‘Tis the season to celebrate — which often requires a speedy switch from work to wow. Fortunately, it’s easy to transition seamlessly from day to night with minimum of fuss.
“The rest of the year, less is more,” says Sam Saboura, style expert and host of TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New. “At the holidays, more is more. When it’s time to play, piling on that third and fourth piece takes your look to another level.” Here are day-to-night holiday wear tips from Saboura and other top celebrity stylists:
Plan a big reveal.
For an easy office-to-party look, wear a festive top under a work-appropriate jacket. “This season’s ‘date tops’ often reveal drama in the back — with sheer lace, cut-outs and open shoulders, that remain unseen until you take off your blazer or cardigan,” says Roseanne Morrison, fashion director for retail consultancy Tobe.
Sparkle!
Wear one embellished piece that sparkles or shines during the day, such as a matte sequin tank, beaded cardigan, or boucle jacket with chain details or Lurex threads. “At night, add extra jewelry and accessories in rich metallic: pewter, gold or bronze,” Saboura says. “They’re an instant nod to the holidays — and a great investment for spring, since they’re on trend.”
Evoke Audrey Hepburn.
“The Little Black Dress is so cliché, but it’s a great blank canvas,” Saboura says. He suggests wearing an interesting knit or textured top over a jersey dress to give it party flair. Or use a simple jewel-toned sheath dress as your base: “That ups your style game.” You also can transform your daytime LBD by adding lacy hose or a shimmering wrap, bold printed scarf or satin jacket, says Julie Matos, Alyssa Milano’s fashion stylist.
Fake it!
Throw a faux-fur stole around your neck — as designer Marc Jacobs did on fall runways — and a sweater and pencil skirt or a blouse and trousers instantly go from desk to party. “It brings anything to a luxurious level,” says Saboura.
Denim will do.
Dark, wax-coated or brocaded denim pants worn with a tunic or cable knit are fashionable both during and after work hours. Come sunset, throw on heels and an embellished or sequined cardigan or velvet blazer in hunter green, claret or teal, Saboura says. “Not only will it make most underpinnings very dressy, but it’s a nod to the holidays — and it’s on trend,” he says. “Or add a statement necklace and clutch (tucked in your office tote), and even a tank top and skinny jeans becomes appropriate for evening.”
Split your tuxedo.
A tailored women’s tux makes a great holiday look when you use the pieces as separates. Wear the slender slacks to work with a blouse or sweater. Add dramatic heels plus the tux jacket, a sequined vest or showy earrings “and you’re instantly holiday chic and super on-trend,” Saboura says.
Step it up.
When it comes to
footwear, don’t be afraid to go beyond gold, silver and black. Keep
leopard-spotted or tiger-striped strappy stiletto sandals in your desk for
fashion emergencies. Another good option, says Saboura: “Burgundy or deep green
suede pointy-toe pumps will take anything into the holidays without
