Whether it's an office get-together, date or other event to which you'll have to race after you finish the daily grind, it's tough to pull together a pretty look after logging 8 hours in your work clothes. But with a little planning, you can go from day to night elegantly. Start with your work clothes in the morning. If your office's dress code tends to be more formal, then you can still sport your buttoned-up look in the daylight hours and make a few changes as the evening approaches. A classic black - or other neutral - suit can be layered with myriad options, including silky camisoles, cashmere sweaters, glittery scarves or any other option that adds panache without being too flashy at work. A pretty layer underneath the jacket can ensure you have something elegant to show off when you remove the jacket. Stash some eye-catching jewelry, and swap out your staid pearls as the event approaches. Wear your usual footwear and pack a pair of fancy sandals, pumps or other sexy pair of shoes to swap out, along with a matching clutch bag for your purse's essentials.
You may pre-pack that clutch with a few make-up items that can help your face move from day to night elegantly. Jazz up makeup with a darker, bolder lip hue and more noticeable eye makeup. Feel free to sweep up hair and secure with a pretty barrette or ponytail holder. It's important to stash a few beauty items in your desk drawer for those times when you get invited out on the fly. Keep that darker lip color in there, along with mascara, which can add drama to eyes. A brush and small bottle of hairspray can help add volume to hair quickly. If there's space, then add a few of those eye-catching accessories - jewelry and scarves can punch up an otherwise ho-hum outfit and give you the glam look you need to get an effortless evening look.