Got an event, date or party immediately after work? No need to pull a Superman and change in the phone booth. Rescu. outlines the cheats to stepping from office to bar in under ten minutes flat.
Ten-minute quick-fixes
Ah, Mad Men. For all its misogynist bits, it’s given one gift to the working woman. This season, the Joan Holloway-inspired looks for the office make the post-5pm shift from ‘professional’ to ‘nightlife goddess’ even easier. The vintage look, provided it fits properly and is appropriately covered for day, transforms into night with the simplest of accessory changes.
What’s muted in the office – shoes, make-up, hair and jewellery – can be pumped up in the evening. Go for contrasting pumps or truly knock-out on-trend platform heels, rather than work-day shoes. Invest in a statement necklace, earrings which pack a punch or a truly spectacular cocktail ring. With a few small items, you can step from 9-to-5 to late-night without breaking a sweat or changing every item you’re wearing.
Spent the day in a gorgeous suit? Remove the jacket and replace with one in a more night-appropriate material. Velvet, embroidery, feathers and even leather (like this Burberry cropped version) are in this season. If you’re going to a slightly more formal occasion, have a look at this season’s capelets – yet another vintage-inspired look which changes the feel of an entire outfit.
Strained for ideas on adding a bit of glamour? Try a little research. Even if you’re not all that into fashion, The Sartorialist and Hel-Looks.com give very practical and everyday inspiration (along with utterly unattainable ideas – pink fur, anybody?) for transforming day outfits into night. A common element: go for classic, well-made pieces, even if you can’t afford the true designer ones. They’ll serve you through any occasion.
Five-minute quick-fixes
Really crammed for time, with only a few minutes in a bathroom or the taxi to spare? An idea for a quick change: beautiful, heavy earrings, new lipstick, and a quick, glamorous updo, like Keira Knightley’s formal ponytail or the braided bun of Heidi Klum. Up-dos are often a very swift and easy way to transform yourself. (Looking like Heidi Klum is, of course, not guaranteed.)
Another simple fix, if you’re wearing a skirt or dress: the perennially fabulous idea of patterned hosiery. A quick change elevates your look from take-me-seriously to cocktail-friendly, as long as it’s coordinated properly. Look to Wolford for ideas; David Jones sells high-quality hosiery for all sizes.
A friend of mine does something extraordinary which always seems to make her the most glamorous woman in the room. In addition to accessory changes, she wears classic A-line skirts for day, and places a beautiful crinoline or slip under them at night. Anthropologie sells gorgeous black silk-and-lace ones, and they add a frothy volume and formality to the right outfit. (A hint, though: don’t try this with pinstripe.)
The ultimate tip? We at Rescu. will always, forever, advocate the advantages of the Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress – real or knock-off. As a professional outfit it’s flawless, and as a feminine night out dress it’s just as fantastic. Best of all, it’s suitable for all ages, figures and sizes. Get one, ladies. Seriously. Get two.
And there’s your cheat-sheet, ladies. Use it well.
Image credit: Bottega Veneta Milan Fashion week (click here to see our fashion coverage).
Image credit: Bottega Veneta Milan Fashion week (click here to see our fashion coverage).
