HOLIDAY FASHION Proper office-party attire takes work

It's not a 'real' party, it's a business meeting in disguise.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Holiday office parties are now in full swing, and you want to make sure that you're the belle of the ball, not the butt of bad jokes.
The party is a place to get to know your colleagues and boss in a setting that is more relaxed, but still professional. An office party is not a "real" party; it's a business meeting disguised with cocktails and finger food. You need to give as much attention to what you wear at the office party as you would to, say, a job interview. Your clothing sends a message about your good taste, judgment and respect for your employer.
Important message
Image consultant Mary Lou Andre (www.dressingwell.com) agrees: "Party clothes can speak loudly about your professionalism. Make sure yours are sending the right messages ... err on the side of being too conservative rather than too provocative."
Here are some guidelines for dressing for the office party.
UShop early for a simple black dress or suit and dress it up or down depending on the event.
UIf the office party is held outside the office at a restaurant or event center, dress up a bit more.
UUnsure of the dress? Ask an employee who has attended the party in the past.
UDon't look like you're on an audition for "Sex and the City." Skip the slip dress, deep decolletage and major bling-bling.
URemember that if your spouse or "significant other" is invited, they should dress at a similar level as you. Even though it's your party, they're making an appearance and sending a message. If you're in a dressy suit, they have to change out of the flannel shirt and work boots. Otherwise, they run the risk of looking like your "Insignificant other."
UAvoid party clothing with poinsettia, reindeer, Santa Claus and elves. People might question your level of maturity.
UFinally, consider the office party philosophy which states that by dressing up you are honoring the experience, the people you are with, the place you're going, and the thought that went into creating the event. Ultimately, you're honoring yourself.
The first step to putting together the right outfit is to interpret the invitation dress code correctly. Hostesses have gone around the bend when it comes to thinking up creative dress codes. We've heard of "trendy chic," "sporty" and even "sparklingly flawless."
If a party holder has the audacity to list one of these dress codes, by all means you can have the nerve to call them a half hour before the party starts to ask for an explanation.
Here are the traditional dress codes.
UFormal or white tie: Men wear white tie, black tail coat with medals; women wear floor-length formal evening gowns with gloves.
UBlack tie: Men wear tuxedos with black ties; ladies wear floor-length evening dresses or long dressy evening separates. These events call for luxe (not cheap looking) accessories.
UBlack tie optional (BTO): Hosts -- make up your minds. It's either black tie or it's not. Most men will opt not to wear tuxes. Women should wear dressy cocktail dresses or suits. If you're really insecure, call the host to find out what she is wearing and match your outfit to hers.
UCreative black tie: A popular dress code in the West, it leaves room for personal expression. For men it could mean a bolo tie with a tux and for women trendy or unusual dressy separates. Remember to dress up rather than down and go for a fun, funky look.
USemi-formal or informal: Men wear dark business suits, women wear fancy cocktail suits, short gowns and dresses. (Note: Informal on an invitation does not mean casual as it does in the popular vernacular.)
UCocktail attire: Men wear dark suits, women wear cocktail suits or the proverbial little black dress. Cocktail attire is dressier than "career wear, "but a bit less dressy than semi-formal. A cocktail dress is a short elegant evening dress made of luxury fabrics. Length is anything but formal, meaning not to the ground.
UDressy Casual: Office parties held at the bosses home often call for "dressy casual." Note that "casual" doesn't mean jeans, flannel shirts or work boots, all common misinterpretations of this category. Men should wear sport coats and women slacks suits, long or short skirts with nice tops. If the party is at night, dress up a bit more.
UCasual: What you'd wear to pick up groceries -- but make sure it's clean and in good repair.