The essential dressy jacket is a great way to add a little glamour to your outfit

When it comes to building a timeless, interchangeable wardrobe there are a number of items you must have. From classic black pants to the casual white T-shirt, we’ve included the 10 wardrobe all-stars that will help you create a versatile wardrobe you’ll love wearing.

1. Black pants A sleek pair of well-fitting black pants is the ultimate wardrobe multi-tasking item. Not only do they have the versatility to suit every occasion from work to formal, they also have the added benefit of going with just about everything else in your wardrobe.

2. Crisp white buttoned shirt While this timeless classic is an absolute must for your work wardrobe, a white buttoned shirt can also be casual chic when you team it with your favourite jeans, heels and accessories.

3. Jeans Whether you love skinny, straight, boot cut, boyfriend or flare jeans; prefer light denim or dark denim, one thing is certain – a good fitting, comfortable pair of jeans is non-negotiable. To find your perfect pair of jeans, be willing to try a few different styles – you might just surprise yourself with which style suits you best!

4. Pencil Skirt A pencil skirt is one of those rare fashion items that anyone can wear and look good in, so it is a must-have wardrobe staple in our eyes! With endless colours, patterns and textures available, you are bound to find the perfect pencil skirt for work and play.

5. White T-shirt Whether it’s fitted or loose, structured or plain, a good white T-shirt is the ultimate casual must-have. Team it with a cute pair of ballet flats, your favourite pair of jeans and a large bag for a cool, casual look or go for a smarter casual look with jeans, a cropped embellished jacket and stilettos. However you choose to wear it, just be sure it is comfortable and breathable.

A colourful scarf brightens up an outfit instantly, adds an extra layer of warmth, and can be worn instead of a necklace.(Image source: scarfyournextshoes.com

6. Coloured scarf A coloured scarf is the perfect way to brighten up a mundane outfit instantly, and a great alternative to a necklace. Whether you choose a vibrant pattern or a strong block colour, wear it loosely around your neck or in a structured knot, a scarf is a great way to change up your outfit and add a little flare.

7. Bright Bag A bright bag can be the perfect addition to your outfit, especially since it has the versatility to complement neutrals, pastels or brights. It is best used as a statement piece or to add contrast to your outfit, so make sure your bag is a different shade to other colours you are wearing.

8. Little Black Dress The little black dress is synonymous with chic, sophisticated style. Long or short, the key to choosing the right black dress is making sure it is timeless, elegant and flattering yet still interesting and unique. You want a dress that can be versatile, dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion you need it for.

9. Cocktail Dress   A cocktail dress is a must for every celebration from work gatherings through to weddings. Peplum, lace, patterns , prints and embellished designs are in, so choose a dress that has a little sparkle or feminine appeal. Or, if you want to ensure the longevity of your cocktail dress, choose a timeless block colour that you can add to with accessories.

10. Dressy Jacket A dressy jacket is an easy way to add a little glamour to almost anything in your wardrobe. Team your jacket with jeans and ballet flats for a smart casual look, over your little black dress or cocktail dress for a more formal affair, or even with black pants and a blouse for an evening work meeting. The dressy jacket is a great versatile piece to add to your wardrobe and it’s a lot more practical (and warmer) than a simple wrap.

What is your one wardrobe must-have?

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

As the cooler weather arrives, show off your femininity with a figure hugging dress – for on-trend warmth, pair it with a leather jacket

As the heat of summer starts to leave and we move further into Autumn, we thought we would bring you seven of the latest fashion trends to help you warm up your wardrobe over winter.

1. Shades of grey Grey is still going strong and shaping up to be the “new black” this Autumn/Winter, particularly in casual styles. For a more laid back look think large grey cardigans and knits, and marle track pants. For work, make it your wardrobe neutral this season with grey suits and skirts, and for a night out on the town turn to a more metallic, glistening version in a dress, skirt or pants.

2. Black and white You can’t go wrong in black or white this season, which is great news given these tend to be the strongest colours in most wardrobes! Choose to wear black or white head to toe, or combine them together in block colours or patterns.

3. Leather love We love a little leather and it’s right on trend this season, especially in skirts. Though, given the price tag and longevity of leather, you may want to go for a more timeless option like a cropped jacket. Leather should really be seen as an investment piece for your wardrobe, while it can be expensive, its versatility and durability can help justify the purchase (particularly to your more reluctant, not-so-fashion-forward other half!).

