Valentine Chic

Get the Look

Saturday, February 11, 2012

With Valentine's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, many women will be rummaging in the wardrobe for that 'perfect' outfit to transition from daytime chic to appropriate for that hot date. Our hot tip is to focus on transitional pieces. Here's how to Get the Look.

Tips:

o Sheath dresses — whether black or brightly coloured — have the ability to transition from day to evening. For the office, opt for a neutral or light-coloured jacket with your dress and accessorise minimally. Come evening however, you may opt to remove the jacket, replace your handbag with an evening clutch and slip into strappy sandals.

o Replace the modest daytime jewellery with more flashy bling. Our hot tip: stack bracelets on one hand or add a statement necklace to give your outfit instant glam appeal.

o Keep a make-up kit handy so that you can change your modest daytime make-up to a bolder evening look. Try smoky eyes for the night with a shade of red lipstick that is suitable for your skin tone. A deeper blush may also be more suitable for night.

o Travel-sized portions of hair products are perfect to keep your tresses healthy and shiny.

o Transitional outfits (such as jumpsuits or sheath dresses) are worthwhile investments as they are cost-efficient. "Why spend money on a daytime dress and an evening outfit when your sequinned mini can go from day to night?" shared Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman in a recent Harper's Bazaar article. "Indeed", she continued, "when your evening pieces aren't relegated to celebratory events, their cost-per-wear ratio starts looking much more attractive". There's no arguing that point!

o Do not be afraid to take risks with your fashion choices, but be mindful of the rules of your organisation. A bank teller or an attorney, for example, may not be able to get away with wearing a cocktail dress to work. But if your clothing rules are more relaxed, you can take risks while still displaying corporate chic.

o The most important accessory of all is your smile. When on your date it is important that you look refreshed. The long hours spent at the office should not detract from your physical appearance.