It's the middle of November, the twinkly lights are being switched on everywhere and shoppers are flocking to the nearest complex, high street and supermarket to grab everything they see. Christmas is getting alarmingly closer and that can only mean one thing; that the office Christmas party will soon be here.

It's the same thing every year, that dreaded moment HR send around the email telling you that you're all invited to what should be an exciting even. In  theory it sounds fun but frankly what could be more awkward then seeing the people you work with every day, outside of their comfort zone. Having to relax and let loose knowing the people who could make or break your career is difficult enough but how do you go about mingling with Sheila from Accounts or Jason from the front desk when you hardly spend so much as a couple of minutes in their presence a week?

The office Christmas party is a very difficult situation to content with; we have to fight our urges and force ourselves to behave I mean, that's hard enough as it is without also worrying about whether we look good enough too! Whether in a local restaurant or a hired out swanky venue, the Christmas party is not only a chance to see everyone behave a little differently but dressed a little differently too.

From the girls in their gorgeous sequined dresses to guys in their tuxes and suits; the Christmas party is a great chance to show that you can really shine in the style stakes.  Whether you have planned ahead or are still wondering how to get it right, the below tips should give you a helping hand on the way...

• Remember that the people you are about to spend an evening with see you every day which means that odds are that they have seen your work wardrobe at least twice over so stay away from it. Never wear what you would normally wear to the office as it will clearly look as though you have made no effort and therefore have zero interest in actually relaxing and enjoying yourself.
• Whether you're employers are taking you to the races, down the local restaurant or have planned a themed event, it is important that you play the part. Whatever the event may be, formal, informal or otherwise; the dress code will be clear so get involved and don't even think about being underdressed! If it's fancy dress you don't have to put the reindeer nose on but try to embrace what everyone else no doubt will, in order to ensure that if nothing else; you don't stand out of the crowd for all the wrong reasons.
• Simplicity is the key so tying in with the above points, don't go overboard. If it's a formal event stick to something a little subtle, perhaps a velvet casual tux jacket rather than a full blown tux with a top hat. If novelty is the theme, pick one seasonal colour to add into your outfit (red tie, green pocket sleeve etc.) instead of turning up dressed like a human Christmas tree and if you have been told that the event is casual, never use this as an excuse to turn up in tracksuit bottoms and a tee! Always keep in mind that,  although you are all out of the office you still have to make the right impression...after-all these are the people that pay your wages!

The office Christmas party is always a great event but can easily fill even the best of us with a great mix of dread! From worrying about how you might behave to fretting over your aversion to things on the menu; there are a number of things to worry about but don't make your clothes one of them!

Whatever the size and style of the event, keep it simple, classy and clean and remember that no matter how the night turns out...at least you'll look the part!

Whether you're looking forward to the annual do or dreading it, the office Christmas party is an unavoidable event in the calendar so why not embrace it and if nothing else, at least look the part?