4 ways to turn your office outfits into evening looks in minutes

When the holiday season rolls in December and the calendar fills with parties, celebrations and get togethers, one question that relentlessly starts circling in my mind is which outfit to choose for which occasion and how to look good after a full day at the office when I have no time to change. As strategies weave through my thoughts like a chess match between Russian grandmasters, I usually conclude that it is an impossible mission and that I should probably keep an extra wardrobe at the office.

Fashion editors, however, have a brilliant trick they rely on during fashion weeks, which are far more demanding than festive December. They choose a starting outfit that can easily be changed in the car while driving from one show to the next. That is exactly the trick I decided to apply to the office to party scenario that appears on the agenda every few days in the month ahead. These are four of the simplest ways to give your office look a more sensual and daring party feel.

Turn your blazer or shirt into a mini dress

The no pants trend is one of the bold trends that dominated fashion in recent seasons and can be easily used (with a little courage), to transform office outfits into ensembles fit for parties or nights out where bolder fashion choices are far more welcome than in formal settings or office environments. You can repurpose your blazer or shirt as a dress if the pieces are oversized and long enough to pass as a mini length dress. All you will need in that case are sheer black tights and a good pair of shoes, preferably with a heel.

Swap flat shoes for elegant heels

The simplest way to transform your office look into something suited for the evening is to replace the flat shoes you wear during the day with a striking pair, whether that means refined strappy sandals with a heel, classic pumps or statement shoes in a vivid color that will instantly change the final impression of your styling. It is remarkable how different an outfit can look with nothing more than a change of shoes. If you add a small elegant bag to the mix, you will be ready for any holiday season party that comes your way.

Swap your shirt for a crop top or wear it unbuttoned

One of the most popular ways to make a corpcore look more sensual and daring is to simply unbutton the shirt you wear as part of your daytime office outfit, or replace it with a crop top or a lace bralette. An equally striking effect, perfect for party season, can be achieved by wearing a suit or just a blazer on bare skin, which draws attention to the neckline and instantly makes an otherwise strict combination more interesting and slightly provocative. If you ask us, it is a small trick that never goes out of style and one we will certainly be seeing quite often at December parties.

Pay attention to the details

It is no coincidence that people say the devil is in the details. We would paraphrase that slightly and say that salvation lies in them. Their transformative power becomes especially clear when we need to switch our office look into an evening outfit on the fly and have no time or opportunity for a full change or major styling overhaul. A shirt tied in an interesting way or buttoned asymmetrically instead of being neatly tucked into trousers, knee socks added to classic black pumps, a striking statement bag that deliberately stands out from a monochrome look, a scarf tied around the neck or layered necklaces are just some of the ways to make a strict office outfit instantly more fun.