You've been staring at your computer all day and now you have to front-up to an after-work office function or your friend's birthday drinks — even though you're wearing office clothes and feeling tired. Whatever you have on, we have some no-fuss suggestions to help you get from your desk to dazzling.
Swap shoes
Wearing very high heels to the office every day can make for a tiring week, but they're one of the best weapons for converting an office outfit into after-dark sophistication. Plus, they're easy to change into, right at your desk! So plan ahead and bring a pair of pm-friendly high heels (something with eye-catching detail, such as patent leather or diamantes work best) to work that morning.
Ditch the jacket
Women's suits look sharp at the office but the matching jacket and skirt combination is too businessy for after-hours. Before leaving your desk, swap your business jacket one in a contrasting fabric or colour to give your outfit a lift. If that's not an option, ditch it once you hit your destination and forget about it for the night (sorry guys, jackets stay with you unless you're out with your mates). Note: think ahead and wear, or bring along, a night-appropriate top or blouse that you can wear without a jacket (silks and satins work well).
Hairstyle help
If your hair is looking limp by 6pm, tie it into a sleek ponytail at the nape of your neck for a sophisticated night-time look. Alternatively, to get some volume back, blast air into your hair using the hand-dryers in the office bathroom, then smooth over with a brush before holding with hairspray. Here's a tip: always have a hairbrush and lightweight hairspray (it works wonders at boosting volume, as well as banishing flyaways) stashed in your desk for emergency hair pep-ups.
Switch to an evening scent
Let's face it, sometimes after a long day at work the last thing you feel like doing is going out. But a spritz or two of a night-friendly perfume will give you the get-up you need in a flash, so keep an after-hours perfume in your desk draw. We suggest warmer, oriental florals such as Chanel Allure Sensuelle or Stella McCartney's rose and amber scent, Stella — they'll get you through the night without over-powering. Men should opt for woody, spicy scents such as Dior Homme or Giorgio Armani Attitude.
Add lipstick
Dramatic lipstick shades are tricky within work hours because they require constant maintenance and meticulous application (florescent lighting does nobody any favours). But after dark, a dramatic pout can take you from day to night in a jiffy. No need to completely re-do your makeup — a (careful) slick of bright pink or red, or even a deep burgundy will have you looking a million bucks.
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