Casual to Party!

It's that time of year and life can go from casual to party at a minute's notice. 

Unless it's something really special many of us downplay dressing up these days. But whether you're at home, popping next door or just meeting friends straight from the office, it's easy to crank up your style a notch with just a few simple changes or accessories.   

Casual to Party - Plain to fancy - real fast!

1 Straight from the day job

Everyone needs a simple classic dress. It doesn't have to be black, of course, any solid color that suits you will do the trick. 

Wear a jacket or cardigan to the office and you're totally appropriate. Come 6 o'clock off comes the jacket and you're casual to party in no time to celebrate with colleagues at the smartest dinner! 

Add a glamorous scarf, glitzy necklace and/or earrings and you're ready to let your hair down - just a little!

2  Keeping it low-key

Your work-at-home uniform of pants or jeans hardly has to change when you're invited to a spontaneous drink with the neighbours or a girls night in.

Jeans, boots or metallic sneakers and a sweater that's softer and prettier than usual. Perhaps just a touch of sparkle. You don't have to try too hard when the bubbles are ready to pop!

Sit at your pc in a column of color? Then a pretty kimono does a coverup job in seconds! 

3  Simple dinner party

Whether it's restaurant or a home-cooked dinner, you're facing friends across the table so keep the interest high. A silk blouse in a solid color oozes classic sophistication and looks rich and classy. Can't manage silk then choose a fabric that flows softly in white, ivory or one of your strongest accent colors. 

Add long drop earrings or a long pendant; even a beautiful belt. Choose gold or silver jewelry according to your taste.

4  Family gathering

Whether you're a guest or you have the meal to organize, you need comfort and color. Perhaps you'll be curling up in front of the fire, joining in with board games or down on the floor with the children. Have a warm cardigan or jacket to hand for the after dinner walk!   

Leggings and a colorful tunic or a soft sweater with a touch of sparkle. Perhaps a sweater dress in a seasonal color with warm tights and comfy slippers. 

5  Accessories 

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories - changing from the classic pump at work (or errand-running) to a great pair of red or other bright jewel-toned shoe (or even leopard skin) is a great way to dress up an outfit.

This goes for scarves and belts too, a change of purses and you're casual to party in no time.

Whatever you do keep all your jewelry in proportion and follow style - that means if you elect to have a more demure necklace don't do chandelier earrings.

A layered necklace adds a modern touch without being over the top!