As the summer months slowly draw in and the after-work drinks invitations start pouring in, it’s important to have a few styling tricks up your sleeve to take you from office to dinner table. Women often find themselves racing against the clock, trying to fit as much as possible into their day. What to wear is one of the questions most of us ask ourselves daily and so, planning ahead can save us time and stress.
During the day it’s important to be comfortable and feel like yourself, particularly in a professional working environment. However, when dressing for dinner with the girls it’s a chance to add some personality into your outfit. Here’s three easy ways to get you ready to meet your friends.
Add sparkle!
The secret to successful day-to-night dressing is all in the accessories. Minimal for daytime and add some glitz and glam at night, because who doesn’t love a dose of sparkle?
Let’s start with a simple item like a jumpsuit. If this is a new item for your wardrobe, check out this guide on how to pick the right jumpsuit for your body type. For an appropriate office look a simple black jumpsuit can be styled with a low kitten heel and a cardigan or tailored blazer to keep the look smart casual. As soon as darkness falls, swap the jacket for a sequin number, add a clutch, some killer heels and lashings of red lipstick.
If you want to go for a more subtle look, why not pair a sleek white jumpsuit with an oversized white blazer and mini bag with sequins. Le sigh!
Dress it up…!
Finding the right base item for your desk to dinner outfit is fundamental, and a dress can be the perfect option to help you transition with ease from office to cocktail attire. In almost all cases a dress and jacket combination is the easiest to work with. Bonmarchè have a large range of dresses which with the right styling can take you straight from office to dinner with the girls.
During the day your dress can be styled with a work appropriate jacket, or if you are feeling a little daring, a jumper layered over your evening dress can be a fashionable touch. Team your dress with black opaque tights and comfortable shoes.
For night time, shed the jacket or jumper, ditch the tights and add some statement shoes! Leave your heavy work bag in the office too please, and swap for a clutch bag with sequins or a pop of colour.
Wearing the trousers…
Trousers are a failsafe when it comes to office dressing, as in all black dressing. Styled with a lightweight black roll neck jumper and a comfortable pair of leather brogues you will be able to withstand anything the working day throws at you. Whilst still looking fabulous of course. To get yourself ready for dinner and drinks with the girls, it’s easy to throw a statement jacket over your shoulders, for example a staple black leather jacket. Change your brogues for a fun pair of shoes, if you are favour comfort over style, why not try a colourful pair of sliders, in this seasons burnt orange.
Remember, it’s important to pick a clothing base where you can swap and change accessories and layers to create a new look. It pays to be prepared, so we suggest styling some of your favourite basic pieces for the office and as an evening look.
Next time you’re rushing out the door to work, you’ll know exactly what to grab to turn your outfit from desk to dinner in no time!
