5 AM-PM Christmas Party Outfits
It’s the time of year when your weekly calendar is filling up with social engagements, but you still have to deliver on work commitments, a balancing act that comes with the classic AM-PM outfit dilemma.
From after-office cocktails with friends or the long-awaited Christmas party, there’s rarely time to go home and change, so choosing adaptable styles that can be dressed up or down is key to effortless day-to-night festive outfits. We’ve curated an edit of six AM-PM looks that can be dressed down for daytime, then instantly elevated for evening with the swap-in of a different shoe, or shedding a layer.
1. THE BLACK DRESS
A black dress is a classic for a reason, and with classic status comes optimum outfit adaptability. We’ve styled our Silk Organza Lace Maxi Dress so that it works by day and night, without losing its impact..
Most of the detail that makes this style an evening hero like lace trims + a silk-organza overlay is across the top half, so adding an extra layer so only the minimal skirt is on display makes it look like a much more casual style.
Choose a relaxed-fit jumper like our Cashmere High Neck Statement Jumper, available in soft cream melange or vibrant Orange Spice - either of which will look great next to the black skirt. The high neckline of this style means it conceals the dress’s collar, and the subtle swing length effortlessly skims the hips without clinging.
The added benefit of having a jumper on hand: you have an extra layer should you need it, while waiting for your post-party cab.
When it’s time to shed the daytime layers and transform your look, but you still want an element of warmth (it is December after all) then nothing says classic glamor like a cape, especially when you add in luxurious shearling. Rendered in versatile black, our Luxe Shearling Cape effortlessly drapes around the shoulders, with a round neckline that shows off a flash of the dress’s silk organza.
For the final elevated touch - literally - the Platform Mary Jane delivers the ultimate party shoe in an unexpectedly comfortable shape. The wide block heel and platform front are intelligently designed to provide height while retaining a stable feel and without creating an uncomfortable, arched shape.
2. MODERN BLACK TIE
More than just a suit, our Forever Tux Capsule is a modern take on traditional black tie dress codes. The collection includes a choice of blazer and trouser shapes, ranging from longline and cropped jackets to wide and slim trousers, all united with classic tux detailing like satin trims.
Our tux suit is definitely an upgrade from the usual office-ready tailoring, however, it’s still possible to make the Sharp Shoulder Tux Blazer and the Forever Wide-Leg Tux Trouser work for daytime. We’re swapping starched shirts for subtle color, soft textures and relaxed stripes like our Cotton Stripe Relax Shirt or the Impossibly Soft Feminine Stripe Shirt.
When the office day is done, it’s time to swap out the shirt with your party-ready option. Stick to a brooding palette with our Lace Cropped Shirt + Cami, the perfect balance of festive + feminine. Or, for a pop of monochromatic color and a modern alternative to tux-classic shirting, try the Tux Vest in ivory. It’s made from textured tailoring fabric to contrast with the blazer and trouser’s smooth finish, then complete with crystal-embellished buttons to heighten the glamorous mood.
3. HIGH OCTANE TEXTURES
Nothing says luxurious Christmas partywear like velvet, and we’ve found the trick that works for dressing it down for daytime and upping the ante in the evening - tonal pairings.
Thanks to the collection’s color-matched palette, the rich Deep Merlot hue of the Silk-Blend Velvet Relaxed Tapered Pant pairs effortlessly with other pieces for your daytime look. Luxurious cashmere knits like our Relaxed Stripe Jumper or Brushed Cashmere Stripe Jumper both have intelligently designed palettes that include deep merlot, delivering a cohesive look with minimal effort.
When cocktail hour approaches and it’s time to shed the knitwear layer, add the Silk-Blend Velvet Halterneck Top for a contemporary take on evening co-ords. If you need an extra layer, you can’t go wrong with the classic look of a white tux jacket. Our Forever Shawl Collar Tux Blazer is the perfect choice for draping around the shoulders, especially when embellished with the Crystal Knot + Faux Pearl Brooch.
4. MONOCHROME TEXTURE CLASH
Monochrome is a timeless option for day-to-night styling, but this season we’re introducing another dimension: texture clashing. Enter knitwear + sequins.
For many, a failsafe 9-5 look is knitwear and smart trousers, and for this look it doubles up as the perfect AM-PM base. Our Cashmere Bouclé Relaxed Jumper in cream is cut to a relaxed fit and has raglan shoulder seams that enhance the relaxed fit. Complement the warm-toned neutral with our brown and treacle Flannel Pinstripe Trouser, then finish with a smart trainer like the Retro High Top.
The simple act of swapping out the trousers for our Silk-Blend Velvet Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt instantly transforms this look from day to night. The viscose and silk-blend velvet base is stitched with flat-lay sequins that give the piece a streamlined, fluid quality not typically associated with highly embellished styles, creating the perfect silhouette balance with the jumper.
5. MERRY + BRIGHT SEPARATES
Embody the season’s sense of merry + bright with a head-to-toe saturated color look that easily transitions from day to night
A silk dress is usually a bold statement, but this Silk Ultra Feminine Maxi Dress in the season’s key bold shade - Orange Spice - is surprisingly adaptable. Its maxi length means it effortlessly styles with a jumper over the top, giving it a more casual look. Stick to one striking shade with our Cashmere High Neck Statement Jumper. Dress it down further with the masculine contrast of our leather Biker Boot, perfectly proportioned to complement longer hemlines.
When it’s time to move from office to party location, simply shed the knitwear and swap your shoes for a more evening-ready style such as our Square Toe Velvet Ballerina Flat, complete with crystal-embellished buckles. Draw the eye to the high neck and frill trims of the dress by adding statement earrings