(Nicole Miller Red Strapless Bubble Dress; $290)

The holidays are upon us and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for holiday office parties. The great thing about these events is that it’s the perfect excuse to get all dolled up. But what exactly is appropriate for an office party? And what do you do if you don’t exactly have time to change after work? Keep reading to find out just that, as well as how to accessorize your look and our top holiday party dress choices.

What Not To Wear
Something super short and sparkly is a tempting choice, but as cute as the dress above is, save something like this for New Years Eve. Even though it’s a party, your choice of dress should still be somewhat office appropriate and nothing that would ruin your rep in the work place. If it’s backless, shows too much cleavage, 0r the hem stops mid thigh it’s probably better left in the closet.

From The Office, To The Party
Not enough time to change after work? Not a problem. If time won’t exactly allow you to head back home get glamorous for an office party, pick a versatile piece that is appropriate for both scenes. Wearing a slinky, embellished top underneath a blazer is a good way to pull this off. For example, the Chiffon Top (Express, $69.50) will work perfectly with a brown suit. Simply whip off the blazer, change into a pair of strappy gold heels, grab your clutch and you’re good to go!

Upgrade It
If you don’t like the idea of spending part of your pay check on a new dress for an office party then you’re in luck. All you really need are a few festive accessories to upgrade a basic cocktail dress, and the good news is that our favorite brands are serving these up full force. The Kitty Sequin Belt by Felix Rey Handbags (ShopBop.com, $120) comes in black and gun metal grey; both colors coordinate well with a variety of dresses, and this belt can be warn at the waist or lower on the hips. A metallic headband and a clutch to match are two additional ways to update your look; the Tasha Quilted Headband (Nordstrom, $44) and the Vita Snake Clutch by Antoinette Lee (CoutureCandy.com, $285) are two ways to do it. And lastly, dark stockings or even patterned stockings are pretty much a must, and they help to keep your look fresh as well.

The Perfect Party Dress
Let’s say you do decide to pick up something new for your holiday office party. Here are four gorgeous and totally appropriate dresses for the event:

The Rebecca Taylor Beaded Tunic Dress may not be the most obvious choice for a holiday party based on it’s color. But the embellishment above the hem certainly makes it frestive, while the cut of the dress is not only fashion forward but professional as well.

One can never go wrong with shades of red, green, silver and gold at any holiday party, like this burgundy halter. The Flip Burgundy Bubble Dress ($158) stands out because of it’s iridescent fabric and the braided details at the bust. And best off all, baby doll style dresses like this one flatter just about any figure.

The Unyx Gold Braided Halter Dress ($54.60) is pretty simple in style, because the gilded color speaks for itself. But we especially love the chunky braided necklace that’s build on to the dress.

Lastly, basic black is always a great standby; it’s classic and almost always appropriate. The Silk Taffeta Jeweled Dress ($159) is extremely fashion forward with it’s tulip shaped silhoutte and oversized rhinestones. Want to look like you just stepped off the pages of Vogue? Then this is the look for you.

There are so many great choices at the stores this season that it’s hard to go wrong. And whatever you decide to wear to your office party, having a great time is what’s most important. But it’s always more fun when you look great!

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