It’s that time again - delicious fresh baked cookies, an endless supply of beverages and those teeny tiny potato filled puff things - served to us almost every night for a month. While some career women may have the luxury of only attending 1 to 2 holiday parties each season, other professionals are frantically running from the office to events often enough to work off all the calories they consumed. The dilemma isn’t "to have fruit cake or not to have fruit cake" (that answer is always no), it’s what to wear at the office that will get you to the party fashionably, festively and quickly.
I know you’ve probably heard that a stylish suit goes from day to night. Well, it’s a lie. Sorry, the truth hurts. Women today are super in tune with fashion, and busting into a party in a suit makes you the fuddy-duddy. Simply put: don’t do it. So...what do you do when time isn’t on your side?
1.) The morning of the event choose a simple base for your outfit. Something that will look dressier when worn alone, but can be toned down if covered with a blazer or sweater. Steer clear of revealing necklines and too short hemlines because they don’t fare well in the office. Make sure it’s not wrinkle-able (yes, I make up words) because most people won’t have in-office access to a steamer – fashion and PR jobs aside. Consider trying a leather skirt.
2.) By December, many of us will be stuck with colder weather, so stockings are a must. Throw on a solid pair (my favorite are DKNY) for the office. Before you leave for the party, swap them with a more stylish pair (patterned or shimmery perhaps?). Stockings can easily fit into any purse, but if they don’t, get a bigger purse!
3.) Shoes are tough because they can easily change the appearance of an entire outfit. If you’re able to stash a pair in your car, or cram them into the new purse I forced you to buy, then I say do it. Your simple office pumps don’t scream, “I’m here for the egg nog” (not that you should ever scream that). The holidays are the perfect time to add an extra inch or two, some glitz, an open toe and - gasp - maybe even a bootie. If you can get away with any of those in the office, then go for it. Otherwise, they need to be toted along for a quick pre-party change.
4.) Last, and extremely important, are the accessories you choose. On a normal day in the office, it may not be acceptable to stack on the rings, necklaces and bracelets. Too many accessories are not the answer to get your party on, either. Pick one, maybe two, and commit to them. Try a statement necklace, funky earrings or some stacked jingly bracelets.
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