandals, not too high. Striking earrings, a bit of mascara, a little bit of neutral eyeshadow with a slight shimmer to it (Bobbi Brown has some lovely ones!), a slick of lipstick and you’re good to go.

Jumpsuits are great, they’re quite sexy/sophisticated but are easy to wear (not so easy to get in and out of once a few drinks have been had).

I want to wear a velvet dress this year (but I’m used to wearing dresses). Perhaps you could buy a dress and just wear it around the house at weekends to get used to it? - if you want to get out of your comfort zone a little that’s a good way to do it.

I love wearing dresses and wear them every day to work but for a night out I go for black skinny jeans, sparkly shoes and a nice top , sparkly or glittery.

Are you Eleanor Oliphant?!

Don't worry about a full "face" if that's not you (It's not me either!) but a bit of mascara and some red lippy can make a world of difference and are very easy to do

I had to google her carpetburns

Don't wear red lippy if you're not really feeling it. If you aren't confident then it'll be wearing you.

Sali Hughes (make up expert) says the five quid mascara from The Collection (available in Boots) is absolutely brilliant.

I'd be all about a statement blouse with good jeans or slim trousers. As comfy as pyjamas but looks stylish and polished.

For very understated smart chic, watch Audrey Coyne on YouTube. Be warned, you may come away coveting a cap toe pump.