4. Pretty in prints Digital prints, animal prints, and floral prints with a more digital edge are still very strong this season, so no need to tuck these pieces away into the depths of your wardrobe just yet. For ultimate impact team your prints with a strong, vibrant block colour, our eyes are on ruby red, emerald green, cobalt blue and fuchsia.

5. Figure hugging dresses While you will want to go for large, baggy man-size cardigans and knits this season, when it comes to dresses, go for a more figure hugging, tailored look (not to be confused with the skin-tight-leave-nothing-to-the-imagination look). See it as an opportunity to showcase your femininity with a little more shape and structure.

6. Panels and cut-outs Add a little elegance to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe with a panel dress or two. A nice tailored panel dress can give you a more structured look, and depending on the position and colour of the panels, can also create a slimming effect. If you want to create a more edgy evening look, opt for some sheer panels or cut-outs in your dress.

7. Elegant and understated accessories

This season is all about elegant, understated jewellery, like these Oriental Droplet Hoop Studs from Anabelle Lucilla Jewellery (http://www.annabellelucillajewellery.com/)

It’s time to put away the chunky styles and endless arm candy. This is the season to be elegant and understated with your accessories. So go for fine, barely-there styles in classic gold, rose gold or silver.

Which Autumn/Winter trend are you most looking forward to trying?

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

A wide belt to tie in the waist,an interesting neckline,and the slimming effectsof black on the sideof this dress makethe body appear smaller.

Whether you want to look and feel your best for a date, job interview, business meeting, party, wedding, family get-together or school reunion, or boost your confidence on those body-conscious days, here are 10 slimming style strategies for low-fat dressing.

1. Watch your proportions The golden rule for low-fat dressing is to balance your proportions. When you wear more voluminous proportions you’ll naturally look more voluminous, so the key is to draw attention to your assets and balance out the areas you feel less confident about.

For instance, if you want to make your upper body look smaller, go for wide legged pants or an A-line skirt. If you want to broaden your upper half to offset a bigger lower half, add volume at your collar, like ruffles, lace, flutter sleeves, or a peter pan or boat collar.

2. Distract with details Use patterns, colours, embellishments and details to distract the eyes away from other areas. A wide belt for instance, will tie in your waist and help you to appear smaller, an interesting neckline will draw the eye away from your hips and tummy, and a simple V-neck top will help you minimise the size of your bust.

3. Wear fitted clothes I know wearing fitted clothes is the last thing you want to do when you are feeling body-conscious, but a body hidden under layers of loose fabric always looks bigger. Avoid loose, shapeless fabrics and designs and instead choose fitted clothes – that’s not to say skin tight fabrics, just clothes that have more shape to them.

 4. Match your separates When you dress all in one colour, matching your jacket, shirt, pants or skirt, even stockings and shoes, you naturally look slimmer. This is even more effective when done with darker colours, particularly black. If wearing the one colour is a little boring for your taste, add some colour through vibrant accessories.

5. Invest in skin-tone heels Besides looking elegant, skin-tone heels can give the illusion of longer legs, making them the perfect choice when wearing a knee-length or mid-thigh skirt. Keep in mind though this illusion only works on bare legs of the same tone.

6. Wear a long necklace Not only will you be right on trend, a long, chunky statement necklace will help make your torso appear longer and leaner.

7. Choose straight-lined skirts No skirt will slim you out like the straight lined, tailored cut of a pencil skirt. This slimming wardrobe staple makes all body shapes look sleek.

The vertical lines of this gorgeous dress help to elongate the figure, whilst the bust detailing draws the eyes up and away from the hips

8. Go vertical Choose outfits that have a deep V-neck, or vertical seams, stripes or piping. Vertical lines always help stretch you out, making you look taller and slimmer.

9. Go for hip-length jackets and cardigans Waist length jackets and cardigans tend to shorten your body, where hip-length varieties make your torso look longer and slimmer. Tapered jackets will also always make your waist seem smaller.

10. Invest in shape wear Good, suck-you-in lingerie can really take kilos off and smooth out lumps and bumps. Always wear them for a while before you go out though, to make sure you have the right sizing.  While you want the smoothing, slimming effect they give, you don’t want to feel like you are suffocating.

Do you have any slimming secrets to share?

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

This red jacket ticks all the boxes:a sleek style in a vibrant colourImage source:http://www.aliexpress.com/store/910885

Tired of the same old suits, boring blouses and dull colours? We hear you!

While the business world is often black and white, your work wardrobe certainly doesn’t have to be! You can add colour, flare and style to your work wear and still look professional. In fact, a little update to your work wardrobe might just give your career the boost you’re looking for.

