Without doubt, the wackiest time of year for many office workers is the office Christmas party, which is billed as a chance for everyone to really let their hair down and go crazy. Of course, you can't go too crazy for fear of losing your job and antics which seem like a harmless piece of fun when drunk can often have long term repercussions in the hard winter light of the day after. For extra wackiness, those charged with organising the Christmas party may insist on fancy dress, cue groans from almost everyone in the office.

A fancy dress Christmas party needn't be a chore. If you choose to avoid the obvious (Santa costumes spring to mind) you can really cause a splash and leave memories that last longer than the photos which will inevitably make it up onto the notice board until August. At this point, it is worth noting that a sexy costume may not be the best choice for an office party, unless you happen to work for the Daily Sport. It is generally accepted that sex and the workplace are a bad combination and should be especially avoided when alcohol is thrown into the mix (or whatever is in that large punch bowl in the corner).

Why not play it safe and go for a pimp costume? It seems the flesh peddlers have rather shaken the bad image traditionally associated with those who sell other people's bodies for money and have crossed over into the mainstream. Some people put this down to Gangster Rap culture and self-professed pimps such as Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent being international media stars, while others point to MTV's popular 'Pimp My Ride' show as the point at which 'pimping' really shook its pejorative history. There is no doubt that a furry costume is well suited to a Christmas party, and the 'hos' will be lining up to stroke your fur cape. Top off the look with a stylish fancy dress hat - something purple and featuring a feather is usually a good bet.

Alternatively, plunder the past for inspiration. What do you get when you add a 80s wig to a cowboy hat? Well... a number of things, but how about Randy Travis, of 'Achy Breaky Heart' fame? You can bet your bottom dollar nobody else in the office would have thought of that one! The bonus is that, in the unlikely event that anyone else does choose to attend your office Christmas party as an American one-hit-wonder from the early nineties, you can always claim to be Jon Bon Jovi instead. Marvellous!