Party season is upon us and for many, the after work party will be a big date on the calendar. One problem a lot of us have is finding the perfect outfit that makes the transition from desk-diva to dancing diva a smooth operation. You can’t rock up to the office do in a business suit and expect to be courted by mistletoe bearing Romeos, can you?
The logistics of attending parties in the festive season can be tricky. When you work full time, finding the opportunity to go somewhere to change into a show stopping party outfit can prove a challenge. And there’s carrying all that extra stuff with you on the commute – it can become a bit of a headache. So the answer is to wear something into the office that is flexible enough to be magicked into an outfit that gets you noticed at the office party, for all the right reasons…All you need to carry in your bag is extra make up, heels, jewels and accessories to light up your style.
Here are four fabulous ways to put together an outfit that can easily look at home at work and play.
Maximum impact
The rekindling of fashion’s love affair with maxi dresses could not have come soon enough. Wonderful maxi dresses, those floaty, chiffony feminine confections that starlets wore back in the 1970s are now mainstream style staples of the contemporary wardrobe. A maxi dress has a hemline that skims the floor, but long silhouettes are no longer considered just for evening wear. Long, flowing maxi dresses and skirts can be worn in the office without fear of mockery – you’ll simply be marked down as incredibly fashionable and given the title of office style icon.
Playsuit perfection
The term playsuit is somewhat misleading, it sounds a bit like the sort of thing a toddler would romp around in. And whilst not entirely staid or conventional, they are more versatile than their name would suggest. Playsuits have become our go-to favourite garment for times when we need to look fashionable and fresh, but also need to have the option to cover up and be sensible too. Playsuits are in fact tops and shorts stitched together in a one piece and they don’t have to be flimsy, beach wear or festival garb. Tailored and more structured options are out there and can look great as office wear when teamed with hot accessories. So if you are scratching your head wondering what clothing piece will deliver serious during the day and fizzy and fun at night, try a playsuit.
Jumpsuit for joy
A jumpsuit is a bit like a playsuit but with full length trousers. Glamorous jumpsuits with slashed backs and plunging necklines have long been popular on the red carpets and can look super-elegant. A jumpsuit that shows a lot of flesh can be made more modest with the addition of a cashmere jumper or light jacket over the top during the day. There are thousands of styles, fabrics and looks to choose from but for a practical and sophisticated solution to the work-party transition, it’s worth your attention.
Skater for later
The skater dress has been around for a few years, exploding onto the street culture scene initially as part of the distinctive skateboard fashion movement. As is often the case with street fashion, the dress style was picked up by haute couture designers and worked up into something else. The basic silhouette remains the same but the skater dress has been reinterpreted and reinvented in a million fabulous ways since it first burst in to our wardrobes. It is a simple style that looks great on most physiques, the cinched waist is flattering and the short swing style skirt compliments everyone. A skater dress is an elegant shape and if you choose a plain fabric it can easily be blinged up for a party bash with a wide belt, heels and perhaps a tiara or garland in the hair for added drama.
Isn’t it great news to know there are simple and easy ways of turning office daywear into perfect party wear? Use these tips for inspiration and you’ll never have the problem of being over-dressed or under-dressed for work and social situations. When you work hard and play hard it helps to know the fashion side of things is taken care of. Happy party season!
