You are invited to your company’s office party and you do not know whether you should go or what to wear. What you should you do?

This is a common dilemma faced by millions of employees across the country. First, you should definitely decide to go to the party. A holiday party offers you an opportunity to socialize with your colleagues as well as impress your bosses. By socializing with your bosses you will be able to show a different side which could be beneficial when it comes time for promotions. You will also be better able to protect yourself in event that the company needs to downsize.

Once you decide that you are going, what should you wear? Unfortunately, invitations are not typically clear on this front. Most invitations refer to general categories which are not as helpful as you like. I once received an invitation to a semi-formal affair that said ties were optional which is a contradiction if I ever saw one.

As a side note, avoid drinking too much because being drunk in a business situation shows your colleagues that you are not a professional and may give rise to questions regarding your judgment.

I have put together a brief overview of party attire categories and what you should wear. In all situations, your attire should be neat and polished. Please remember that the holiday office party is a business function.

• Black Tie (also Formal) -- calls for formal attire. Men should wear tuxedos, women should wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
• View more office party tips.

Source: employmentmetrix.com