Getting ready to go out for dinner after work? You're doing it wrong.

It’s Friday afternoon. It’s hot. You’ve had a tough week and have well and truly earned yourself a drink. After work drinks have been planned. Or you’ve RSVP’d a resounding YES to a friend’s function. Or maybe you’ve arranged a relaxing date night to bid farewell to the week with lots and lots of red wine.

You need to get ready. Do you;

A) Catch the train all the way home and begrudgingly begin your one hour routine?
B) Make the effort to swap into some heels – it’s the least you can do.
C) Go as is without as much as a glance in the mirror. This grey suit is going to dinner!

If you answered A, well, you’re doing it wrong. There’s no need to spend all that unnecessary time completely changing your look – think of all that winding down you’re missing! B’s, you’re on the right track. A few simple tweaks to your work look could be all you need to get you Friday night ready. And if you’re a C, I get you. You just honestly can’t be stuffed. But what if I told you there was an easier way to have you looking like a Saturday night on a Friday deadline timeframe?

There are loads of looks you can put together in the morning that are not only office appropriate, but also perfect for a night out, suitable for the summer heat and in line with your personal style, whether that be classic or creative. This way, you can be out the door in less than five minutes flat, with the most effort being a slick of lipstick, a shoe change or throwing your handbag under your desk.

Tips for desk to dinner dressing.

• Look for corporate shapes like pencil skirts, blazers and knee-length dresses that have a more fun or casual flair, such as a bold print, bright shade or relaxed fit.
• If you’re office environment isn’t that strict, take your more casual pieces (think tailored shorts, harem pants and t-shirts) and polish them up with sharp jackets, vests and statement accessories. Perfect for casual Friday!
• Stay cool in the heat with whites and bright colours, or if you can’t bear to ditch the black entirely, choose breezy fabrics and cooler styles like sleeveless tops.
• Try taking a cross-body bag – it will fit all your essentials for work (and won’t look out of place like a clutch) and is still dressy enough for night. Bonus: you don’t have to lug around that huge tote all night! Choose heels with a small, block heel that you can handle all day and night (or simply slip into them before you leave the office).
• For makeup, your best bet is a bright pop lip and simple eyes with lots of mascara. It’s easier to touch up throughout the day and is more fitting in the office than say, a smokey eye. It will also keep your face looking fresh and awake all night. Winning.

Here’s four looks that will seamlessly take you from those boring budgets straight to the bar, with everything available in stores. Now, where’s that mojito?

Look 1 – Pencil skirt and blouse.

2. David Lawrence Sleeveless Key Hoe Silk Shell Top $159.

3. OPI No Room For the Blues Polish $19.95 from David Jones.

4. Sportsgirl Chunky Box Chain Necklace $24.95.

5. Bailey Nelson Doyle in Black Slate $155.

6. Witchery Bianca Shoulder Bag $229.95.

7. Mimco Match Point Pump $199.

Look 2 – Relaxed trousers and vest.

2. Gorman Yellow Melon Pant $119

3. Country Road Sleeveless Blazer $74.96

4. Samantha Wills Sunday Sleep In Ring $120

5. Sportscraft Mix Media Sleeveless Shirt $139

6. Windsor Smith Quick Heels $129.95

7. Country Road Perforated Case for iPad $129

Look 3 – The all-rounder dress.

2. Wittner Dazed Handbag $349.95

3. $39 from Myer

4. $49.95

5. Wittner Topper Heels $139.95

6. Colette by Colette Hayman Ball and Chain Detail Clutch $39.95

7. Lovisa Mixed Metal Midi Ring Pack $16.99

 Look 4 – Shorts and blazer.

2. Farage Ellen Shirt $249

3. Wittner Ralex Heels $149.95

4. Sportsgirl Short Circle Layer Necklace $19.95

5. Cue Polka Dot Short $169

6. Mimco Matchmaker Tote $599

7. Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara $35

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