Because our holiday schedules mean we've got only moments to spare when we're running home from the office and then out to our respective parties, dressing for events becomes more of a chore than the fun task we think it should be. Instead of having the time to prep our favorite party wear, we're stressing over what we can throw on to get out the door in a flash. We're here to set you straight — being efficient and looking great don't have to be mutually exclusive, especially when you plan ahead. To play it smart, we've narrowed it down to three of our favorite closet essentials that are easy to take from daytime on the job to our after-hours parties. Chances are you already have each of these pieces in your closet, but to help you work out the details and inspire your best holiday looks yet, you'll want to click through for all the styling and day-to-night shopping.
The Pencil Skirt
This Vince Pencil Skirt ($195) is perfect for pulling double duty — and chances are you already have one like it in your closet. Give it a cozy look for daytime at the office with a chunky turtleneck and Chelsea boots, then switch it up for party time with a peplum top (to accentuate your waist), metallic accents, and a pair of ankle-strap heels.
Day:
Nili Lotan Chunky Turtleneck Sweater ($455)
Loeffler Randall Mini Bag ($395)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Chelsea Boots ($450)
Nili Lotan Chunky Turtleneck Sweater ($455)
Loeffler Randall Mini Bag ($395)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Chelsea Boots ($450)
Night:
Topshop Lace Peplum Corset ($72)
Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Small Metallic Clutch ($325)
Zara Studded Vamp Heel and Ankle Strap ($129)
Topshop Lace Peplum Corset ($72)
Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Small Metallic Clutch ($325)
Zara Studded Vamp Heel and Ankle Strap ($129)
The Shift Dress
J.Crew's Jules Stretch-Wool Twill Shift Dress
($198) is the perfect piece to have on hand for all of your winter
styling needs. Take it to the office with tights and printed flats — and
a great little leather jacket to top it off. For cocktails, give it a
dressed-up makeover with megawatt jewels, a pretty clutch, and
pointed-toe pumps (bonus points for a pair with a little extra
sparkle!).
Day:
Sarah Berman Rudy Zip-Detailed Leather Jacket ($385)
BCBG Max Azria Astor Leather Crossbody Bag ($84)
Steven by Steve Madden Vegass Leopard Ballet Flat ($90)
Night:
Kenneth Jay Lane Rhinestone Deco Earrings ($130)
Love Moschino Bow Frame Clutch Bag ($250)
Alice + Olivia Meyer Suede Glitter Heel Pumps ($295)
Sarah Berman Rudy Zip-Detailed Leather Jacket ($385)
BCBG Max Azria Astor Leather Crossbody Bag ($84)
Steven by Steve Madden Vegass Leopard Ballet Flat ($90)
Night:
Kenneth Jay Lane Rhinestone Deco Earrings ($130)
Love Moschino Bow Frame Clutch Bag ($250)
Alice + Olivia Meyer Suede Glitter Heel Pumps ($295)
Trousers
A polished pair of printed pants, like these J.Crew Cafe Floral-Print Wool-and-Silk-Blend Capri Pants ($595) will serve you well all season. They're easy to give a more office-appropriate tilt with a classic blazer, tote, and pumps — but just as easy to style up for a night out with a faux fur, a chain-strap bag, and some seriously sexy footwear.
Day:
Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Blazer ($70)
Alexander Wang Pelican Satchel ($985)
Zara Leather High-Heeled Court Shoe ($90)
Night:
Mango Faux Fur Jacket ($130)
Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Leather Shoulder Bag ($250)
BCBGeneration Jett Strappy High-Heel Sandal ($98)
Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Blazer ($70)
Alexander Wang Pelican Satchel ($985)
Zara Leather High-Heeled Court Shoe ($90)
Night:
Mango Faux Fur Jacket ($130)
Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Leather Shoulder Bag ($250)
BCBGeneration Jett Strappy High-Heel Sandal ($98)
Which look can you see yourself stealing? Let us know in the comments below!
