Holiday Outfits Part 2 of 3: Work Day to Work Party

There’s Smart Casual and now we declare Smart Holiday – the outfit that can transition from work to party as is or with a simple change.  If your work party is a casual affair, remember that professionalism rules.

AVOID FORGETTABLE AND TOO MEMORABLE

If you want to stand out, the standard fare won’t do, nor will going overboard at work to look more festive for the party.  Consider the following:

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• Boring. So you forgot about the party when you were getting dressed.  Make time to shop over the lunch hour and look for a sparkly necklace, top or shoe that will help you feel as festive as you will surely feel.
• Dated. “Aww, cuuute” does not command respect.  Reserve these mementos for family affairs and opt for accessories that elevate your presence.
• Tired. A nothing-special matchy-match outfit does not belong at the office or at the holiday party.  A more interesting outfit will help you differentiate yourself from your peers while networking up the chain of command.
• Club-Bound. If you work in the entertainment industry, this *might* be appropriate office attire.  Then again, it will still look better in a celebrity-wanna-be-filled club on a reality TV show.  Your outfit should go from work to party without screaming I’M GOING TO A PARTY!
• Goofy. At work, the Class Clown is great for culture but will not get as much respect when it comes to raises and promotions.  Leave the costumes in the closet until Halloween.

And now, outfit ideas that will ensure you’re ready for the big night, after a productive day.

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Consider these hard working looks for regular, Plus, Petite and men from left to right:

• A plush velvet jacket (T Tahari, Nordstrom, $199) in a rich color is always a great choice for the holidays and pairs well with denim and dress pants.  A shiny and sparkly statement necklace (Target, $25) will immediately move the look into party mode, as will a blue-themed beaded clutch (Endless, $228).  Ground the look with a sparkle patent pump in brown (Butter, Endless, $174).
• We repeat, a plush velvet jacket (Lane Bryant, $89) in a rich color is always a great choice!  A sequin top is not required but is certainly permitted underneath.  A satin skirt (Nordstrom, $39.97, very limited sizing) is a great match for velvet, as is a long pearl cluster necklace (Ann Taylor, $78).  Be bold and throw in a rufflicious lavender clutch (Endless, $108) and a metallic snakeskin pump (J. Renee, Endless, $85).
• A white shirt that combines contemporary and classic is priceless (Ann Taylor, $78, low quantities due to Black Friday), as is an affordable jacquard pencil skirt (Target, $26.99).  Display a little ice with a simply stated necklace (Anthropologie, $38) and carry some serious gold with the Christopher Straub Petals Clutch (Christopher Straub, $130).  And try a patent bordeaux pump (Amalfi, Endless, $127) because who doesn’t feel amazing in red shoes?
• Plush velvet could work, but a fine-wale corduroy sport coat (Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, $130) will too.  A sweater or sweater vest in a different color works as a great mid layer and a white shirt is the perfect first layer.  Pair the top half with a dressy dark denim jean for the really casual work event or a microfiber dress pant (Haggar, Macy’s, $35) for a dressier affair.  And yes, a good slip-on shoe matters.  Get a polish the day of for extra style points.

A mix of every day professional and evening can be exceedingly productive when done well.

{ Fabuliss helps women and men learn how to create and shop for outfits that align with their personal brand.  Personal Shopping.  Closet Reviews.  Color and Fit & Style Analysis.  Style Parties.  Remote Styling.  Fabuliss.com or 612-554-4629 }

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