From Work to Play: How to Transform Your Outfit

Work, work, work seems to be all any of us do anymore. But all work and no play makes Jane a dull, dull girl. Unfortunately, not many people have a whole lot of time to rush home at 5 o' clock, shower, change clothes and then run back out to meet up for a date. Before you know it, social life as we know (and love) it is gone. But wouldn't it be great if you could manage both at once?

If you have a date with friends or that special someone right after work, don't worry about bringing a whole new outfit to scramble into in the bathroom after your coworkers leave. Here are three easy ideas for transforming your work clothes into play clothes!

Sweater-Chic

Pick a cute but subtly colored dress (French Connection's "Buffy," $70) and wear black stockings or leggings underneath it. With some simple black heels, you've got an easy outfit for work. When it's time to clock out, just slide off the stockings, slap on some lotion and keep the heels (or sub comfier flats) for a cute outfit for date night!

Blazin'!

If anything is in this year, it's a crisp blazer! Pair a blazer with a fun tank top (think embellished neckline or straps like Pins and Needles by Urban Outfitters, $30), and some thick black jeggings or opaque leggings. Keep the look business-appropriate with black heels or flats. After work, remove the blazer and switch your black shoes for bright or metallic pumps for a look great for a party or club.

New Color on the Block

A major trend this year is colorblocking: bold contrasting or similar colors that build a unique flair. Pair a colorblock mini-dress (BareFeetShoes Mini-Dress, $25) with a contrasting sweater or shawl for work. Layer a long black pencil skirt ("Iris" by Marc Jacobs $158) over the dress for a perfect, classically sexy (but appropriate) work outfit. At the end of the day, slip off the skirt and ditch the sweater in exchange for some strappy heels and you're ready for a date or party in no time.

Never sacrifice your playtime when it's this easy to take your look from business casual to party-chic. For your extras, carry a gym bag along with you to the office or leave it right in your car for easy access. Experiment with layers, colors and jewelry to add pizazz to your work gear when it's time to break out and have some fun!