Get More Mileage Out of Your Holiday Duds

Round One - the gift-giving round - has finally concluded. You are likely gearing up for Round Two - the champagne-drinking round - as we speak.  Weeks ago, in preparation for both rounds, you may have laid down some hard-earned moolah to procure dazzling holiday party duds.  And once New Year's has zoomed by, you'll be packing those duds away along with your holiday decorations and your buyer's remorse.

OR WILL YOU?

Let me reveal to you a handful of ways to take sparkly, shiny, and flashy holiday party gear and make it office-friendly.  OK, OK, if you're a lawyer, teacher, or construction worker some of these tips might not pan out.  And if you just prefer to keep your work look clean-cut and conservative, these suggestions may cause you to break out in hives.  But if you have access to a moderately creative office environment and the desire to milk more wearings out of your party clothes, read on!

1. Sequins: These delightfully shiny little embellishments were a huge trend in 2008, but they're also a timeless, fun, and sexy classic. If you invested in something sequined, you invested wisely, especially as many heavily-embellished pieces can be easily repurposed and dressed down.  I bought the Express sequined pencil skirt shown above with some of my holiday gift money, and plan to wear it to work paired with a boxy black cowl neck sweater, black sheer nylons, and tall black motorcycle boots.  It could also go great with a white or gray button-down shirt, untucked and belted, and a pair of ankle boots.  I also invested in a black sequined tank a few months back that I totally adore. I've already worn it to work beneath a black cardigan and paired with olive green cargo crops and black granny boots. In the coming weeks, I'm going to throw it on over a white oxford and pair it with some gray wideleg slacks and a pair of pumps.  Take it from me: Sequins can TOTALLY work for work.

2. Lace: Another huge trend this year!  AND another classic material that can easily transition from fancypants to everyday. A lace pencil skirt looks coy and fresh peeking out from under a belted tunic, and paired with opaque tights and tall boots.  A long, full lace skirt can serve as a volumizing layer - like a subtler version of a petticoat - beneath another long skirt.  And here's a great way to make a lacy dress work-appropriate: Find a long-sleeved shirt dress of the same length, preferably something in a complimentary material like rayon or polyester.  Throw on your lacy frock.  Completely unbutton the shirt dress and throw IT on over the lace. Belt the shirt dress closed so that just a narrow column of the dressier dress peeks out, and get ye to the office. (Evidence that this method will work - even utilizing the most wildly patterned dress EVER - can be found right here.)

3. Ankle-length skirts: Seriously, these babies are CAKE. Even a frothy tafetta number can be dressed down in an instant. Try a belted button-down shirt beneath a solid blazer, and matched with chunky boots.  Or a cozy, fuzzy solid-colored cashmere turtleneck and bright heels.  How about a scoopneck tank, nice wide belt at the waistline, a looooong cardi on top of all that and a pair of heeled boots at the bottom?  Or try a long, printed blouse with a cropped jacket buttoned over it, and flat boots.  Easy peasy office elegance.  With swish.

4. Metallics: A little goes a long way with metallics, but as long as you tone them down by pairing with matte pieces, they can add a welcome hint of sparkle to your everyday wardrobe. A shiny charmeuse blouse can become gorgeously tame peeking out from beneath a dark sweater vest or black blazer.  Gold or silver heels are glorious with chic monochrome basics like black skirts and pants, white button-downs, and solid gray sweaters. Even something as wild as a shiny silver skirt can work for work if paired with enough black: Mute it with a long sweater and tall boots and it'll look positively smashing.

5. Velvet: This fuzzy fabric has been showing its fine face at offices for years now, but here are a few new(ish) ways to work it. Try a velvet blazer with a solid shell, long funky necklace, pencil skirt, and pumps. A velvet blouse looks lush with flowy widelegs and ballet flats.  Even a velvet dress becomes work-appropriate with the right accessories: Try a buckled corset belt, boho scarf or wrap, and motorcycle boots. Or maybe a wide silk sash, chunky chain necklace, and heeled boots are what that fuzztastic frock needs?  Try it out and see.

Even after the last glass of champagne has been swilled, there's no good reason to let those lush pieces languish until next year. Be kind to yourself in the post holiday haze, and keep the festive spirit alive by keeping your holiday wardrobe in rotation once the holidays have passed!