How to power dress when your mind is already in the festive spirit

By the time December strikes, you've most likely worn all the clothes you can in all the ways you know how. In fact, you probably just want to be in a swimsuit and a kaftan all day.

But alas, you still have 15-odd days of work left which require you to get up, dress up, and show up.

Well you'll be glad to know that power dressing isn't as grey and monotonous as it used to be.

According to Ella Hudson's Party Power: Making Footwear Fun Again, we as consumers are starting to seek comfort and empowerment in the clothes we wear. And the first indication of this has been evident in the shoes which we're buying. 

Women are starting to find fun, quirky shoes more appealing (hi, Gucci loafers), cites the report and this approach to dressing spans across all items of clothing - not just shoes.

Read more: Are ugly shoes the blue cheese of fashion?

So yes, we may all be feeling the effects of year-end fatigue, but each of us has something that's keeping us going through this final stretch. I always try to lift my mood with statement accessories. 

Read more: #FashionFridays: For 5 days I dressed like I was already on holiday

According to Ella Hudson's Party Power report, there is a new mood economy - a phenomenon where brands are capitalising on the feel-good factor. It is not only evident in fashion but in food, film and music too.

You know how there are palm leaves, watermelons and pineapples printed/embroidered on almost everything now? Unicorn phone cases? Pom-poms on sneakers, handbags and keyrings?

That's a result of the mood economy where brands place symbols of 'happiness' and positivity on clothes or accessories to prompt a purchase.

That said, here's how I've been playing around with mood dressing:

Daytime sparkle and pom-poms

This is how it was done at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Australia.

And this is how I pulled it off on a Sunday afternoon in Cape Town.

Work tip: Wear a midi-length LBD and accessorise with a bright pair of pom-pom earrings from Lovisa.

Black knot-detail dress, R629 at H&M.

Wildlife for the wild life

It turns out my wardrobe is a bit of a zoo. From flamingos to snakes to tigers, I wear it on my t-shirts and on my block heels.

Or at least I intended on wearing it all, but last Thursday's volcanic temperatures inspired this tropical look instead...

Work tip: Pair your fun T-shirt with high-waisted formal pants.

Tie front formal pants, R369 from Spree.

Or if you're opting for a playsuit, get this fuller length one in a quirky print from Zara.

Don't be bitter. Wear glitter.

(Or metallics)

Just a little mantra to get you through the slump while others are living their best lives because they're officially on holiday.

My metallic denim shorts and my embellished silver loafers made for a chilled Saturday afternoon look.

Work tip: These shorts aren't office-appropriate, so swap them out for this PROJECT ruffle detail skirt available at MRP, R199

Images: Getty & Afika's own

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