How many of you have found yourself with the oh-so-daunting task of figuring out what you can wear to work that will also "work" for that holiday party/happy hour/client dinner/husbands work-thing, that you're attending right after your long day is finished?  I'm guessing that many of you have had to solve for this as I get the question of "what would you wear…" quite often from friends and clients at this time of year. Luckily, this particular season I am feeling like there are more possibilities than ever to solve for this dilemma, and strangely I think we can thank the downturn of the economy for this somewhat happy turn of events within the choices of apparel.

What you'll see in the stores this holiday is an awareness by designers that women are making very careful and calculated choices about what to spend their money on. Dispensable income for most of us is not as plentiful as it may have been years prior, so when we're buying clothing we're buying pieces that are more classic and much more versatile to truly getting the most for our spend. The other trend that I'm seeing this season is a huge selection of very luxe, high-end-designer-looking items, for less.  Many of my favorite retailers as well as some new, or re-discovered ones, are offering value-conscious, yet still really fabulous choices for those of us that want to look like a billion bucks, but just not spend anywhere close to that to get the look.

I've chosen 3 retailers that we all trust and I've pulled together some investment-worthy outfits that you can wear to work and then to your night out with only a simple adjustment or two. I hope they'll inspire you!

First, Ideas from Ann Taylor, (www.anntaylor.com)

1. Compact Knit Triacetate Jacket and Compact Knit Triacetate Skirt; $230 and $110, but 30% off if you purchase the two together.
2. Silk Crepe Confection Top; $95
3. Pavé Mirror Ball Drop Earrings; $35
4. Perfect Platform Pump; $175
5. Modern Control Top Tights; $20
6. Pearl and Pavé Cluster Bracelet; $60
How would I wear? I would wear all of these pieces to the office except for the cluster bracelet. Before leaving the office I would probably take off the tights to add a little sexiness (don't forget the self-tanner!), and put on the bracelet with the intention of taking the blazer off upon the arrival to the function.


Second, Ideas from Net-A-Porter, (www.netaporter.com):

1. DVF, Stretch Jersey Shift Dress; $300
2. Vince, Belted Cashmere Cardigan; $335
3. Christian Louboutin, Babel 100 Boots; $1465
4. Ringseclectic, Oversized Crystal-Embellished Ring; $130
5. Giles & Brother, Rhinestone Hoop Earrings; $160
6. Tibi, Sequined Silk Blazer; $600
7. Kenneth Jay Lane, Crystal-Embellished Cocktail Ring; $100
How would I wear? I would wear all day the DVF dress with boots and sweater, plus the earrings and over-sized embellished ring. Then before heading to the event I'd replace the sweater with the very cool sequined blazer (scrunching up the sleeves and popping the collar), switch the oversized ring with the crystal-embellished stunner, and off I go!


Third, Ideas from Banana Republic, (www.bananarepublic.com)

1. Silk Ruffle Printed Shell; $70
2. Crewneck Cardigan; $69
3. BR Monogram Striped Suit Pant; $132
4. 'Gaby' Suede Round-Toe Pump; $120
5. Double Hoop Earring; $34
6. Plated Scales Bracelet; $36
7. Velvet Blazer; $152
8. Drama Chandelier Earring; $40
How would I wear? I would wear the blouse, pants, pumps and bracelet all day and into the night. The only additions to this look would be for day I'd layer on the cardigan and wear the hoop earrings, and then for an evening look I'd slip on the blazer and replace the hoops with the elegant chandelier earrings.


Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant.
For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.