It’s amazing how finding the right outfit for the right occasion makes all the difference in the world.  If for nothing else, it sets your mind at ease and gives you the confidence to enjoy the event without that one extra worry.  And this time of year it seems to be even more important as the holiday office parties roll onto December calendars.Finding the right outfit for a festive night with fellow colleagues and perhaps upper management can be a daunting dressing moment.You don’t want to be the employee who’s overdressed or underdressed… especially notunderdressed.Therefore “scantily clad” at the office party is not the way to climb the corporate ladder.It is important, however, to take into consideration where the party will be held.Some events are held within the office immediately following work.  This scenario doesn’t allow much flexibility to completely change your outfit, but you can still alter your look.  Make sure you think ahead while dressing that morning.  One suggestion would be to wear a classic pant suit with a simple top during the day, then switch the basic top to a soft, feminine camisole for more of an evening look.

The J. Crew Wool Crepe suit in black, dark charcoal or London fog is a basic, classic way to dress up your outfit. Nanette Lepore’s Ethereal Ruffled Metallic Blouse from Neiman Marcus or Lucy’s in Westport is fun and flirty, without showing too much skin.

Or, try a suit jacket and dress for the long day at work. RomydaKeth offers a top/skirt combination that substitutes for the dress, but is still visually appealing, at Atelier 360 in New Canaan.This option allows you to remove the jacket, like ElieTahari’s Montana Jacket at Nordstrom, for the party exposing a wonderful sleeveless shift underneath. Then, simply add a statement necklace or dangling earrings for a more polished appearance.Janna Conner’s Beni Earrings are a glam touch. Don’t forget to kick off your workday shoes and step into a higher heel for the night. Want to splurge? Go for the always-stylish Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Mary Jane Pumps from Saks Fifth Avenue.

You may have a bit more time to polish and prep if the party is hosted at a restaurant or at someone’s house. Remember to keep that polished look in your appearance, despite the fact that festivities are being held outside the office space. Zara’s long black dress appears slightly conservative at first glance, but its high slit and snug fit makes it both high fashioned and flirty.  It’s a fabulous way to feel as though you’re dressed appropriately yet still slightly sexy.  Toss on a heel that’s printed or embossed to add punch to the solid black palette, like this Calvin Klein Snakeskin pump from Endless Shoes. If you’re feeling daring, finish the outfit with a bold necklace like this Armadillo Necklace from Anthropologie.So if you’re off to a holiday party, whether at work or amidst friends…eat, drink and be merry!

Trish McQuillen is the owner of Style Design and can be found on http://blog.ctnews.com/mcquillen/. “You never know where the path leads….mine went to working for Giorgio Armani one day to teaching Fashion Merchandising at a local college the next.  And now I’m helping clients feel more confident when they dress…and writing a few blogs, such as this one, in between! “