At this time of year we are invariably rushing from work to home via office Christmas parties and last-minute dashes to the shops. It's frantic and busy and lots of fun, but what you don't want to be doing is worrying about what to wear the whole time. We've worked up two outfits that take you seamlessly from day to evening with a sprinkling of festive accessories and a bit of jushing up. Using the principles of a capsule wardrobe, they are both based around one key piece: our Veronica linen dress in crown blue. And there's not a Santa hat or Christmas jumper in sight.
Isn't it pretty? Perfectly sensible yet interesting for work, and a little bit foxy for later. Here's how this cute linen dress can carry you through the madness of the pre-Christmas socialising:
Blouse, Zara; blazer, LaRedoute; bag, Acne Studios; tights, White Stuff; clogs, Lotta From Stockholm
Using the Veronica linen dress as a base, we've kept colours mainly neutral for day, but added a pop of mustard and claret to keep things interesting. The sateen finish on the blouse contrasts beautifully with the matte linen, and the fab bag pulls the whole outfit together.
Shoes, No 21; necklace, Lee Renee; blouse, Topshop; lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury; tights, John Lewis
Then, as evening approaches and your pumpkin turns into a carriage, stick the clogs in your desk drawer, whisk off your cosy tights and reach for a raspberry-red matte lipstick. Keep your linen dress on and don't worry about creases, it looks better for them. If your hair is a bit flat or tired, spritz with a dry shampoo. Use the same bag, pull on some dreamy shoes (these have UNICORNS on them, sparkly unicorns!!) and switch your top for something more playful. It's time to party!
Getting from work to Christmas party needn't be a stress if you stick to essentials (red lippy is an essential, right?) and don't overdo things. Try to balance your outfit: your trusty linen dress needs a silky top here, bold lips require low-key eyes and blingy shoes need subtle jewellery elsewhere. There's plenty of scope for embarrassing mishaps at work parties - don't let wardrobe malfunction be one of them.
If you need some more capsule wardrobe inspiration, hit up here.