From Desk To Dinner: Transitional Fashion
As the cooler months settle in, we’re leaning into fashion that works double-time. Think: sharp silhouettes, rich textures, and pieces that take you from office hours to after-dark, effortlessly. Whether it’s a power lunch or last-minute dinner plans, these styles are all about ease, polish, and just the right amount of drama.
With high-rotation staples from Cue, Zara, Seed Heritage, Nine West and beauty essentials from Mecca, Wintergarden is your one-stop destination for day-to-night dressing. Plus, with new restaurants in Brisbane popping up weekly, there’s never been a better time to stay ready for anything.
The Two-Piece Suit
A well-tailored two-piece suit is the cornerstone of any capsule wardrobe. This charcoal grey set from Zara, with its streamlined trousers and matching vest, is sleek, structured, and endlessly versatile. For the workday, add a crisp white shirt for that extra layer (ideal for surviving the office air con), and ground the look with mesh flats.
Once the day wraps up, simply swap your structured tote for a bag with texture or colour, and elevate your makeup with a bold eyeliner flick. Instant transformation, minimal effort.
Pictured: Grey pant and vest from Zara, white button down from Seed Heritage, mesh flats from Nine West, bag from Sheike, eyeliner from Charlotte Tilbury at Mecca.
The Mini Skirt Set
Who said minis were just for the weekend? This matching mini skirt and cropped blazer set offers a chic yet office-appropriate silhouette when styled with ballet flats and a leather tote. Layer with a button-down shirt, sleek turtleneck or sheer stockings for added polish.
When it’s time to head out, go for gold, literally. Swap your tote for a beaded clutch, add a shimmer to your cheekbones with Charlotte Tilbury’s cult highlighter, and let your night begin.
Pictured: Crepe mini skirt and matching jacket from Zara, tote bag from Seed Heritage, sequin clutch from Zara, ballet flats from Seed Heritage, highlighter from Charlotte Tilbury at Mecca.
The Silky Dress
A silky dress is one of those wardrobe unicorns: dressy without being overdone, and universally flattering. Cue’s green number brings elegance with ease. Keep it structured during work hours with a tailored hourglass blazer and knee-high boots.
For post-meeting drinks, remove the blazer, add a statement earring, and pull your hair into a slick bun using Le Labo’s Styling Concrete for a polished, clean look that feels intentional but effortless.
Pictured: Green dress from Cue, blazer from Sheike, boots from Nine West, Le Labo Styling Concrete from Mecca.
The LBD (Little Black Dress)
Every wardrobe needs a little black dress, and this off-the-shoulder knit version from Sheike delivers day-to-night potential in one sleek sweep. For a daytime spin, wear it on the shoulder with a cropped trench and a fringed leather tote for added texture.
By night, peel off the outer layers, slip into classic black heels, pop on gold statement earrings, and finish with a bold red lip for that iconic after-dark glamour.
Pictured: Fringe leather tote from Zara, cropped trench from Sheike, black knit dress from Sheike, leather heels from Zara, gold earrings from Sheike, red lipstick from Violette_FR at Mecca.
From professional polish to elevated evening wear, Wintergarden has everything you need to bridge the gap between desk and dinner, without missing a beat. Looking for Autumn outfit inspiration beyond office wear, read our Autumn Fashion Forecast, sharing the key trends to have on your radar this season.