So Friday is fast approaching and you have been invited out straight after work. No time to go home and glam up and no where to change outfits. There is really only one solution; you need to wear something to work that you can wear down to the nearest pub or club. The average corporate company is relaxing its dress code, which means there are many ways of getting around this problem.

Thursday night, PLAN & WASH. Think about weather and comfort, there is no point wearing those Marc Jacobs sequin stilettos all day and hobbling down the street at 5.31pm! Most of us have become sensible with our shoes, wearing ballet flats during the day and switching to heels at night. Many office girls keep a basic pair of heels in their bottom desk draw for the many functions that come up during the week or for throwing on when the cute junior partner is walking past.

When choosing your Friday night outfit think of something you love to wear. Don’t keep it for a special occasion, fashion changes so fast and chances are you will be bored of it before you get to wear it twice. What makes you feel stunning, a stand out piece but not too flashy for the office. Try unique and bold accessories, over a plain black shirt. A necklace that is heavily beaded - Dinosaur Designs is perfect for this, or Phillipa (pictured) make divine statement pieces. For a different look, try subtle silver chains – you can pick up gorgeous cheap versions at Sportsgirl, even a vintage scarf around you neck or belt loops will help you stand out from the rest of the office crowd.

If jewellery isn’t your thing, go for an all black outfit with coloured shoes and bag. This will brighten up a rainy day outfit and you won’t look too business-like for the drinks. A wool jersey wrap dress is perfect. It dresses down for day, especially underneath a jacket or wrapped over a singlet. Convert to night by simply removing the jacket or singlet and showing off some cleavage. This style of dress suits every figure by skimming curves and sitting close to the body – more flattering than you would think. Get bold by wearing graphic prints, oversize beads or patterned stockings with your wrap dress. Try Diane Von Furstenburg for amazing print styles or Portmans for great basic black wool wraps. Or pop into Hussy for luxurious day to night pieces.

The high waist, structured pencil skirt is always great for Friday night, sexy secretary is the look of the moment. Wear during the day with a collared business shirt and layer with a fine knit or vest for warmth in dodgy office air-conditioning. For night remove the business shirt and tuck the knit / vest into your skirt, add heels, a belt and long statement earings.

Friday night is the only time I allow clients to pop into cheaper trend stores for a quick wardrobe update. Stores like Dotti, Supre, Sportsgirl and Diva are great for last minute drinks invites. You can pick up a cheap top to wear over basic black pants and perhaps some great accessories for under $30. Try a long boob tube in a bright colour with chunky beads in a contrast tone i.e. match pink and red or blue and green. Steer clear of sparkly sequin pieces unless you plan on hitting a major club they are just so over! Resist the temptation to buy a fake designer bag – yes you can always tell and you will be surprised how well a couple of well chosen, cheap chain store pieces can work with good quality shoes and bags. No one will ever know!

Carry a bag that isn’t obviously your regular black envelope tote bag. In fact try to stay away from those altogether. They age so quickly and never say anything about you besides work. If you have no choice and have to carry a basic black tote don’t take it with you to drinks. Use a small clutch purse or neutral toned bag to make a distinction between work and play.

When it comes to grooming a quick lunchtime blowdry can do wonders to your look on a Friday night. If you don’t have the time or budget try keeping a team hair straightener on hand plus a few beauty essentials – mascara, powder, blush / bronzer and lip-gloss. Baby powder can be a lifesaver rubbed through greasy hair and as a last resort, the office toilet hand dryer can make an excellent hairdryer. Add a dash of perfume, update the deodorant and perhaps freshen up with a scented body wipe and you are ready to go.

Your aim on Friday night is to create an ensemble that combines sexiness and femininity. You don’t want to let it all hang out, remember you have to face these people Monday morning, but you still want to show a side of yourself outside of your work environment and grab some attention.

Stockists

Necklace by www.philippa.com, Shoe from www.Wittner.com.au, Bag from Kpau.com.au, Hussy from current 07 winter collection at www.Hussy.com.au