Work it! What to wear to your holiday office party

Your attendance at the office holiday party is just about as mandatory as that weekly teleconference. (We know you might not want to go—only 5 percent of you consider a company party, even with an open bar, to be highest on your wish list of employee perks during the holiday season, according to a GlassDoor survey). But, skipping out on the soiree might land you on your boss’s naughty list. So, be there. Be merry. Have fun. And, be dressed right. (Oh, and steer clear of the mistletoe).

Here’s how to decode the dress code of your office party invite.

The invite says: Cookie contest in the break room

Judging a cookie contest? Somebody has got to do it and you’ve been looking for more volunteer opportunities, right? Probably the most laid-back rendition of the holiday office party is some sort of cookie exchange, baking contest or casual gathering at the office during the lunch hour or after work. Combine a few wardrobe staples for a festive and chic outfit. A gorgeous combo? An emerald knit turtleneck sweater, $17 on sale at Old Navy, black and white dot pixie pants,$34.94, also at Old Navy, and a J.Crew Starlight necklace, $115, jcrew.com.

The invite says: Cocktails and appetizers at the boss’s house

The invitation might have a suggested dress code on it. If not, we like to err on the side of fancy. (Just like you’d better be over-dressed for an interview, rather than under-dressed). We’re swooning over the Moulinette Souers rubied lace dress, $188 from Anthropologie. It’s the perfect shade of red for the holiday season, but we’re guessing you’ll want to wear it year-round. The color experts at Pantone just picked Marsala as it’s 2015 “color of the year,” and the rubied lace dress is contrasted with that hue, which the experts described in a release as being a “naturally robust and earthy wine red.”

The invite says: Ugly sweater party

You’re too busy finishing a presentation that is due, like, yesterday, to actually DIY your own ugly Christmas sweater this year or to scour the thrift stores for a hideous knit. (They’ve become so popular, the ugliest of sweaters are probably sold out by now, anyway). Fret not, you can buy a kitschy, ugly holiday sweater, $22.90 from Forever 21. This one even comes complete with mini-jingle bells to up the ugly potential.

The invite says: Black tie affair

Black tie affair is code for “get as fancy as possible.” If you work in a creative industry, you’ve got room to try out some new trends—like a gorgeous feathered hem on this Ann Taylor dress, $248, or, wear a fancy jumpsuit, like this lace number, also from Ann Taylor, $178, for an alternative to a dress. More conservative office? We’re loving the illusion crepe gown, $348, from Ann Taylor.