For weeknight holiday events, choosing an appropriate outfit that perfectly portrays festive flair can be tricky if your event is right after work and you have to plan for it at 6am.  Luckily, there are some easy ways that you can take your 9-to-5 look straight to cocktails with just a few special tweaks that will avoid having to pack a whole separate outfit.

See today’s Denver Post for “5 Tips: How to take your look from the office to evening for holiday parties”, and read on for outfit ideas and more…

Embellish your staples with shimmery pieces.  A party-perfect embellished tank or blouse works while concealed at the office, when the rest of your outfit is classic. Keep it understated with a sleek pencil skirt, basic blazer or cardigan, and daytime-appropriate scarf. But then bring that sparkly piece out to play for your after-work event by leaving your blazer or cardigan and scarf on your chair as you head out.   Then top it off by adding evening accessories – chandelier earrings, a luxe clutch, wrap and glam shoes – the better to sparkle with!

The day dress for night.  A tailored sheath dress stays incognito during the day with a blazer, simple necklace, belt, basic pumps and briefcase, all in neutral tones. But after hours, this navy staple sheath becomes a perfect backdrop for an over-the-top bib necklace, clutch, wrap and shoes in jewel tones. Winter blues? Far from it.

The lady’s tuxedo. A sleek black suit also transitions effortlessly from a work go-to outfit to a dramatic canvas for accessorizing.  Keep it tame from 9 to 5 with a teal tie-neck blouse and black pumps. Even hang up your jacket during the day if your office attire is less suited up.  But amp up your outfit for evening by playing off this season’s chic black-and-gold trend – swap out your top for a shimmery gold silk cowl-neck blouse.  Swap your professional pumps for strappy black and gold metal stilettos and swap out your day bag for a structured lace-inspired clutch. Finally, top it all off with a black laser-cut leather cummerbund belt.  Menswear-inspired it may be, yet so feminine, chic and of the moment.

All in the accessories.  Whatever outfit you choose, don’t be afraid to pile on the little extras for your holiday events.  You’ll shine a little brighter if you add some glitz to your look.  Especially with a minimalist outfit, more is more when accessorizing!  Mix your metals, mix your jewel tones and be bold with your statement pieces– after all, fashion should be fun!

Honorable mentions.  Adding a touch of fur- real or faux – to your outfit instantly glams it up.  There’s none shown here, but it’s certainly worth a mention, especially if your after-work event is particularly dressy.  A refined plush collar, scarf or wrap will keep you cozy and make any outfit look chic and luxurious.

The icing. A mini on-the-go makeup kit will refresh you after work, and adding a little drama is just as important to completing your party look as is jewelry. A swipe of red lipstick or smoky eyeshadow effortlessly takes you into night.

And for him… Your man can also easily prep for after work with a few added details.   Come party time, he need only add a sport coat, pocket square and maybe even a tie clip to his classic button down and office pants (or dark, stylish denim if they’re appropriate in his office).  Just make sure he wears his nice leather shoes in the a.m. to polish off his look.

Keep in mind… Even if you do have time to choose a whole separate ensemble for your soirée, you don’t have to wear head-to-toe sparkle to look festive. Dressing for the holiday season should be about expressing yourself, and you can do that even in your dressy jeans if the occasion allows.  Shine on!

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