So, to help you think outside the cubicle, here are four style ideas to help you turn your work wardrobe from drab to fab…

Look for tailored blouses with feminine appeal Tailored buttoned up blouses (with a little stretch) give a more feminine look, they are also flattering on most body shapes which is an added bonus, so it pays to have a few different colours – including some bright, vibrant colours – in your work wardrobe. Don’t think all of your blouses need to be plain though!

While you will want a couple of plain blouses, also look for some that have feminine elements like pleats, lace, embellished collars, elegant patterns and layered features to add a different look underneath your jackets. Even a nice sheer blouse, worn conservatively of course, can be a nice addition to your work wardrobe and create a soft, yet edgy, feminine look.

Command attention with striking jackets  http://www.aliexpress.com/store/910885 Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your jacket. Think vibrant colours, interesting (yet still work appropriate) patterns, fitted or loose jackets, box or peplum jackets, long or short jackets, whatever your preference, a few different jacket styles and colours can really help you create a unique work look. Block colours like red and deep blue with black pants and a black or white blouse will also attract attention and create a more confident, sharper look.

How creative and different you go with your jackets can vary depending on your profession, but a few different styles and colours can really spice up your work wear. If you are a little more conservative, but still want a different look, focus on different styles of jackets instead of colours, even black and grey jackets can be made more interesting with a different design or material that gives a little more shimmer, sheen or texture.

Add a little flare with your shoes From bright colours and patterns to high heels and classy flats, your shoes give you the perfect opportunity to bring a little more of your own personality to your work wardrobe. What’s more, they can really help you change the look of those standard work wardrobe staples.

Brighten up your favourite black, charcoal, or grey suit by adding a burst of colour through your shoes, accentuate the colour of your blouse by wearing the same colour shoes, or for a more dramatic and classier look, team a vibrant coloured jacket or blouse with a shiny tan stiletto.

Add flare to your outfitwith a patterned scarfImage source: www.myer.com.au

Make a statement with scarves Scarves, like shoes, are another way to add a little flare to your usual outfits and a little warmth in the cooler months. A few nicely coloured or patterned silk scarves can help give you an elegant, polished look while still breaking up your outfit with a little colour.

Even the one scarf in a different style can add a different look to your outfit. Try the French knot, bow tie or a simple wrap style for a winning work look.

Need to build up your networking and evening work wear too? Get some inspiration by browsing our cocktail dresses and evening wear.

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

A daring purple handbag makes a bold statement against an all black ensemble(Image sourced from http://articles.bagskart.com/)

Your outfit can go from simple to stunning just by choosing the right accessories. From scarves to shoes, bracelets to brooches, purses to pendant necklaces, a simple addition or burst of colour can make your outfit come to life.

So how do you choose the right accessories to make you look incredible every single day and night of the week? Here are six rules to follow to help you turn a simple outfit to a stunning ensemble through your accessories.

Rule #1 – If your outfit is simple be daring with your accessories Good accessorising is all about balance. If your outfit is simple, like jeans and a tee or a block coloured dress, you can afford to be more daring and bold with your accessories. Depending on your outfit and the colour, you may want to try bright coloured heels or ballet flats, a vibrant scarf, layered bangles, bright bag or a long statement necklace.

Rule #2 – If your outfit is fitted go for big accessories, if fuller go for small If you’re wearing an outfit that is fitted and sleek, you can afford to have chunkier accessories, think a large statement necklace or cocktail ring. If your outfit is fuller and more layered, simplicity with your accessories is key.

Rule #3 – If your outfit is plain add bursts of colour If your outfit is black, white, grey or another neutral colour add a burst of colour through your accessories. It could be a bright handbag or pair of shoes, colourful or fluoro jewellery or a patterned scarf.

Rule #4 – Showcase your personality One of the most important rules of accessorising is to showcase your own personality and choose pieces that you like, or that have special meaning to you, not just because they were on sale or they went with an outfit (though this does work too). They could be heirlooms, gifts, from different places you’ve visited or pieces you’ve fallen in love with.

Rule #5 – If you want to look taller and slimmer go for longer accessories Long necklaces help to create long vertical lines which make you seem taller and slimmer. Experiment with long beaded necklaces or long chains that sit just below the bust, though limit it to one large chunky necklace at a time.

Long earrings add a little dramaand shine to your outfit.(Image sourced from shopclues.com)

Larger and longer earrings can help to distract from problem areas by drawing attention to your face. They can also add a little drama and shine to your outfit.

