For a work Christmas party, start with the venue and the invitation. A rooftop, harbour cruise or office gathering can call for different shoes and layers, even when the dress code sounds similar. Look at what you already own, then visit VENLA resell+relove for a preloved piece that fills the gap.

Harbour Cruise

Choose an outfit you can move in comfortably when boarding and walking around. Tailored trousers with a dressy top, a midi dress or a coordinated set can all work, depending on the invitation. Consider a stable shoe and a layer you can carry if the event moves between indoor and outdoor areas. A pashmina or scarf can be handy if the weather turns colder.

Keep your bag manageable and check the event details before leaving. A daytime cruise may have a different feel from an evening celebration, so use the timing and host’s guidance to set the level of formality.

Rooftop or Outdoor Bar

A rooftop event is a good opportunity to wear a favourite dress or smart separates. If you will be outside, bring a jacket or wrap that works with the outfit rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Think about standing, walking and getting home. A block heel, dressy flat or other comfortable shoe may make the evening easier. If the invitation includes a theme, let that guide your colour or accessories.

Long Lunch or Beachside Celebration

For a long lunch, try a skirt and blouse, a relaxed dress or wide-leg trousers with a polished top. The useful test is whether you can sit comfortably through the meal and still feel ready for the next part of the celebration.

For a beachside venue, check the actual setting before choosing footwear. A restaurant by the water and an event on sand ask different things of your shoes. A light layer can be useful when plans continue into the evening.

If you have party pieces you no longer wear, explore selling with Venla. You can review the self-service and all-inclusive options, including rack rental and commission, before deciding what suits you.

Office Drinks and Work-to-Party Changes

If the party starts straight after work, build around one piece you can wear all day. Tailored trousers or a simple dress can take on a different feel with a change of shoes, an interesting jacket or an accessory from your wardrobe.

Keep the workplace and the invitation in mind. You can dress for a celebration and still choose something that feels comfortable around colleagues. If the instructions are unclear, ask the organiser what the venue and dress code mean in practice.

Find a Piece You Can Wear Again

Before you shop, take a photo of the shoes or jacket you plan to use and make a short list of what is missing. Try the piece with those items if you can, check the fastenings and care label, and move around in it before deciding.

A special top may work with trousers you already have. A dressy jacket might be useful for both the party and a later dinner. You do not need to plan every future outing, but it helps to picture at least one.

For broader occasionwear ideas, see Venla’s spring and summer guide. Explore buying preloved fashion, then visit VENLA Balmain, VENLA Manly or VENLA Mosman to browse the current arrivals.

‍

About the author
Satu Raunola Spencer’s entrepreneurial journey culminated in founding VENLA resell + relove, a pioneering rent-a-rack secondhand fashion store in Sydney. Co-founded with fellow Finnish entrepreneur Minna Monaghan as a COVID-era pivot, VENLA brought the Nordic rent-a-rack concept to Sydney, blending innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Satu’s story, rooted in Finnish sisu, is one of resilience and dedication, inspiring more sustainable consumer practices and addressing fashion's environmental challenges.