The Unofficial Christmas Party Circuit Survival Guide

If You’re Carrying Business Cards, It’s Work-Related…Not The Club.

by sarah selip | december 3 2024

I have this theory on the Christmas Party Season in Washington, DC (yes, all caps because it’s that big of a deal here) that we must stop treating it like a party season.

Hear me out. For the most part, the DC Christmas Party Season is more like a networking circuit with free food and flowing drinks in some fabulous venues.

But let’s get something straight…and slowly repeat after me: reception hopping is not a bar crawl even though they have open bars.

So, that being said, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years to make sure you look, feel, and act your best over the next month.

My Unofficial 12 Rules to Surviving Christmas Party Season (I’m guilty here, too.)

Rule #1. If you’re carrying your business cards for an event, you shouldn’t wear a weekend outfit — leave the mini skirts and crop tops at home.

Rule #2. Just because you’re wearing a blazer over a mini dress, you’re still wearing a mini dress. It isn’t cute… and you can’t wear a blazer over a club dress. Please don’t do it. That’s an intern move.

Rule #3. Hemlines matter.

Rule #4. Think about your shoes. I am a huge heels girl. But, the rule of thumb, and I guess this goes for life in general, if you can’t walk or stand in your heels for more than 20 minutes, leave them at home. If you decide to wear over-the-knee boots and have to pull them up every 5 minutes, leave them at home. If you haven’t broken your shoes in yet, leave them at home.

Rule #5. Wear something you feel confident in, not something you want others to think you look hot in. I’m guilty of this. Don't wear an outfit if you don’t feel comfortable in it — regardless of whether you think you can hide it, you will feel awkward, manifesting in your mannerisms. We all get anxious, but don’t be worried about how you look in the outfit. You’ll get in your head, and it might ruin your night and your confidence. Been there, done that.

Rule #6. I can’t stress this enough — the materials you wear matter. Most, if not all of the time, you will be running straight from your office and right into a reception, so consider what might crease, wrinkle, pill, or stretch. You’ll be living in your outfit for the day, so put your best foot (…’fit? — sorry, had to.) forward.

Rule #7. As much as we love breaking out the wool and cashmere in the colder months, however, DO NOT, AND I MEAN, DO NOT wear fine cashmere or any other dry-clean only sweaters, dresses, etc., to receptions (read: Premium Cigar Association and so on) where folks might light one up. Your dry cleaning bill and roommates will thank you.

Rule #7.5. Trying to get the smokey smell out of your hair? A solid detox or clarifying shampoo will be your best friend. I highly recommend the Ouai Detox Shampoo. In these situations, I apply, lather, and rinse twice before starting my usual haircare routine.

Rule #8. If you received an invite through your work email, you’re attending on behalf of the office. What you do and how you act reflects your company, boss, or office.

I can’t tell you how many times my Chief of Staff friends have received calls or texts from people at parties about how their staff is acting at a reception. Plus, you never know who you’re going to run into. Your boss, former co-workers, future employers, even ex-boyfriends. Don’t get sloppy.

Rule #9. This might be controversial, but I learned this the hard way. Remember that scene from Succession where Cousin Greg’s date (Bridget) showed up at an event with the “ludicrously capacious” oversized designer tote? She’s lugging commuter things around, like a lunch box or subway shoes, and that’s fine — absolutely no shame in the city living game. But if you carry your oversized work bag from reception to reception, your shoulder will start to kill you.

To be perfectly transparent here, my collarbones have been bruised on multiple occasions from lugging around my life-in-a-bag. Ladies, leave it in the office. Carry a smaller bag, a clutch, or anything that won’t leave you aching or throwing it in the corner or the coat room. Also, DC crime is wild (thanks, Muriel), so you don’t want to risk losing everything you own.

Rule #10. It’s cold out. Wear tights. (Hint: my friends and I recommend Sheertex!)

Rule #11. You don’t have to go full glam for receptions… especially after a long work day. We all grew up watching the “How to Take Your Makeup from Day to Night” YouTube videos, so follow that lead. Touch up your makeup, change into a darker lipstick (one that lasts throughout the night — and bring it with you), and add some highlighter. Boom, easy.

Rule #12. Make sure you keep supplies handy… especially when it comes to preventing shoe-related. I compiled a comprehensive list* of great products I love to keep on hand and in your desk drawer. You’re welcome in advance.

BONUS TIPS, especially for interns and junior staffers:

A) An open bar may feel like the perfect way to celebrate enduring this insane election year filled to the brim with Kamala gaffes, but please, dear God. Listen to me. Resist the urge to drain the bar. One to two drinks at the first happy hour may not seem like much, but you’ll be draped over a drop box before the evening ends.

B) You don’t want that (or having your friend carry you out of the party) on your record. We’re all guilty here. (Sorry, Mom!)

C) I can promise you that nobody cares what you’re drinking as long as you have a drink in your hand. An empty hand is an invitation for a wannabe wonk to ply you with booze.

D) One of my close friends has a rule where he orders one of the event’s featured drinks, then only drinks ginger ale (it looks boozy) before hopping along to the next party. Some other options here — make every other drink something like carbonated water with lemon or cranberry juice with lime and a splash of club soda.

Don’t stress out too much. You’ve got this. This was pretty long, so go grab drinks and hors d’oeuvres… and don’t forget some business cards. You’ve earned it.

Now, go hit the circuit.

PSSST. Did I miss anything? Let us know.

**affiliate links.