Help! Office Christmas party....

[ang79]

My DH just got a new job and he signed us up to go to the company Christmas party. From talking w/ co-workers it sounds like a pretty nice gig. At a nice banquet hall, lots of fancy food, dancing, etc. He was told that it is a dressy event and that people wear anything from very nice church type dresses to floor length ball gowns. As a SAHM, the only wintery dresses I own are sweater dresses and tall black boots! I'm definately not going out to buy a ball gown, but I would like to look nice and presentable to his new co-workers. Tell me what I need to wear! Places to shop would be helpful too, as my normal stores are Kohls, ON, and Target on the clearance racks :) Ugh, I'm going to need new shoes to go w/ a new dress too, the only heals I own are black wedge sandals, but not very dressy. Looking for budget friendly options, as the only other places I wear dresses normally are church, which is rather laid back.

[joules]

Rent the Runway!

I was just looking at RTR this morning for a dress for DH's xmas party. But I ended up getting a cheap dress from Asos instead. If the Asos dress doesn't work out, I think I'll definitely go with RTR.

[HannaAddict]

I would invest in a LBD and check Macy's, Nordstrom regular and sale racks in the regular store, even Target, you never know. And get simple nice black or nude heels depending on the shoe and how fashion forward you feel comfortable being. Shoes same places and maybe even Banana Republic if you are petite (at least ours is very focused on tiny sizes!). I have some great black Nordstrom dresses I've snagged for $100 give or take and online too. Have fun.

[crl]

I had good luck at Ross for office party type dresses a few years ago. I would try to save on the dress and splurge on the shoes. I find myself standing a lot at that kind of event and uncomfortable shoes just make me miserable.

Catherine

ETA. I bought this dress the last time I had a dh-work function--mine was a congratulatory dinner out at a very fancy restaurant. It's pretty plain, but I think it is flattering. I bought it specifically because I don't like wearing anything that could be interpreted as hoochie or too revealing to his work things. Some of the partners are older and I just feel more comfortable going more conservative.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-ruched-matte-jersey-dress/3456978?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=5906&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_16_C

[Zukini]

Nordstrom has an excellent selection! If you have a local store, call and ask for an appointment with a personal stylist (it's complimentary!) and explain the event and what you need (dress, shoes, perhaps accessories?) and your budget. I've gone in over the years with all sorts of interesting requests (from a full wardrobe update for a job change to my courthouse wedding attire!) and they always deliver. Don't be afraid to give them your honest budget - they've pulled lots of items on sale and also from Misses for me before, and actually their Semi-Annual sale just started this week...

If you have shoes, purses, accessories that you would like to use let him/her know beforehand so they have an idea of what to work with, and take them with you to the appointment. They will inquire about your size, color and style preferences etc in order to "pull" several styles and looks for you. It's a lot of fun and also a lot of help! Have fun! I miss office holiday parties - now that workplaces are so business casual, some folks no effort whatsoever and it's nice to see everyone all fancy for once :)

[mikala]

Pastrygirl posted this in another dress thread and it seems like it might work for you too.

http://m.nordstrom.com/s/3620264/?origin=wishlist

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Gallery/3620264?origin=product

[SnuggleBuggles]

What a boon! YOu have to go shopping for something pretty!! Lucky duck. :)

In addition to the department stores mentionedm also try TJ Maxx and Marshalls (I super love the Tahari satiny belted sheath I bought there last year), Black House/ White Market, and ModCloth.
This one is 25% off this weekend and so pretty:
http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=372&pageId=1&productId=570098047&viewAll=true&prd=Floral+Paneled+Dress&subCatId=&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=10&catId=cat210006&cat=New+Arrivals&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=2&size=
I really like that Nordstrom one from Pastrymom linked too. Much cheaper than the WHBM one.
The Limited has all party dresses 40% off this weekend. I like their stuff:
http://www.thelimited.com/womens-clothing/dresses?icid=IBAC-0002275
This one caught my eye:
http://www.thelimited.com/product/tie-front-sheath-dress/3149109.html?ppid=c51&start=51&dwvar_3149109_colorCode=875&cgid=dresses
This Loft one is festive http://www.loft.com/ruffle-yoke-tie-waist-dress/325640?colorExplode=false&skuId=15202741&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5901

At the end of the day, the Gemma Banana Republic wrap dress is a good wardrobe staple that you should consider. Dress it up or down and you'll get a lot of use out of it. Fessing up- I wore the black one to dh's work party last year so I am biased. :) I wore it with red patent peep toes and fun accessories. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=69885&vid=1&pid=326715012
I usually end up at DSW for shoes. So many in one spot to choose from.

[westwoodmom04]

If you have a Loehman's or Nordstrom Rack by you, I would check them out. They tend to carry a lot of holiday attire this time of year. Loehman's is also usually a good source for special occasion shoes.

[echoesofspring]

I would invest in a LBD

This! When I had to wear a lot of dresses for performances I always bought a lot during the holiday season. The stores are packed and then there are great sales. It's a great time to shop for a dress.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Banana Republic has a flattering black fit and flare too.

[Indianamom2]

I have been to many office Christmas parties that sound exactly the same. My experience is that most women will NOT be in ball gowns and will be in either simpler long dresses or cocktail type LBD.

