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Go from work to wow in a flash. Katie Wright reveals her pick of 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?
Because 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 over-dressed – 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 office-appropriate (and warm enough) during the day, and ready to hit the dance floor when party time arrives.
Sparkles are always a festive fashion favourite and the shops are full of dazzling dresses right now. But you don’t have to go totally sequin-tastic if you don’t want to – a little bit of glitter goes a long way (don’t we know it!).
Here are five party pieces, and how to style them from the 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 knee-highs for a pair of jazzy heels instead.
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 if you want to emphasise your curves, or choose a loose cropped style if you want to skim over your silhouette.