Fashion Advice: What To Wear From Office To Evening Out

This question comes up on an almost daily basis. A common scenario ... you are getting dressed at 8 o'clock in the morning and, all of a sudden, it dawns on you that you are heading straight out to dinner with friends or clients afterwards. What to wear? The answer is simple if you think of it in terms of layers. A colorful dress, like this one, can be worn to the office with a black belted jacket over top of it, along with black opaque tights and t-strap heels. Keep the accessories on the conservative side while working, perhaps a solid colored necklace in black, gunmetal or silver paired with stud earrings. As you leave the office, the jacket comes off and you add the cuff bracelet. You're done. Really.

Another example is taking those killer black pants and pairing a silk halter top with it. While at the office, keep a jacket over top of it, such as either the cotton velvet paisly one or the solid velvet one. Accessories should be simple, such as these black drop earrings and zip loafer inspired booties. Once you've left the office for the day, take the jacket off, put on a multi-strand bracelet, and pull on a colorful, slick trench to keep you warm until you arrive at your final destination. Your handbag should work for both the office and evening, so pick a vibrant color in a classic style.

Color is everything. Look at how beautiful these colors work together. They are rich and yummy. Sometimes you just need to experiment with your wardrobe to give it a new twist. And color is an easy way to make something old look new again. -Catherine Horgan

Tis The Season To Be Fabulous

Its feeling a lot like Christmas and we all know what that means, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, peppermint pedicures and the frantic dash to find the perfect outfit for “that” Christmas party. Whether it’s an office party, a dinner with family or a crazy night on the town with the girls there are a few DOs and DONTs to keep in mind while getting dressed for winter holidays.

DO Keep It Simple Sexy

A Little Black Dress is really perfect for holiday parties. Very cliché, but always classy and fabulous. Keep the lines simple and the hem short. Wear it with opaque black tights and killer shoe-boots for mile long legs. Don’t forget to pair this simple look with one bold accessory - it is a party after all. Try a statement necklace or an eye-catching cocktail ring.

DON’T Take It Too Literally

Stay away from the obvious Holiday details. Don’t wear a Santa or light-up Christmas tree sweater. Stay away from the traditional Christmas colours (red and green). A better way to show your Christmas spirit is by wearing something ultra sparkly and glittery. Try a heavily beaded or sequin dress in silver or gold. My favourite not-so-obvious yet festive colours are royal purple and silver. If you really do want to incorporate red or green into your holiday look, do it in small doses, especially when it comes to accessories. Try a glittery red bag or red shoes paired with a short white or black shift dress.

DO Be Dramatic with Your Makeup and Hair

Christmas parties are a great time to go the extra mile with makeup and hair. One of my favourite beauty looks from the fall runways is the application of bronze eye shadow on the brow bone instead of the traditional light highlighting colour. This is a fresh take on eye makeup and it looks really chic. I suggest you use glitter shadows in gold and silver under your brows to really shine under the lights. As far as hair goes, the bigger the better. Also headbands are huge right now thanks to Gossip Girl and they’re here to stay all the way into next season. Try an up do paired with a bejewelled headband with soft eyes and a bold red lip.

DON’T Forget to Have Fun

There are so many brilliant designs in stores right now and it would be a shame to not have some fun and flaunt something outrageous. Whether it be feather detailing or extremely bright, don’t be scared to try something new. I always say, it’s better to be over dressed than under dressed and most of all…

DO try to make an effort

Have some courtesy and at least look presentable. Your host has spent much time and money to put together the party, and your most fabulous presence is required.