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By Alice Lesch Kelly, video by EJ Massa | December 5, 2017
Holiday time is party time, and that means making sure you’ve got the right outfit on hand for every social event — even if you’re heading to a party that starts right after work.
There’s no reason to rush home to change. A few carefully chosen accessories tucked away in your work tote can instantly transform your daytime outfit into a party-ready nighttime look without a stop at home.
“It’s helpful to think about glamming up work clothes for after-work social events, especially around the holidays,” says Tara West, a personal stylist, fashion consultant, and blogger in Brookline. “It’s easy to add a touch of holiday with a velvet blazer, a sequined bag, or a pair of heels.”
Here are some quick, easy, affordable ways to glitz up your look without changing clothes—or spending a lot.
Dress up that LBDA simple, elegant little black dress is the versatile must-have that belongs in every woman’s wardrobe. “A little black dress can be casual by day and dressy by night,” says Stacie Dobb, visual merchandising manager for Primark in Downtown Crossing. Bring out your LBD’s serious side at work by pairing it with a businesslike blazer and a pair of professional pumps; then in the evening, lose the pumps, add high heels, a glittery clutch, and some shimmery jewelry and it’s a new you.
Go to heel!Stow your work flats in your desk drawer and prepare to party with a fast footwear swap. “It can be as simple as wearing a higher heel in a holiday hue such as green velvet,” West says. “Or add a boot or a bootie with sequins or pearl embellishments. And an over-the-knee boot always screams ‘evening’ when paired with a short dress.” At Primark, footwear prices start at $7, so you can even have options at your desk without spending your entire holiday budget on yourself.
Just bag itA small, elegant handbag switch can make a big difference in how your outfit looks. Swap your clunky daytime tote or businesslike purse for a small silver evening pouch, sequined clutch, or an embroidered or faux fur crossbody bag.
Dress up denimStart with a great pair of jeans and you’re ready for anything, from a day at the office to a night on the town. Dress jeans up with a festive blouse, strappy heels, block heel boots, glittery jewelry, or a faux leather jacket. “At Primark, we have $7 black skinny jeans and a $16 vegan leather jacket,” Dobb says. “These are good core pieces that can be used for both day and night.”
Bling blingJewelry is an easy way to bring holiday pizzazz to any outfit, from a plain sheath dress to an otherwise dull business suit. Pump up the glamor by slipping on gemstone statement necklaces, a shimmery cocktail ring, faux diamond-studded chandelier earrings, or an armful of bangle bracelets and cuffs in a mix of designs, colors, and widths.
Don’t go nudeTalking stockings here. A party is not the place for workday hosiery. Ditch the nude pantyhose and jazz up your look with glossy tights, sexy stockings, or fun fishnets. Or stay on trend by wearing strappy sandals with socks instead of hosiery.
Bronze. Silver. Gold.Nothing says “holiday” like silver, gold, bronze, and other metallics that add sparkle and shine. Metallic was one of the top fashion trends of 2017, appearing on runways all over the world. That won’t go away in 2018. Add a pop of festive flash with a glittery metallic clutch, belt, shoes, jewelry, or scarf, or bedazzle a pair of skinny jeans or a black pencil skirt with a metallic sweater, tank, tunic, bodysuit, or jacket.
Mix up your makeupFinally, make sure your face keeps up with your outfit. A lighter look and a natural lip work well enough for your workday, but an evening of holiday partying calls for more dramatic hues. Transition from day to night with a bolder lip, darker lashes, smokey eyes, and more contoured cheeks. Make sure your cosmetic bag is well stocked with everything you need for your party face, including eye shadow, eye liner, highlighter, concealer, and lipstick. With a selection of blushes to bronzers and lipsticks to eyeshadow palettes, priced from $3, Primark is a must-stop shop for your holiday makeup bag. “Adding a red lip instantly takes you from day to night,” West says.
To find more day-to-night options, styles, and accessories, check out Primark.com.
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Step up your game for this year’s holidays and dress for any event with a single, affordable blazer that can go from formal to friendly and any occasion in between.