Two simple pieces, one perfect office party outfit
Not only have we put together the cutest damn office party outfit you ever did see, we've found a dress that's a perfect dupe for that Self Portrait number you've always wanted.
The key to Christmas office party dressing is simplicity. No one wants to have to lug in a bag containing your party duds. Also, when do you get changed into it? What if no one else brings a change of clothes? Do you really want to get undressed in the same toilet cubicle that Paul from accounts disappears into for half an hour every lunch time? So, yes. Simplicity.
The formula is dress and heels. That's it. You can obviously wear your winter coat over it and certainly wear a cardigan if it's particularly cold. For that awkward period - as in, all day - before the party starts, wear flats, and not just any old flat. Wear sturdy, comfortable flats, ones that you won't mind standing in for hours as you wait for a taxi to bring you home to your sweet, sweet bed.
The dress can be fancy. Even if you wear it into work, the flat shoes will dress it down, as will your cardigan thrown over it. Nobody will care what you're wearing during the day, anyway; it's the party ensemble that counts. When people cop on to the fact that you've been wearing it all day, they'll wish they did the same.
This dress from New Look is perfect for the job. The Self Portrait dupe is a fraction of the price of the real thing, and it comes in three colours to choose from. We like the dark red version, because Christmassy.
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Wear black tights and a pair of courts if you can't bear the thought of bare legs. We will let our legs shine, however, and we will exchange our daytime brogues for these babies when cocktail hour comes.
River Island €45 (down from €70)
Can't beat a bit of heel bling.
So that's it. A dress and heels, and both reduced in the sales. Who would ever have thought it could be this easy?