From desk to dinner: The secrets of celebs

IT'S Friday night and you have to go straight from the office to meet up with your friends. But how can you do it without arriving in a fluster? Here, six celebs let us in on their little social secrets....

Catriona Rowntree at the Lara Food & Wine Festival held at Pirra Homestead. Picture: Supplied

It is possibly one of the most difficult of wardrobe dilemmas - just how to go from the office desk to that smarty pants after work drinks or dinner - without heading home for a costume change.

A minimum of fuss, time and effort is needed when you are trying to fit in a social life with the thing that actually makes it all happen - your job!

In the first part of our celebrity style tips series, we've canvassed a few of our favourite and stylish celebs who have let us in on their little social secrets.

Whether a lippie change, a quick whipped-up ponytail or a high heel shoe change, any of these may be all it takes to take you from a meeting to a mocktail, from a conference to canape.

Catriona Rowntree, TV personality and mum:

"For me it's often 'how do I go from the plane to the party?','' says the globetrotting Nine face.

"If I stick to classics with my clothes, definitely something that doesn't crush, I can take it up a notch with my accessories that are easy to carry in my bag.

"Swap the simple earrings (that my children won't attack) for a beloved pair of chandelier diamond earrings, whip off the boots for some sparkly sandals and freshen up the makeup. "Maybe a bit of shimmer across the décolletage, a brighter gloss and a quick hair fix.

Catriona is a big supporter of the less-is-more style scenario.

"It's often better to pare it down, rather than freak people out by adding too much. Never underestimate the versatility of a great handbag, a tiny dab of your favourite perfume and a breath mint,'' she adds.

"Oh and good eye drops never go astray.''

Chloe Maxwell, TV host, model and author:

"My tip to casually move from desk to dinner would be a nice pair of dangly earrings.'' says the Gold Coast based model and commentator.

"Also, some red lipstick, a little darker eyeliner and a well styled scarf never goes astray.''

Renya Xydis, celebrity hairdresser:

For the hair stylist who looks after the tresses of names like Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Miranda Otto and Collette Dinnigan, the Valonz Haircutters boss has one tip.

"It's all about dry shampoo that you can spray into the roots to give the hair texture and it also absorbs the hair's oils, so is a saviour if your hair is dirty,'' Renya tells me.

"Bungee elastics too, are easy-to-use and make your hair look seamless, so once you have sprayed the dry shampoo in, pull the hair into a sleek ponytail and secure with a bungee.''

Renya also suggests you can have an office bathroom play around with a Cloud Nine wand.

"The wand heats up in seconds with a one touch temperature control to suit the thickness of your hair so there is less damage.

"Simply section your hair into sections to give your hair a softer wave. Start from the back, wrap your hair along the barrel and go higher if you want a tighter wave or go towards the base for a bigger curl.

"Spray the dry shampoo throughout the hair, tip you head upside down and you are ready to go.''

Renya says there have been lot of hair 'oils' on the market (to counterbalance any hair 'ironing' but Wella is her fave.

"I am obsessed with the Wella SP new Luxe Oil, as they have waited a while to perfect it and I think they have created the best oil the best on the market.''

Lizzy Lovette at Smooth FM 1st Birthday at The Ivy, Sydney.

Lizzy Lovette, TV face, new mum and commentator:

"When it comes to going from desk to dinner, my no-fail tip is to add a killer statement necklace,'' says Lizzy.

"Go for something with a bit of bling, a pop of colour, something that will grab attention and instantly transition the outfit into night-time chic.''

Donny Galella, Westfield fashion stylist and TV personality:

"For guys, if you wear a suit, shirt and tie to work, then simply loose the tie and loosen your top two buttons when you head to dinner,'' says the well-regarded stylist.

"You could also consider a jacket swap, leave the suit jacket at work and add a leather jacket or smart cardigan.''

As for the Galella advice for females, Donny suggests women wear a dress to work.

"Wear something tailored, chic and versatile then swap the more conservative work shoes for some fun pumps and add a statement accessory like a necklace or earrings,'' Donny says.

"If you have time, don't be afraid to add some drama to your makeup, a bold red lip or add a smoky eye.''

Annalise Braakensiek, model and lingerie designer:

The answer from the uber-healthy model and fitness princess is simple: "Oh I definitely think a swish of MAC Lady Danger red lippie does the trick!''

###