Office party outfit ideas: kurtas and dresses for work

Reading the dress code

• “Smart casual” or no dress code: a well-cut kurta with straight trousers or a co-ord. A little texture or a print in a deeper colour is enough.
• “Festive” or “party wear”: a kameez with delicate embroidery, a finished dupatta or a velvet waistcoat over a plain kurta.
• “Cocktail” or “black tie optional”: a long kameez with slim trousers in cotton silk or jacquard, or a long Western dress with sleeves.
• Away days and outdoor events: a cotton co-ord with pockets and comfortable trousers, so you can join in rather than watch.

Office party outfits that go from desk to dinner

Many work parties start straight after the working day, with no chance to go home and change. Plan an outfit with a day version and an evening version. A plain, well-cut kurta in a jewel colour works at your desk; add a sparkling dupatta, a velvet waistcoat or statement earrings at five o’clock and it is ready for the party.

A co-ord set is especially useful here, because the matching top and trouser look sharp on their own and dress up easily. A boat neck or a small V feels a touch more evening than a band collar while staying office appropriate.

Modest and comfortable choices

Not everyone wants a short party dress, and a made-to-measure outfit lets you dress up on your own terms. A long kameez with full sleeves and wide trousers in a rich fabric looks every bit as festive as anything else in the room, and a dupatta or a matching scarf can be worn over the hair if you prefer. Our guide to modest dressing shows how sleeves, necklines and lengths work together.

Comfort counts too. Work parties often mean hours of standing, mingling and then sitting at a long table, so choose a trouser with a comfortable waist and a kameez with enough ease to move. If the evening includes dancing, a gently flared kameez moves better than a straight one.

What to ask for: fabric, embroidery and length

• Fabric: cotton silk, jacquard or a fine raw silk look dressier than everyday cotton but stay comfortable for a long evening. In winter, karandi or khaddar with a velvet layer works well.
• Embroidery level: delicate (neckline or sleeves) suits most work events. Keep detailed and statement work for family occasions, unless the party is very formal.
• Length: a knee or calf length kameez is easy for sitting at a long dinner table and standing at a bar.
• Sleeves: three-quarter sleeves look polished and keep cuffs out of your plate.
• Practical details: a hidden pocket for your phone and lanyard pass saves carrying a bag all night.

Ordering ahead of the party season

End-of-year parties cluster into a few busy weeks, and couriers are busy at the same time, so order early. Production is 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, and shipping time is extra and depends on where you live. Your quote includes delivery and any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees, so nothing is left to pay on the doorstep.

Working in New York? Our New York page and the custom design service for the USA explain how ordering works from there, with quotes in US dollars, euros or pounds. When you are ready, request a quote, or see more ideas for the working week on our work and campus page.