Rule #6 – Don’t overdo it When you have accessories you love, it can be tempting to incorporate all of them into the one outfit, but resist the urge. Your accessories should complement your outfit not take over it. Limit it to one or two pieces to make a statement without looking too busy.

Looking for an outfit to go with your favourite accessories? Check out our collection here.

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

Stand out from the crowd in sequins

A new year has come and brought with it an opportunity to update our wardrobe, try new trends, play with new colours and get a little bolder in our fashion choices.

But what colours, pieces and trends should you be embracing this year? What essentials should be in your wardrobe? Here’s a sneak peek into what we think will be the best fashion trends 2014 has to offer.

Pure elegance If we were to use one word to sum up 2014 fashion, it would be ‘elegant’. We are starting to see a real modern twist on older style glamour, with sequins for evening wear, fitted suits, pencil skirts, boxed jackets, tea length (between an mini and a maxi) skirts and dresses and crisp buttoned up shirts with colourful or textured collars and cuffs. Add a touch of elegance and glamour to your everyday wardrobe with some of these essentials.

A sprinkle of sand Somewhere between tan and beige is sand, a warm neutral colour that is fast becoming a fashion favourite. Why? Because it is the perfect neutral colour to let vibrant and fluoro colours burst to life. It can also add a touch of sophistication when you team it with brown and light blue, pink or purple.

Put your pedal to the metal It’s time to shine! Embellished design is in, though don’t just play it safe with touches of shimmer, stand out in the crowd by covering yourself with shiny metallic fabrics and glistening textures from top to toe. Think sequinned jackets and skirts, crystals and lots of bling.

Sheer and lace Embrace your feminine beauty with lace and sheer fabrics. Don’t think you have to be limited to black and white though, there are some gorgeous designs coming out in Crayola brights that will add a pop of colour to your wardrobe. The trick to wearing sheer fabrics and lace is elegance. You want a hint of sexiness without putting everything on show, so be choosey with designs and make sure you have adequate covering underneath.

Pretty pastels  Take a break from bright colours and shimmering fabrics with pretty pastels. From minty-green, lilac, baby blue and lemon, to pink, white, coral and peach there is literally a rainbow of soft pastel shades you can choose from. To prevent yourself from looking like fairy floss or your early childhood self, team pastels with a dark neutral colour like grey or choose a more mature structured outfit like a pencil skirt with a boxed or fitted jacket. Shades of grey Sleek and timeless, grey is making a comeback in a big way and is being hailed as the new neutral colour. Being elegant and soft, but also sophisticated and strong, means you’re not limited with the way you style it. Look ever the professional in a tailored grey suit or grey pleated or plaid skirt with a crisp white button up blouse, and when you hit the town, you can’t go wrong with a shimmering grey sequinned skirt or metallic dress.

Image sourced from www.justaddorchids.com

Look radiant in orchid With radiant orchid being named the Pantone colour of the year you can expect to see it in a big way. While you can be forgiven for thinking it’s the perfect shade for a bridesmaid dress, the soft fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones make it more versatile than you realise. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing purple from top to toe or even in a subtle orchid pattern or floral print, add a touch of radiant orchid into your wardrobe through your accessories.

Which trends are you trying this year?

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

Pointed-Toe Flats:Your No 5 Summer Essential(image sourced from http://www.aliexpress.com/)

Summer has well and truly arrived bringing hot days, warm evenings, beach visits, parties and that pesky question “what should I wear?” as you open your wardrobe. To ensure you stay cool but look hot all through the warmer months, here are eight summer essentials that are must-haves for your wardrobe.

1. The Party Dress Glam up your summer and look gorgeous this party season with the perfect party dress. Whether it is a contoured sheath dress with a contrasting waistband to give you an hourglass shape, a fitted peplum dress or a feminine lacy number, just make sure you choose a dress that suits your shape and makes you feel confident.

Patterns , prints and embellished designs are in, so add a little sparkle and be a little daring. Or to ensure the longevity of your outfit, choose a block colour that you can accessorise.

2. The Sheer Shirt Dress up your jeans this summer with a sheer shirt and strappy heels. There are some gorgeous and classy sheer tops that will give you an elegant yet sexy summer evening look.

3. The Wide-Brimmed Hat Aside from covering up a bad hair day and looking super elegant, a wide-brimmed hat will keep you sun safe all summer – what’s not to love?

4. The Maxi-Dress The maxi-dress is still a must this summer and the great news is that they’ve only gotten better. So dust off last year’s dresses and add some variety to your wardrobe with the chicer and more glamorous versions this season is giving us.

