63 People Who Went A Little Too Overboard At Work Parties And It Didn’t Go Unnoticed

There's always that one person... The "Go Big Or Go Home," the "Turn Down For What," or "YOLO!" worker who loses all inhibitions - and their reputation - at the office party. Whether booze is to blame, or year-end fatigue, this colleague somehow manages to get tongues wagging for long after the festivities have ended.

Yes, end-of-year events can be a great way to socialize with co-workers, have some fun and let go of the stress of the year for a few hours. But too often, people forget that it's still a work event and this calls for a certain level of professionalism.

"Sorry to break it to you, but when the words 'party' and 'office' appear on the same invitation, the emphasis ALWAYS remains on the word 'office,'" warns etiquette expert Maralee McKee. "While it’s called a party, it’s one in name only. Technically, it’s a time for you to show the office what your best self is like when you’re out of the office."

And no, your best self isn't the one who can knock back 20 tequilas, dance on the table, pinch the boss' bum or prove how well you drive under the influence.

McKee cautions that while an office event is more casual than your average working day, your bosses, co-workers, people from other divisions, and even the wait staff have their eyes on you.

You are still representing your business and your professional ethics at the party, she cautions, "and they shouldn’t differ very much from how you do, or would, conduct yourself in the boardroom."

One of the most obvious ways to ensure you don't embarrass yourself at a work party is to limit your intake of liquor. Even if everyone around you is knocking it back like it's 1999.

"Drink slowly and drink no more than one glass of wine, beer, or alcohol per hour," suggests McKee. "It’s better if you don’t exceed two the whole evening." The expert adds that soda water or ginger ale with a twist of lime is a great walk-around drink in between alcoholic beverages, or for those who don't drink.

Alcohol isn't the only reputation-ruiner, though. You can be as sober as a judge and still be the talk of the town in the days following your office party. According to experts, one of the biggest faux pas people make at year-end events is not dressing appropriately.

"It’s OK if your dress has spaghetti straps or even no straps as long as your cleavage is invisible or almost invisible. Your hemline can be shorter than on a regular workday, but not by much," advises McKee. "Sequins and high heels are fine. But leave the fishnets for a non-work-sponsored party."

McKee says men should aim to dress one notch up. For example, if you're unsure whether to wear a tie, wear one anyway and take it off at the party if you feel it's too much.

"The same with a suit coat or sports coat," she adds. "If the invitation states 'Holiday festive' or 'Cocktail attire,' a tie and jacket will make sure you’re well suited (pun intended) for the evening!"