From The Straits Times    |

Wherever the party’s at, looking fun and festive is no sweat – even in our climate – with these cool looks.

HOUSE PARTY
Although this is the most casual of party settings, you don’t want to look like you didn’t put any effort in dressing up. For a failproof ensemble, jazz a casual top up with a feminine skirt. Then add a fun party bag and shoes that you can slip in and out of easily.

what to wear to year-end office parties

Elizabeth and James polyester-blend shirt with metal studs and crystals, $469, and polyester-blend skirt with metal studs, $539, from Robinsons The Heeren. Metal clutch, $39.90, from H&M. Gold-plated bracelet and rhodium plated bracelet (prices unavailable) from Kate Spade. PU leather sandals, $149, from Guess.

A boyish top and a feminine skirt make a cool and unexpected combo for a casual year-end get-together. Try a plaid shirt with rolled-up sleeves paired with a subtly beaded pencil skirt. And for a dash of glam, throw on strappy sandals and a mini metallic shoulder bag.

what to wear to year-end office partiesRayon and polyester-blend top, $559, and polyester skirt, $339, from Germain. Rhodium-plated earrings with crystals, $150, stainless steel bangle with crystals, $320, and palladium-plated ring with crystals, $320, from Swarovksi. Suede bag with crystals, $5,575, and leather sandals, $1,475, from Jimmy Choo.

Yes, you can wear a boxy tee to a party. Just team it with a matching miniskirt (a wrap style is bang on trend now). Then, dress up your outfit with an embellished mini shoulder bag and fun, bright sandals.

DINNER AT A RESTAURANT
A little black dress would be the predictable option, but why blend in with everyone else at the venue when you can surprise with a white and-metallic ensemble?

what to wear to year-end office partiesCotton-blend top, $139, from Karen Millen. Polyester skirt, $390, from DKNY. Metal choker with glass beads, $24.90, from H&M. Alexander Wang leather shoulder bag, $1,020, from On Pedder. Brass ring with glass beads, $69, from BCBG Max Azria. Leather sandals, $165, from Nine West.

How to wear a white tee to dinner: Pick one with long sleeves and pair with a statement pleated skirt, like this eyecatching silver-tone piece. The finishing touches: a jewelled choker, cocktail ring, and sexy, strappy black sandals.

what to wear to year-end office partiesGuess by Marciano polyester-blend jumpsuit, $285, from Guess. Metal choker, $109, from BCBG Max Azria. Metal bangle with crystals, $880, from Swarovski. Leather bag with metal handle, $1,045, from Vivienne Westwood. PU leather pumps, $149, from Guess.

Go from work to party in a tuxedo-inspired piece like this jumpsuit. More shortcuts to afterwork glitz: A patent and metallic top handle bag, pumps with meTallic toecaps, a minimalist choker and a statement jewelled bangle.

A NIGHT OF CLUBBING
The key is to look sleek and sexy without showing too much skin or restricting your movements – think a long-sleeved minidress or a V-neck top and skinny jeans. Sticking to black, white and metallics helps to keep the look classy.

what to wear to year-end office parties

Michael Kors sequinned rayon dress (price unavailable) from Michael Kors. Sterling silver ring, $475, from Vivienne Westwood. PU leather slingback booties, $260, from Steve Madden.

Your go-to clubbing dress is now a long-sleeved minidress – it’s sexy yet sophisticated. This one comes fully sequinned for a maximum impact. Plus, with the graphic black-and-white pattern, a chunky silver ring and black booties are all the accessories you’ll need.

what to wear to year-end office parties

Polyester top, $170, from Kate Spade Saturday. Polyester-blend jeans, $259, from Karen Millen. Metal earrings with crystals, $190, and metal bangle with crystals, $320, from Swarovski. Metal clutch, $329, from BCBG Max Azria. PU leather sandals, $200, from Steve Madden.

You’ll want to shine without looking too “precious” at a club. Contrast a dressy gold-tone peplum top with black skinny jeans. Then, throw on edgy-meets-glam accessories like a chunky gold cuff, a cage-style metal clutch and strappy sandals.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHESCAR LIM STYLING EVON CHNG, ASSISTED BY ALISSA TAY HAIR MANISA TAN (HP: 9791-7133)/PALETTE INC
MAKEUP GINGER LYNETTE/ATELIER, USING NARS MODEL MAIKEN/MANNEQUIN