Desperately Seeking: Easy Party Clothes

Sometimes, it's fun to spend two hours getting ready for a party or a night out - luxuriating in the bath tub, layering perfume over lotion over scented body wash, applying makeup with the precision of a Hollywood starlet's glam squad, and pulling on a dress and tights and heels and jewelry, all very carefully thought out. But sometimes, you've got to get home from work, fluff your hair, change your clothes, and just get there already!

When that's the case, you need a go-to outfit that you can pull on and be done with - minimal accessories, and if it can be pulled on over your work pants, even better. I give you:

Lane Bryant Rhinestone Top. Sheer sleeves are a nice alternative to sleeveless - fancy, but covered. A pop of flash at your bustline is brilliant. Wear this top with slim-fitting pants, not something flowey. The shirt has enough flow to it. Pair with tousled hair, shiny lips, and a glass of champagne.

Avenue's Sequin Sweater is festive, fun, and would look so cute paired with either pants or a skirt/tights/boots combo. Add diamond studs and a swipe of berry-colored lipstick for low-maintenance chic.

Everyone looks radiant in pink. Which makes it a no-brainer for party time. I like this ruffled bustier from MXM because you can toss a blazer over it before 5:00, then remove (or replace with a soft cardigan) for after-hours.

There is no other time of year that people will applaud you for draping yourself in sequins like this. But in the right setting, at the right time, MXM's sequins bandeau top could be a real show-stopper (in a good way). Keep everything else (jewelry, pants, shoes, hair) simple. You do not want anything competing with this top. I like the way the color bands elongate the torso and create curves.

Photo credits: Lanebryant.com; Avenue.com; 1-plus.com/mxm