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Fashion designer Rosemarie Umetsu's Toronto atelier advises a range of clients on proper business attire, including what to wear for a fashionable fete by the fax machine. Here are some of her top tips

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Metallic finishes are great for office holiday wear, but only in discreet doses. In other words shine, don’t sparkle. WHERE TO BUY: J. Crew dress, $446. BCBGMAXAZRIA clutch, $68. Stuart Weitzman shoes, $525. PHOTO SHOOT CREDITS: Styling by Tiyana Grulovic Hair, makeup and grooming by Cody Alain for TRESemmé/P1M.ca.Raina + Wilson for The Globe and Mail

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Add some luxe, like velvet. WHERE TO BUY: Her: Marc by Marc Jacobs top, $210 at Holt Renfrew. Erdem pants, $1,295, Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem shoes, $895 at The Room. Him: Paul Smith turtleneck, $250, jacket, $695, pants, $365 at Holt Renfrew. Allen Edmonds shoes, $795 at Harry Rosen.Raina + Wilson for The Globe and Mail

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Be sexy, but in a tasteful way, leaving as much to the imagination as possible – i.e., always be on cleavage and hemline patrol. WHERE TO BUY: BCBGMAXAZRIA skirt, $202, necklace, $144. Le Château turtleneck, $39.95.Raina + Wilson for The Globe and Mail

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Wink to fashion trends (such as pseudo-retro mash-ups) rather than slavishly following them. WHERE TO BUY: Lanvin jacket, $2,445, shirt, $365, Dion bow tie, $75, Z Zegna pants, $325 at Harry Rosen.Raina + Wilson for The Globe and Mail

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Partner everyday and dressy items for a festive look that’s uniquely yours. WHERE TO BUY: Her: Opening Ceremony blouse, $325, Milly cardigan, $360 at Holt Renfrew. Moon skirt, $89 at The Bay. Him: Moon cardigan, $69, shirt, $69, Strellson pants, $198 at The Bay.Raina + Wilson for The Globe and Mail

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