Blogged by: Alyce Greer 16 Dec 2019

Boardroom to bar

Whoever decided weeknight office Christmas parties were a good idea? Sure, they’re fine in theory: they’re convenient, you don’t lose a weekend and if you’re lucky, you might even get to finish work early. But what about our festive outfit? Our hair and makeup? Our bags and shoes? Won’t someone think of the fun stilettos we’d planned on wearing?

If tradition is anything to go by, we’re expected to handle this predicament by either wearing our (slightly uncomfortable, slightly inappropriate) party look all day long, going home to get changed in between or giving up and going to the function in whatever we wore to work that day. But we’re taking a stand, because we think we can do better.

Our technique? Choose a ‘base’ look that you can wear to the office, then simply tweak these to transition it into a party-appropriate ensemble. We’ve picked three wardrobe staples to show you how it’s done. 

The white shirt dress

By day, it’s a longline shirt or vest. By night, it’s a party dress. With just a few simple tweaks to the outfit and accessories, we dare say you probably don’t even need to enter the office bathroom for this one.


Look 1: Belted Shirt Dress and Iris Crepe Wide Leg Pant from Cue, Mi Piaci Ormani Sandal, Colette by Colette Hayman Circle Bag and Sunglasses.  
Look 2: Cue Belted Shirt Dress, Mi Piaci Snoop Sandal, Colette by Colette Hayman Diamante Bag and Sunglasses.  

The little black dress 

It’s true what they say: an LBD is a must (that goes for both your work and social wardrobes, btw). For the office, layer with a crisp shirt and classic accessories (add tights if you need!) For the party, turn it into a chic head-to-toe black look, finished with a fun clutch, just ‘cos.


Look 1: First Muse Diem Mini Dress, Nude Lucy Classic Long Sleeve Shirt, Peta and Jain Dayton Belt, Beyond Her Bandana Top (worn as bag scarf) and Quay Glasses from Glue Store, Kaddie Mule and Daniela Handbag from Mi Piaci, Colette by Colette Hayman Gold Chunky Chain Necklaces.
Look 2: First Muse Diem Mini Dress, Nude Lucy Classic Long Sleeve Shirt and Quay Sunglasses from Glue Store, Kaddie Mule and Peta and Jain Snake Bag from Mi Piaci, Colette by Colette Hayman Gold Chunky Chain Necklaces. 

The silky midi skirt 

If you haven’t bought yourself a silky midi skirt yet, consider this your homework. It’s one of those things you don’t realise how much you need… until you’re wearing it every day. We’ve teamed this pretty coloured skirt with a tee and blazer for work, then removed the layers to reveal the festive cami underneath!


Look 1: Como Bias Skirt, Oyster Blazer, Block Tee and Holland Bag from KookaiMi Piaci Silence Heel, Colette by Colette Hayman Gold Chunky Chain Necklaces. 
Look 2: Como Bias Skirt, Como Cami and Holland Bag from KookaiMi Piaci Ormani Sandal, Colette by Colette Hayman Gold Chunky Chain Necklaces.