For a farewell party or retirement party, you wear something a step more festive than your usual work clothes, but still suited to the business setting. For Women, a blouse with a lovely detail and smart trousers or a skirt works; for Men, a shirt or polished polo with trousers, without a tie unless it is a formal dinner. If you are the one leaving, you may be the smartest of the group. You are at the centre, speeches are given and photos are taken. In all cases, choose clothing in which you can stand and talk comfortably for a few hours.
A special moment
A farewell at work is always a bit bittersweet. It is a celebration, but also a moment of looking back and letting go. With a retirement, it often marks the end of a long career, sometimes of decades at the same organisation. Colleagues, former colleagues, family and sometimes clients come together. Your clothing shows that you take the moment seriously and appreciate the person who is leaving.
Where is the party?
| Location | Dress code | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Canteen or meeting room after work | Work outfit, slightly more festive | Your office outfit with a lovely detail, such as a blouse instead of a T-shirt |
| Café or restaurant | Smart casual | Blouse or shirt, trousers, loafers |
| Party hall with dinner and speeches | Smart casual to smart | One step smarter, possibly a blazer or skirt |
| Outdoor venue in summer | Summery and polished | Light fabrics, shoes for grass or gravel, a layer for the evening |
As a guest: Women
The light blue Seraphine is tailored-fit with a contrasting white collar and cuffs. Combine it with the beige Philippa, ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers.
If you prefer to wear a skirt, you can combine the black Rosa with a light or coloured blouse. Rosa is slim-fit and 60 cm long in size S, so the exact hem height differs per height.
As a guest: Men
For Men, the light blue Hamilton shirt works with the beige Harrison. Harrison is currently slim-tapered. A tie is optional and depends on the dress code.
At a more informal party, the navy Alistair works too. This regular-fit open polo has a piqué structure and combines easily with beige, grey or other trouser shades.
As the one leaving
If you are the one leaving, you are in the spotlight all afternoon or evening. Speeches are given, gifts are handed over and many photos are taken that you and your family will look at for years. A few tips:
- Choose something you feel good in: this is not the moment for an experiment. Wear something you know fits well and suits you.
- Think of photos: plain colours are easy on camera, but prints can work just as well if you like wearing them.
- Choose what suits you: as the leaving colleague you do not automatically have to be dressed more formally than the guests.
- Comfortable shoes: you stand a lot, shake hands and walk around. Comfort is important.
- Pockets or a bag: you will receive cards, gifts and perhaps a speech on paper. Make sure you can put things somewhere.
Speeches and photos
If you give a speech yourself, you stand at the front for a moment. Then choose clothing that looks calm and in which you do not constantly have to adjust anything. A blouse that stays neatly in place, a shirt with a sturdy collar and shoes you stand firmly in help you concentrate on your words. Avoid jangling bracelets and large prints that look busy in photos.
Giving a speech for a colleague
If you have been asked to say a few words about the colleague who is leaving, you are briefly at the centre. Then choose clothing that is a step smarter than that of the other guests, but not so formal that you overshadow the leaving colleague. A plain shirt or blouse in a calm colour works best. Make sure you can put your note or phone somewhere, for example in an inside pocket or a small bag, so you do not have to shuffle loose papers. And keep your hands free of a glass when you start speaking.
Gift and card
A farewell usually comes with a joint gift from the team, but a personal card with a memory is often the most appreciated. Bring a bag in which you can carry the card or a small gift neatly, and hand it over at a quiet moment, not in the middle of the bustle.
Summer farewell parties
Many farewell parties fall before the summer holiday, in June and early July, when the season and the working year close. It is then often warm and people stand outside. Choose light, breathable fabrics, light colours and bring a cardigan or light jacket for when it gets cooler later. Men can roll their sleeves up neatly when it is warm. Women choose a blouse that falls airily.
You will find more inspiration in the collections Office for Women, Office for Men and Celebration, or in our Signature Occasions for Women.
Shop the look
Seraphine: tailored blouse with white collar, light blue
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, beige
Rosa: knee-length skirt, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, beige
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
How smartly do you dress for a farewell party?
A step more festive than your normal work clothes. Smart casual is usually just right, unless there is a formal dinner.
What do I wear if I am retiring myself?
Something in which you feel confident and comfortable, a step smarter than your guests, in calm, plain colours that look good in photos.
May I wear jeans to a farewell party?
At an informal party at the office, polished dark jeans with a blouse or shirt can work. At a dinner or party hall, you are better off choosing trousers or a skirt.
