From desk to dancefloor this festive season

With party season in full swing, keeping up with festive engagements doesn’t always leave time for a mad dash home to get changed. So why bother?

Whether it’s your work Christmas do or just drinks with pals, with a few smart pieces you can walk out the door in the morning in a look that’s ready to party! Carolyn Moore reports.

Quick change

For a fast festive turnaround, your glam kit needn’t contain anything more elaborate than a sequined top and maybe a change of shoes. We love this iridescent cami, €46, Next.

Earn your stripes

For a festive update on a perennial favourite, we love this office-friendly, dance-floor-ready Lurex striped midi skirt from Dorothy Perkins, €42.

Suits you

Velvet might not be an everyday workwear go-to, but you’ll be forgiven for dialing up the drama in December. Wear casually by day, then belt up for festive fun. Trousers, €42, jacket, €65, V by Very, littlewoodsireland.ie.

Jump to it

For easy elegance you can dress up or down, you can’t beat the one-and-done appeal of a jumpsuit, or the timeless allure of monochrome. Hit the mark in this jumpsuit, €87, River Island

Block party

For fancy footwear that will go the distance, look to the comfort of a block heel. Step up your party season style in these M&S Collection glitter pumps, €35, Marks & Spencers.

The perfect foil

For a Christmas lunch look that will carry you through if the festivities spill over, this easy, breezy faux wrap blouse hits the (gold) spot. €22.99, New Look.

Keep it simple

To stand out in a sea of sequins, take an understated approach. With the subtle shimmer of jacquard and a striking peplum, this Warehouse dress is a winter winner. €83, Next.ie

Pencil it in

Make a date for festive fun, and pick the perfect skirt for the occasion. Paired with a blazer, Rixo’s Kelly midi skirt could easily pull double duty at the office. €280, Brown Thomas.

That’s a wrap

For a chic corporate number that will take you effortlessly from desk to dance-floor, look no further than this elegant wrap dress in devoré velvet, €70, Oasis.

Blaze a trail

Nobody will look twice at a black suit in the office. But dress this River Island tuxedo up to go ‘out out’ and you’re guaranteed to turn heads. Jacket, €75, and matching trousers, €40.