Tips & Tricks

Happy Monday! Is it just me, or does each weekend fly by faster than the last? It seems like just yesterday I was getting ready for a fun night at the Express Grand Opening party last Thursday!

The theme of the evening was desk-to-dinner and after styling some looks and talking to some lovely ladies at the event, I’ve honed in on the 3 best tips for taking your look from the boardroom to the barstool.

1. Start with the basics. (Remember my layering guide here? Same idea!) Whether it be a black dress like I’m wearing here, or a crisp, classic shirt and a pair of dark wash denim, or a printed blouse and a pencil skirt, it just depends on your office environment and company dress code!

2. Top it Off. Jackets, Vests, and Blazers are those add-ons that make all the difference! If you are planning to wear a graphic tee and a fluted skirt to meet the girls after work, just toss on a structured tweed blazer to make it work appropriate.

3. It’s all about the accessories! For desk-to-dinner dressing, you’re going to need a little collection of jewelry, scarves, and shoes to make your life a bit easier. Maybe even a hat or two to toss on before you leave your desk! While simple jewelry may be a bit more office appropriate, a statement necklace is the perfect piece to elevate your outfit for a night out. A fun scarf is a great way to print mix, but if you think your print-on-print is a bit much for the office, save it for happy hour. And when it comes to your feet, swapping your classic pumps or flats for a pair of fabulous heels is a no-brainer. Instant upgrade! Oh, and a little pop of color on your lips never hurt either! ๐Ÿ˜‰


Express Dress | Express Leather-Sleeve Jacket | 2 Layered Express Necklaces | Express Booties (on sale!) |ย Essie ‘After School Boy Blazer’

Photos: Rose Mayo

PS: Liz shared the sweetest recap from the event. Check it out here!

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32 Comments

  1. 10.7.13

    Sounds like you had a great time at the event! Congrats, and I love your leather sleeve jacket, looks so cute.

  2. 10.7.13
    Rachelle said:

    Love this jacket so perfect for Fall.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

  3. 10.7.13

    Oooh, love this jacket!

    xo,
    Tiffany
    shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

  4. 10.7.13
    Kimberly said:

    Great layering ideas here and I’m seriously loving the quilted shoulder detail on that jacket…gorgeous!

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

  5. 10.7.13
    Aunt Anne said:

    Love the look & always a fan of camel & black. I can see a future Take Two look w/some animal print easily fitting in here …skinny belt, scarf …switching up the necklace or w/tall boots. You always make look so easy! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. 10.7.13
    Sarah said:

    Great tips as always!

    The Purse Snatcher

  7. 10.7.13

    LOVE this look. That jacket is gorgeous!

    On the Daily Express

  8. 10.7.13
    Stacey said:

    Love the jacket! Tan & black is great winter combination!

    xoxo
    Stacey
    Five Minute Styleย 

  9. 10.7.13
    stephanie said:

    this jacket is very cool ๐Ÿ™‚
    xx Stephanie (www.stephaniesstyleblog.com)

  10. 10.7.13
    Vicki said:

    Perfect tips for looking put together this fall! Love that jacket, it looks cozy too!

    <3 Vicki
    wildeinthecity.blogspot.com

  11. 10.7.13
    Meagan said:

    I love that jacket! Definitely not work appropriate for the court room, but it would be perfect to swap with my suit jacket for dinner after work!

    -Meagan
    http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com

  12. 10.7.13
    Deanna said:

    Loooove that jacket, Jessica!

    xx
    Because I’m Obsessed

  13. 10.7.13
    Shelbylain said:

    I’m sooooo obsessed with necklaces like these! I’m all about chains and tassels this fall!

  14. 10.7.13
    EXPRESS said:

    Great tips, lady! We loved having you at the event – almost as much as we love your chic look in this post! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. 10.7.13
    Shira said:

    You look amazing and I am soooo crushing on that jacket!!

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

  16. 10.7.13
    Chelsea said:

    Love your tips Jessica! That jacket is such a cool layering piece for Fall/Winter.

    xoxo,
    Chelsea & The City

  17. 10.7.13
    Olivia said:

    Okay, that jacket seriously looks so warm and comfortable! I feel like I would live in that during the winter. I love how it looks over your LBD!

  18. 10.7.13
    Liz said:

    Ahh! Thank you so much for the shout out ๐Ÿ™‚ I had an amazing time and above all, I was so excited to meet you and get the “scoop” on some fab styling tips.
    What you do is magic, and I thank you so much for your advice. I would love to connect again, perhaps a Q&A for a savvy fashionista or your thoughts on Lucky FABB?

    Keep doing what you do–you know I’ll be supporting!

    {Liz}

  19. 10.7.13
    Agi said:

    Gorgeous outfit as always Jessica and i totally agree about layering onto something a basic.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

  20. 10.7.13

    I love the leather accents on that blazer. Hope you’ll stop by my giveaway this week; Phillip Lim x Target bags up for grabs.

    Rebecca {at} Preppy Panache

  21. 10.7.13
    Ellen said:

    I love camel and black, you look beautiful and I’m so proud of you! That was an awesome summary by Liz, as well!

  22. 10.7.13
    Lauren said:

    Beautiful jacket! I love the leather details!

  23. 10.7.13

    Love these desk to dinner tips – all so true. Accessories are our best friends!!

    Trendy Mondays – your online destination for Indie European designs.

  24. 10.7.13
    Mamalina said:

    Great, useful tips and a lovely outfit! Perfect combo!

    Hugs,

    Mamalina

    http://dresssidestory.blogspot.ro/

  25. 10.7.13
    Zoe said:

    Oh my gosh. I love this post! Thank you so much for sharing these tips <3
    xoxo Zoe

    http://www.thatszoe.blogspot.com

  26. 10.7.13
    Rose said:

    Obsessed with the leather detail on the jacket-you looked so great on Thursday, congrats on a fab event! ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. 10.7.13

    Love that jacket, the mix of materials is super cool!

    Cee. โ™ฅ
    Code Overdressed

  28. 10.7.13
    Danielle said:

    loving this look for fall! especially the jacket! camel + black has always been a fave color combo of mine.

    xo,
    danielle

  29. 10.8.13
    Lucy said:

    I love your jacket. It’s uber cool.

    Lucy

  30. 10.14.13
    Kodi said:

    That jacket is goooood — keep liking what I see on the flyers Express sends out, clearly time for me to get in store and check things out in person!
    -Kodi
    grey et al

  31. 8.10.14

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