From boardroom to bar

The festive season has arrived ladies and that means the usual fun but gruelling round of high octane office parties, cocktails with friends and mince-pies-and mulled-wine evenings. Going from office angel to glamourpuss can be a logistical nightmare at this demanding time, requiring military precision planning and arduous contortionist-style changes in pokey work lavatories. So AOL Shopping has come to the rescue to show you how to take the stressing out of Christmas dressing. It's all about clever accessorizing and fuss-free, less-is-more capsule looks.

Go from sensible to sensational with our three on-trend key pieces and wow your colleagues with your five-minute Wonderwoman day-to-night transformations.

Retro chic key piece: The LBD

That perennial and trusty favourite, the LBD, should most definitely be number one on your festive capsule wardrobe it-list. There's nothing quite as versatile so bag this super chic Jackie O-inspired black crepe shift or if you fancy upping that hemline, a plain Pinafore style mini. By day keep it professional and prissy with these fashion-forward Lace up Derby shoes, a double-breasted trench coat and oversized structured tote. When Christmas cocktail hour comes, cinch in that waist and go from baggy to body con with a luxe snakeskin belt or Lauren Bacall-style white patent belt. Ditch the lace ups and tote and add some seriously sophisticated allure with a pair of seductive ankle-tie heels and tiny chained pouch bag. All you'll need to add that final touch of glam is a silvery necklace and this to-die-for chunky cabochon cuff.

Nu-Boho chic key piece: The paisley print dress

Bohemian luxe is a biggie this season and this paisley print crepon dress is bang on trend and the perfect dress-down/dress-up piece. For a carefree cool office look, team with a chocolate brown cardi, these comfy suede boots and a generous pompom bowling bag. When sunset comes, glam up those earthy hues and add some sparkle to your soirée with these oh-so-now chunky gold cuffs and colour-of-the-moment burnt orange chained velvet panné clutch. To finish, swap the suede boots for these foxy brown booties and exchange that prim and proper cardi for this louche seventies-inspired faux fur jacket.

Masculine-inspired tailoring, key piece: The Trouser Suit

A razor-sharp tailored trouser suit is a lust-have staple this winter, ideal for both serious business and frivolous pleasure, so invest in this trouser and jacket combo. For those boardroom meetings, pair with a ladylike satin pussybow blouse and grey patent court shoes. A versatile black tote with Balenciaga-esque plaited handles oozes work chic and is casual enough to be worn at weekends. For that after-office night out, vamp up the suit and patent courts with this voluminous puffball top and rock 'n' roll metallic chain belt. Add this blingie black diamanté bangle and elegant evening bag and get ready to let your hair down in style.