script> !function(e){if(!window.pintrk){window.pintrk = function () { window.pintrk.queue.push(Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments))};var n=window.pintrk;n.queue=[],n.version="3.0";var t=document.createElement("script");t.async=!0,t.src=e;var r=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; r.parentNode.insertBefore(t,r)}}("https://s.pinimg.com/ct/core.js"); pintrk('load', '2612989409127', {em: ''}); pintrk('page');
top of page
Search

Hold your space: Boss-or-Rookie" The Art of the Holiday office Party"! Why Women of Color show up, network, and let style do quiet PR.

Updated: 3 days ago

You Pick It, Hunter, Red or Classic Black ? Make a Statement https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/60th-mic-check-sequin-pantsuit
You Pick It, Hunter, Red or Classic Black ? Make a Statement https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/60th-mic-check-sequin-pantsuit
ree

Tis the season—and it’s also history. Seventy years ago, on

Audio cover
Hold your space Boss-or-Rookie

December 5, 1955, the Montgomery Bus Boycott launched after Rosa Parks refused to move. That moment wasn’t just about a seat; it was about strategy, timing, and disciplined presence. A blueprint. Today, corporate rooms are newer ground for many of us. Off-the-clock events—like the office holiday party—are part of how power circulates. They’re where proximity becomes opportunity.This is the Luncheon or night the CEO chats longer than “good morning,” managers make press moves, labels peek out with the red bottoms unboxed. The bling on the watches get louder. Translation: be noticed for the right reasons.VSG: Veteran rule: Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Add personality "Yours" —sparkle more, stay on business—and let your presence do quiet PR. Walk in your power. Boss or rookie, you belong in the room. Every Room. Age does not = exposure. Many of us 40+ are first-gen in corporate spaces. Networking “rules” weren’t taught to us—and that’s not a personal failure, it’s the system. So treat the holiday party as part of work culture, not an optional social. It’s quiet PR: you’re building recall with leaders who don’t see your excellence day-to-day. Age does not = exposure, But access grows when you show up with intention.

I had the Honor of meeting one of my many HEROS... The space holder, we stand in her shadow. Signed 1989
I had the Honor of meeting one of my many HEROS... The space holder, we stand in her shadow. Signed 1989

Reality check (why this matters): In the latest national data, women hold 29% of C-suite roles; within that, women of color hold about 7%, and estimates put Black women at roughly ~3% of the C-suite. That’s the context you’re walking into—which is exactly why strategic visibility (like this party) counts. McKinsey & Company+2McKinsey & Company+2

Bridge to action: Show up like the promotion already happened—polished, memorable, appropriate. Keep one feature only (neckline or hemline), matte tights, block heel, a sequin or fine-gauge sparkle under a blazer, and a 60-second “what I’m building next quarter” line ready. You’re not there to be “fun”; you’re there to be visible, credible, remembered—and yes, to enjoy yourself.


I’m here to pass a baton. I’ve spent four decades moving from family-run businesses—where I ate lunch with the owners more than I liked—to publicly traded Fortune 500s with thousands of employees, often as the only Black woman in the room (sometimes the only Black person in the building) in both realities. The elbows were sharp. When a door cracked, I learned to slide a pump in and hold it there until it swung open. Refusing to move. That’s the art: presence with strategy, polish without apology, and the courage to be visible in rooms that weren’t built for us.


One reason I built VSG is for you. Come in and have a one-of-one experience: The Shop www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/category/all-products curated for your life and your curves. This blog—written to put you at the center. The podcast (coming soon)— www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/podcast real talk with real tools. And most important, The Styling Space—just you + me on Zoom www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/book-online when and where it works for your schedule. No gatekeepers, no guessing, no “maybe next season.” Your style. Your pace. Your terms.


Why this off-the-clock hour matters (especially for African American  Women)

  • Access without the calendar guard. Meet VPs, directors, clients between the buffet and coat check.

  • Memory moment. People attach your name to poise, clarity, polish. Make sure they get your full NAME, do not assume.

  • Culture is visual. Style isn’t vanity—it’s how your judgment and readiness get read in seconds.

  • From boycott to boardroom. Parks showed us presence + plan = movement. This isn’t protest; it’s the same muscle—intentionality—applied to career.

Mindset: Not a date. Not a girls’ night. This is press time—your brand"Name", on purpose.

Post–Me Too clarity: feminine ≠ flirty

Work events live under the work code of conduct, even in a ballroom. Keep it clear for you and for them.


Why women of size deserve polished finishes

  • Structure = respect. Ponte, tux tailoring, fine-gauge knits, micro-studs read “executive,” not “afterthought.”

  • Fabric truth. Thicker knits smooth without over-engineering; matte tights photograph luxe; espresso is softer than stark black on deeper skin.

  • Comfort is strategy. If the shoe hurts, your face tells the truth. Authority requires ease.


What’s appropriate: in-office vs. off-site vs. ballroom

In-office (HQ, work hours)

  • Shine scale: micro-sequin, studded knit, satin sheen.

  • Silhouette: knee–midi; cowl or mock neck; bra-friendly straps.

  • Coverage: blazer/cardigan over sparkle; shoulders mostly covered.https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/vsg-hunter-unlined-shawl-collar-soft-blazer

  • Shoes: block heel 1.5–2.5", dressy flat, or low boot.

  • Legwear: 40–60 denier matte (black/espresso). Sheer = evening; fishnet = no.

  • Bag: structured mini or small tote; rhinestone clutches wait for later.


Off-site restaurant / lounge (team dinner)


Hotel ballroom / client gala

  • Shine: statement sequin/ velvet flocked dress, tux suit, or Gold coordinated set.

  • Heels: 2–3" (pack dressy flats).

  • Bag: evening clutch; tote with after event flats to coat check.


Legwear ladder (and why it matters)

ree

Conversation > cocktails (protect your future self)

  • In-office: 0–1 drink max (or club soda + lime).

  • Off-site: 1–2 max; water between.

  • Never: shots, top-offs from strangers, posting coworkers without consent.

  • Three talking points ready: 1) project you’re proud of; 2) what you’re learning next quarter; 3) one smart ask.

  • Exit while you’re winning. Leave before the vibe slips.


Outfit formulas (Size 14+ / Over 40)

Desk → Dinner (HQ safe) Studded cowl-neck shell + tux blazer + midi skirt + 60D tights + block heel.

A pop of COLOR
A pop of COLOR

Client Cocktail Forest-green Sequin Blazer + black trouser + suede pump + gold hoop.

Ballroom Statement Platinum Sequin suit  + sheer-matte tights + clutch.

Smart Casual (luncheon)Black pant + glitter sweater + low heel; blazer on for office, off for after.

VSG Favorite Ponte Bling cargo pant + short-sleeve mock-neck lightweight sweater + matte tights + kitten heel.Flats still wow—without trying too hard.


The jewelry whisper

Classic silhouettes (Van-Cleef-like shapes, pearls, diamond studs) say “I understand quality” without shouting logos. Let fit be the flex.https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/faux-van-cleef-3-piece-set


Mini kit for the clutch

Blot sheets • berry/nude lip • mints • micro-floss • safety pin • fashion tape • band-aid • tiny charger • business card.


Shop the Edit


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page