5 No-Fail Strategies to Fabulous, Fashionable and Still Looking Like You Mean "Business" 

 Ahhhh, the office Christmas Party.  The occasion when we all get to let our hair down, strip off the layers (literally and figuratively) and unleash our strutting, sexy, wild side – right? - Well, no.  

The thing to keep in mind is that if it’s a business Christmas party – it’s your professional self that needs to show up.  Not your inner pussycat.  Not your inner vamp.  Not the girl's night out or dating you. 

Even though the Christmas party is likely not going to be held IN the office, it’s important to remember that you’re still on the job.  Your boss will be there, and so will the people that you work with, the people who report to you, and in some cases, your clients.  Showing up as the credible, professional yet stylish woman you are still tops the priority list if you’re serious about your career.

1. Dress Code.  Is it black-tie, semi-formal or casual?  Looking appropriate for the party means first knowing what the setting and expectations are.

2. Plan a month ahead.  Determine whether you need to shop, or pull something from your existing wardrobe.  If you have to shop, plan to do so a month in advance so you’re not making emergency, “gotta have something to wear” purchases – when we feel pressure to buy something we often make poor decisions.  And if you’re wearing something you’ve already got, try it on well in advance too.  Does it need to be altered or dry cleaned? 

3. Wear colors that flatter.  Black may be back with a vengeance this year, but it’s so much more interesting and flattering to wear colors that look great on you as a FIRST choice.  Wearing the best colors for your complexion make you appear radiant, energized and more youthful without a whole lot of extra effort (or oodles of make-up).  Black on the other hand for many, sucks the color from the skin and casts unattractive, aging shadows.  Not to mention, black is a predictable and uninspired choice.  Just count how many black dresses you see at your Christmas party this year.

4. Kick up Your Heels.  Adding a little sexy siren, or fashion flare to your look can just be as simple as giving your practical flats a lift by swapping them for a strappy heel, or peep toe pump in a stunning shade that compliments or contrasts your outfit.  The personality and punch of your shoes can take your simple skirt and jacket to a whole new level.

5. A Sensible Shift.  Want a dress that does double-duty?  Choose a shift style dress in a flattering cut for your body, and in a color that is stunning against your skin.  Add some fabulous accessories; a stand-out belt, brooch, chandelier earrings, and maybe a beautiful capelet, wrap or stole.  Finish the look with a great little evening bag and your comment-worthy heels, and you’ve got a winning look.  After the party, layer your dress with a jacket, cardigan or slip on a turtleneck or shirt underneath it for the ultimate in smart office versatility.

What Not’s

 - Too much skin is NOT a good idea.  If it crosses your mind that it might be too sexy, to revealing or too over the top – it probably is.  Another tell tale sign:  if you’re constantly fidgeting over a too short skirt, or a gaping, low cut top you’ll actually be drawing more attention to yourself.  This won’t be the kind of attention that will boost your career or credibility. 

-  Bare legs.  You might be thinking it’s old-fashioned to wear panty hose, in fact, some high profile stylists have declared it is.  I disagree!  There is nothing more unattractive than bare naked, glow in the dark white, goose pimply legs in the dead of a Canadian winter evening.  NOTHING.  Even if you’ve got great legs and a tan or dark skin, wearing pantyhose just looks more polished, professional and sophisticated.

-  Blinking Lights and Santa Sweaters.  You may think your blinking light earrings and your Santa sweater is adorable, but it’s not.  It’s just wrong for a grown woman. 

You’ve worked hard to get where you are.  Why blow it by undermining your professionalism or exposing a little more than your work related talents?    Looking festive, fashionable, FUN and appropriate for an office party are all possible with a little planning, forethought and good taste.   And isn’t this the woman you are most of the time anyway?  Unleash your vampy vixen another time.  Because she too, needs to be let out to play!  But that’s a whole other article!

Leslie Davies, AICI FLC, CHRP, President of IMPACT Image Essentials Group Inc. is Canada’s only jointly certified Image Consultant and Human Resources Professional.  She’s a fun, friendly and creative image consultant that shows women how to search out and strut their savvy style, one closet at a time.  And she’s passionate about helping people and organizations have fun and create better relationships, while creating a balance between too corporate and too casual.  Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 403-830-3038.