Congratulations! You’re heading out after work. This means you actually have a life. Truthfully, I’m quite envious, considering my only friends these days are the late night document services ladies (and while they’re awesome, they are only talking to me because they have to). But I’m happy for you. Really. I am.
The good news is that with a couple of small changes, you can take yourself out on the town directly from the office, and look fabulous without losing that polished, professional edge. Here are my foolproof tips for making the “work to play” transition!
- Make at least one clothing switch. Please promise me that you won’t wear your suit. Nothing is sadder than someone who’s clearly been in a suit all day, staring glumly into their wine. After a long, hard day at the office, your suit is wrinkled and probably smelly. Plus, doffing the suit helps you feel like you’re actually making a transition, and may even help take your mind off that factum. So if you’re wearing a suit or a skirt and top/jacket combo, swap the skirt for cigarette pants, or the blazer for a ruffled cardigan. Oh, and remove anything that resembles a button-down shirt. Dresses are the easiest to work with. If you’re wearing a dress, you’re halfway there — just replace your blazer with a cropped leather jacket.
- It’s all about the accessories. Unless you really took my Russia style tips to heart (in which case — you’re fabulous!), you’re probably wearing some combination of watch, pearl earrings and simple necklace. Switching up your accessories will make all the difference to transitioning your look from day to night. Choose one or two statement pieces, like a cocktail ring and dangly earrings or a cuff and necklace, and experiment with complementary colours and textures. The best thing about accessories is that they’re easy to carry — you can keep a stash in your office or throw a few pieces into your bag before you leave for work. Add a scarf in an interesting pattern, and switch the laptop bag or briefcase for a sleek clutch in purple, hunter green or cobalt.
- Lipstick. I’m telling you, there is nothing like a swipe of bright lipstick to make you feel party-ready. It’s like putting on a dress — you instantly feel more feminine and ready to face the world. Add a flick of eyeliner (the cat-eye shape is especially hip right now — unfortunately I am disastrous at doing it myself, otherwise I could give you some tips), and a spritz of perfume, ideally something spicier and more bold than your usual work scent.
- Heels. Heels are magical, transformative things. They really are. Provided you can walk in them, of course, they will make a huge difference in the way you feel, especially after a day of wearing flats. Not to disparage flats — there are tons of cool styles out there right now — but if you’re heading out for the night, heels always complete the outfit, and they give you an extra burst of confidence. Plus, they elevate even the most conservative look to something special.
And don’t forget the last thing….
- ATTITUDE! Yes, attitude. There’s nothing like a positive, self-confident attitude to make your night on the town a perfect one, and it’s the topper on your chic outfit. And best of all — it’s free! Now please — do me a favour and enjoy an extra martini for me tonight. I need to get back to this agreement…
Yours,
Style Counsel
P.S. I’m not the only one who stands by these tips — see what MT Meikle of style site La Closette has to say:
Your calendar is booked from office to event…how to make the transition with flare and style? Focus on your accessories: bag, jewelry and shoes.
A clutch, two long necklaces, a pair of chandelier earrings and a higher heel shoe or ankle boot. Opt for a glittery clutch bag, long gold chains and the shoe should be colour —perhaps the new oxblood, in a higher heel pump or a high heeled bootie. Bring them to the office and tuck them under your desk until show time.
Switch up your blazer for a flowy blouse or a tank top that can make a statement without the top layer. And, don’t forget to add a brighter lipstick. You’re good to go — in great style!
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at FMC. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle.
Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them to tips@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca.
Image: gre.ceres via Flickr