Life

Fashion: Five fab day-to-night pieces that make dressing for Christmas parties a cinch

Go from work to wow in a flash. Katie Wright reveals her pick of the best buys for this Christmas and New Year party season

Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins

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.

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.

Here are five party pieces, and how to style them from the nine-to-five to after hours...

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.

Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Faux-Leather Mini A-Line Skirt, £16.50 (was £22); Pink Cable Jumper, £18 (was £24), all Dorothy Perkins
Next Multi Sequin Top, £45
Next Multi Sequin Top, £45 Next Multi Sequin Top, £45
Miss Selfridge Pink Sequin Camisole Top, £21 (was £28)
Miss Selfridge Pink Sequin Camisole Top, £21 (was £28) Miss Selfridge Pink Sequin Camisole Top, £21 (was £28)

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. 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.

V by Very Leopard Print Textured Midi Dress, £30 (was £40)
V by Very Leopard Print Textured Midi Dress, £30 (was £40) V by Very Leopard Print Textured Midi Dress, £30 (was £40)
Office Hiccup Black Cross Vamp Platforms, £59
Office Hiccup Black Cross Vamp Platforms, £59 Office Hiccup Black Cross Vamp Platforms, £59
Matalan Feather Fur Trim Heeled Sandals, £14
Matalan Feather Fur Trim Heeled Sandals, £14 Matalan Feather Fur Trim Heeled Sandals, £14

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.

Oliver Bonas Star Jacquard Jumpsuit, £85; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Earrings, £19.50; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Necklace, £26, all Oliver Bonas (shoes, stylist's own)
Oliver Bonas Star Jacquard Jumpsuit, £85; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Earrings, £19.50; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Necklace, £26, all Oliver Bonas (shoes, stylist's own) Oliver Bonas Star Jacquard Jumpsuit, £85; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Earrings, £19.50; Cardoza Multi Circle Drop Necklace, £26, all Oliver Bonas (shoes, stylist's own)
Wallis Silver Embellished Blazer, £55
Wallis Silver Embellished Blazer, £55 Wallis Silver Embellished Blazer, £55

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.

Sosandar Wine Fluted Sleeve Shift Dress, £59; Black Leather Zip Knee High Boot, £139, all Sosandar
Sosandar Wine Fluted Sleeve Shift Dress, £59; Black Leather Zip Knee High Boot, £139, all Sosandar Sosandar Wine Fluted Sleeve Shift Dress, £59; Black Leather Zip Knee High Boot, £139, all Sosandar
Hush Cressida Black Shirred Dress, £56.25
Hush Cressida Black Shirred Dress, £56.25 Hush Cressida Black Shirred Dress, £56.25
Simply Be Ste Glitter Kitten Heel Boots, £45
Simply Be Ste Glitter Kitten Heel Boots, £45 Simply Be Ste Glitter Kitten Heel Boots, £45

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.

Wallis Green Sequin High Neck Top, £50; Black Belted Tapered Trousers, £35; Glitter Pointed Court Shoes, £45, all Wallis
Wallis Green Sequin High Neck Top, £50; Black Belted Tapered Trousers, £35; Glitter Pointed Court Shoes, £45, all Wallis Wallis Green Sequin High Neck Top, £50; Black Belted Tapered Trousers, £35; Glitter Pointed Court Shoes, £45, all Wallis
Oasis Rainbow Sequin Tee, £27.30 (was £39)
Oasis Rainbow Sequin Tee, £27.30 (was £39) Oasis Rainbow Sequin Tee, £27.30 (was £39)