5. The Pointed-Toe Flat The pointed-toe flat gives you all the practicality of the ballet flat with a smarter and more elegant look. With a variety of options to choose from, closed-in, sling-back or strappy, you are bound to find a pointed-toe flat that will be the perfect accompaniment to your summer wardrobe.

6. The Beach Bag A beach tote is a must this summer and should be big enough to fit those beach essentials like your glamorous bikini or one piece, sunscreen, sunglasses and towel so you are ready to hit the beach at a moment’s notice. Your beach bag is the perfect opportunity to experiment with the brighter colours and more stand out patterns that are in this summer, so have a little fun with it.

 7. The T-Shirt Whether it is fitted or loose, structured or casual, a few good quality T-shirts are a must. Choose designs and colours that can be dressed up and dressed down so you can wear it over and over again while still having a different look each time.

8. Neon Accessories Don’t be scared to add a little bit of neon to your outfit this summer, it’s in and it goes perfectly with basic wardrobe staples and colours. Invest in a neon bag or shoes to really make your outfit pop.

What is on your summer essentials list?

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

The Magic Millions racing carnival is fast approaching, though with high fashion stakes and sticky summer days how do you keep yourself looking cool, calm and elegant? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you look magic on the day.

Be bold, take a risk Racing fashion is the perfect opportunity to step out in something you wouldn’t normally wear, so don’t be afraid to be bold and take a risk. Have fun and try something exciting.

Your dress, of course, should still be elegant and polished, though be sure to showcase your own personality and style. While popular trends are similar to those of the Melbourne Cup, add a little more flair by drawing on some of the bright and vibrant spring and summer colours and use the makeup on your eyes and lips to compliment your outfit.

Why not make a bright statement with your shoes too? Splash out on some colourful stilettos if you are going to be seated at a function all day or a thicker heel or wedge if you are going to be standing on the grass.

Accentuate your best features by dressing for your body type One of the keys to looking fantastic on the day, and winning the Fashions on the Field is to dress for your body shape and accentuate your best features. While we are each unique, our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: rectangle, apple, pear, wedge and hourglass. You might fall into one category, or you might be a mix of two or more.

When you know your body shape you will be able to find clothes that fit and flatter you and know which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid.

For example, if you are a rectangular shape (your waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side), you may want to have a scoop neckline to make the most of your bust or layer your outfit to create more dimensions. If you are an hour glass shape (your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist) go for a more fitted dress and pull it together with a belt to accentuate your waist.

Dress for the climate The Magic Millions aren’t anything like spring racing in Melbourne when it comes to the weather; you will be on the hot and humid Gold Coast with temperatures in the high 30s, if not 40s depending on heat waves, so you need to keep this in mind when choosing your outfit.

Go for a breathable, airy, and lightweight fabric, such as georgette, chiffon, crepe, organza, satin or a satin blend and avoid fabrics like silk that will show all signs of perspiration and cling to you. With regard to your headwear, you obviously still want to make a statement, though you may want to opt for a lighter head piece so it isn’t as hot, or a wide brim head piece that will protect your face from the sun. You may also want to take an umbrella to shade yourself.

Given the heat, it’s also best to keep your makeup light and natural for a fresh summer look. You will also want to wear a foundation with a sunscreen and pack some sunscreen in your bag to ensure you leave as beautiful as you come – and not a few shades redder.

Make sure you are confident and comfortable with your choice

While racing season is always a great opportunity to be a little daring and bold, you want to be able to carry yourself with grace and poise, and to do this you will need to be comfortable and confident in yourself and what you are wearing. If you don’t feel confident with what you are wearing, you will never wear it well.

Looking for some racing day fashion inspiration? Have a browse through our Spring Summer Collection.

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

As the year comes to an end and party season begins, our thoughts can turn to how we’ll celebrate bringing in the New Year. In case you’re stuck wondering what to do or what to wear, here are four ideas on how to spend your New Year’s Eve and add a little style and flare.

1. A night on the town Whether it’s trying your luck at the casino, having cocktails with the girls, singing karaoke at a funky little bar, kicking up your heels on the dance floor, enjoying a scrumptious meal at a renowned restaurant or a little bit of everything, a night out on the town can be a great way to bring in the New Year – and a great excuse to add a little glamour to your evening.

What should you wear? A nice little black dress or cocktail dress is the perfect choice for a night on the town. Depending on what you have planned, you can easily dress it up or relax your look with the right accessories and hairstyle. Add some gorgeous kitten heels (perfect for a long night) and you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons.

