Desk to dance floor
Go from work to wow in a flash. KATIE WRIGHT reveals the party season’s best buys
IT’S one of life’s great style struggles and it rolls around every December: What to wear to the office Christmas party? You want to get a bit dressed up, of course, but you don’t want to haul an entire extra outfit in with you in the morning. And you definitely don’t want to look too overdressed – it is the work party, after all, you might actually have to do some networking.
There is a way to find a happy medium, however, and that’s by anchoring your outfit around a key piece that you can wear to work – and then switch up once you’ve clocked off by adding a different top, shoes or accessories.
That way you’ll feel officeappropriate (and warm enough) during the day, and ready to hit the dance floor when party time arrives.
Here are five party pieces, and how to style them from nine-to-five to after hours...
1 THE MIDI DRESS
THE midi dress – or its slightly longer sister, the midaxi – has been a huge hit this season, as tights continue to fall out of favour with fashionistas.
There’s no need for hosiery if you wear one of these babies with long boots, and a midi dress also makes a fab festive outfit if you swap your kneehighs for a pair of jazzy heels.
Animal prints are very on-trend, while a dark floral frock paired with stiletto sandals in a tonal hue makes a chic combo.
2 THE LEATHER SKIRT
LEATHER skirts have become something of a workwear staple, and they’re easy to take from desk to dance floor as well. Just whip off your tights and jumper to reveal a sparkly top and you’re good to go.
A rainbow-hued or ombre glitter top makes a trendy change from the usual Christmas gold or silver.
3 THE JUMPSUIT
A BLACK jumpsuit worn with a jumper over the top is a nifty way to disguise your party outfit by day.
Switch your knitwear for a blazer – there are some gorgeous metallic, jacquard and velvet jackets in the Christmas collections – for a sleek and understated evening option.
4 THE MINI DRESS
IF LONG-SLEEVED minidresses are a winter workwear favourite of yours, here’s a way to dress one up in a jiffy. Rather than teaming it with sandals, try a pair of soft over-the-knee boots instead (tights are optional), for a fashion-forward approach to party dressing.
5 THE TROUSERS
IF YOU’VE yet to invest in a pair of high-waisted black trousers, now is the perfect time because the autumn/winter high street collections have got options to suit everyone – from ankle-length and slim fit, to long and wide-legged.
Plus, they’re ideal for an after-work transition by adding a sequinned top – tuck it in to emphasise your curves, or choose a loose cropped style to skim over your silhouette.