I think this is beautiful and very classy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-lace-bodice-banded-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3311849?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=5840&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-3_16_D

This, from David's Bridal, is pretty for a floor-length look:
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Sleeveless-Key-Hole-Beaded-Waist-Jersey-Dress-1298_Special-Occasions-Shop-By-Occasion-Formal-Long-Dresses

From Macy's, a mid-length:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/evan-picone-dress-sleeveless-satin-tie?ID=368162&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D3%26spc%3D235%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId %3D96

Similar to first one, but cheaper! :
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/js-boutique-dress-short-sleeve-lace-top-cocktail?ID=885871&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DParty%26sp%3D4%26spc %3D502%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D157

And finally, more expensive, but lovely:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-dress-tiered-evening-dress?ID=487889&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DParty%26sp%3D7%26spc %3D518%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D266

[essnce629]

Another vote for Rent the Runway!

I got my dress for DH's Christmas party there last year and got a dress for a wedding there as well. I'll be getting my dress for this year's Christmas party there as well. I'm a SAHM as well and it just doesn't make sense to buy a super formal dress if I'm only going to wear it once. I definitely wouldn't wear it year after year to the same party!

[ang79]

Thanks for the input and sorry for the slow response! We were out of town for the weekend, then had a busy week and I was finally able to get out last night to start looking for a dress. I only had a little bit of time so went to Kohls, as I have a 30% off coupon. There was not a very good selection. This is what I came home with to try to decide on. I may also check Ross and TJ Maxx if I have time this weekend. No Nordies close by, just the usual mall stores (Boscov, JCP, Bon-ton, Macy's).

Love the colors (and clearance price!) of the first two, but I think they may be too long on me (I'm 5'2" and they are the regular length, they didn't have petite in the store). They fall below my knees. There are petite lengths available online, but for $20 more of course! (sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed pics yet)

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1348106/chaps-shirred-sheath-dress.jsp?isClearance=true in the blue color

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1348133/chaps-embellished-shirred-dress.jsp?isClearance=true in Loganberry

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1500185/apt-9-velvet-scroll-sheath-dress.jsp in black, though I like the burgandy one available online too - the length is good on this one but I'm a bit hesitant with the cut out in the back, as I tend to break out on my back :(

I'm always cold, so since these are sleeveless, would probably want a wrap, cardigan, or shrug to go over the dress. Maybe something with some sparkle? Would love some input on the above dresses (and what the "in" length is, or what is a good look for short people). Thanks from this fashion challenged mama :)

[mikala]

Thanks for the input and sorry for the slow response! We were out of town for the weekend, then had a busy week and I was finally able to get out last night to start looking for a dress. I only had a little bit of time so went to Kohls, as I have a 30% off coupon. There was not a very good selection. This is what I came home with to try to decide on. I may also check Ross and TJ Maxx if I have time this weekend. No Nordies close by, just the usual mall stores (Boscov, JCP, Bon-ton, Macy's).

Love the colors (and clearance price!) of the first two, but I think they may be too long on me (I'm 5'2" and they are the regular length, they didn't have petite in the store). They fall below my knees. There are petite lengths available online, but for $20 more of course! (sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed pics yet)

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1348106/chaps-shirred-sheath-dress.jsp?isClearance=true in the blue color

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1348133/chaps-embellished-shirred-dress.jsp?isClearance=true in Loganberry

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1500185/apt-9-velvet-scroll-sheath-dress.jsp in black, though I like the burgandy one available online too - the length is good on this one but I'm a bit hesitant with the cut out in the back, as I tend to break out on my back :(

I'm always cold, so since these are sleeveless, would probably want a wrap, cardigan, or shrug to go over the dress. Maybe something with some sparkle? Would love some input on the above dresses (and what the "in" length is, or what is a good look for short people). Thanks from this fashion challenged mama :)

Of the ones you posted I think I like the first the best.

I'm petite too and have found that right above the knee seems to be the most flattering length on me right now. I'd try pinning it up and would consider taking it to a tailor to be shortened, especially if the tailor can do it for less than the $20 to get a petite online. But before I did that I think I'd check one of the other stores. Our Macy's has had a cruddy selection of cute dresses lately, especially for petites. JCP can be really hit or miss but the price is generally good when it's a hit, no experience with Boscov or Bon Ton.

[Indianamom2]

I like the first two dresses the best. They would definitely be wearable for other events as well.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'm 5'2" and I have a Chaps from Kohls' sheath that is regular length. It's a small and only a smidge longer than ideal (since it was only $12, I wasn't too picky ;)). I would steer clear of a length below the knees for your height. I try to aim an inch or 2 (or more, depends on occasion and audience) above the knee ideal. If it hits you at the knee, probably still ok. I don't know if you have the budget but if you can afford to pay more to get the dress and fit you really want and will feel good in, it'd worth it.

If you had a stable of good, basic dresses then is probably pick the velvet one from your list. But, you need a more versatile dress in your closet to pull out as needed. The first one on the list gets my vote. It'd really get it in black for the rewearing factor but the blue us pretty too.

I suck up a chill and skip sweaters. Don't get a shrug. There are plenty of cardis out there though but try them on with the dress to make sure it doesn't make the dress look frumpy. Loft usually has a nice fitted, 3/4 sleeve cardigan in stock in lots of colors.