2. A night by the river or harbour If you love fireworks and don’t mind the crowds, the river or harbour (depending on the city), is a great place to see in the New Year. It also has the benefit of being as casual (like a picnic by the river as you wait for the fireworks) or as formal (like attending one of the glamorous riverside parties) as you want.

What should you wear? If your plans are more formal, a cocktail dress would be ideal. Don’t be afraid to take on the fireworks and add a splash of colour yourself with vibrant greens, blues and reds or make a statement with bright patterns. If your plans a more relaxed, a cool casual dress or a chic top with pants or a skirt is fine.

3. A night at the ball Bring in the New Year in true Cinderella style by attending one of the many balls or parties held at venues throughout your city. With themes ranging from black and white to masquerade you’re sure to have an enchanted evening.

What should you wear? A full length gown or cocktail dress will be perfect for the occasion. Given that it is summer and it will be a long evening, go for breathable, airy, and lightweight fabrics like georgette, chiffon, crepe, organza, satin or satin blends. While you want to keep within the theme (if there is one) don’t be afraid to bring a little creative interpretation to it.

4. A night that is your own Still can’t decide what you want to do for New Year’s Eve or can’t find what you’re looking for? Why not host your own party! You could hold a casual or formal dinner with friends, throw a costume or themed party, host a cocktail or karaoke party, have a BBQ and pool party or a murder mystery to make the evening a little more interesting.

What should you wear? Well that is entirely up to you! Go elegant or casual, dressed up or as yourself, whatever you choose be sure to bring a little fun, glamour and a lot of personality.

Do you have any plans for New Year’s?

Copyright © 2013 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

With end-of-year stress, the pressure of forced social interaction with co-workers, holiday spirit and cocktails all combining under your boss’s watchful eye, it’s safe to say there’s no work event filled with more pressure or professional peril as the office Christmas party.

And if that wasn’t enough, then comes that looming question “what do I wear?!” To help you decide, here are some tips to ensure you make a lasting impression for all the right reasons at your office Christmas party.

Consider the venue and time of day One of the best ways to determine what to wear to your office Christmas party is to take into consideration the venue and time of day it is being held. Usually an evening event has a slightly more formal feel to it, while a lunch is slightly more relaxed.

The venue will also set the dress code. If it is a more prestigious venue, it will pay to call ahead to find out if they have a set dress code they like patrons to adhere to.

Your dress Your dress should be smart and stylish, giving a glimpse of who you are outside of work. While you should have fun with your outfit and make a statement, lean on the side of conservative, too much skin and cleavage is a not the look to go for at your office Christmas party.

As for what colour, it really comes down to personal choice. Monochromatic dressing (all in one colour) can give the illusion of being taller, and darker colours are often quite elegant and slimming. Though you also may want to show your Christmas spirit by choosing a Christmas colour like red, green or gold (no Christmas prints though!). If you get really stuck on what to wear, never underestimate the suitability and versatility of a little black dress.

Your shoes You are bound to be on your feet for most of the day or evening, particularly if it is a cocktail event, so choose your shoes wisely. Walking around the office Christmas party barefoot or leaving the Christmas party carrying your heels is not a good look.  But don’t think you have to substitute comfort for style, there are some gorgeous wedges, kitten heels and pointed flats that will ensure you are comfortable and chic.

Your accessories Any dress can come alive with the right accessories. Just make sure you don’t go overboard, after all, the Christmas tree is what should be the most adorned in the room.

With this in mind, spread out your statement jewellery and keep your look balanced. If you have a big necklace complement it with a cocktail ring, or if you have big earrings complement them with bracelets, don’t try to do it all with the one outfit.

If your office Christmas party will be held in the evening or if there is a chance it might get cool, don’t forget to look for a shawl, jacket or cardigan that will complement your outfit, you don’t want to be freezing the whole time.

Being a Christmas party, it can be tempting to add in Christmas themed accessories, and while there is nothing wrong with getting in the Christmas spirit, just make sure they are elegant and not tacky. You want to light up the room for the right reasons, not because you have more lights on you than the Christmas tree.

Remember it is still a work function While the office Christmas party is an opportunity to be a little more relaxed, remember you are still out with your co-workers, boss and in some cases clients. How you dress, talk and act will impact the way people see you and it can have a lasting effect on your career, so have fun but be wise.

Do you have an office Christmas party coming up? What are you planning to wear?

Copyright © 2013 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…