Desk to Dinner and Drinks

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

The life of a freelancer is always go-go-go! Sure, there are some days where I’m at my desk from dawn to dusk, but more often than not there’s a whole lot of running around. Coffee meetings with both brands and like-minded entrepreneurs, press previews, photo shoots, networking events after work, you name it. One of the hardest things for me to get a handle on when I left my “day job” and became a full-time freelancer was figuring out time management. I said yes to everything that I wasn’t able to before – every daytime preview and event, and was scheduling more of my meetings during the day. But I felt like I wasn’t getting anything done, was spending my entire day commuting, and was still up until the wee hours of the morning cranking out a post for the next day.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

I quickly realized that the back-and-forth between home and meetings was a total time suck. A year and a half later, I make sure I schedule at least one (preferably two) days with absolutely no daytime meetings, events, or obligations. These “desk days” are absolutely crucial for me to stay on track with all of the nitty gritty tasks and to-do’s.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. She's wearing an all-white summertime outfit made up of a long-line blazer, a silky tank top, lace shorts, and lace-up leather heels.

Days when I do schedule meetings and say yes to events, however, I tend to stay out all day long. I either try to schedule everything back-to-back, or with a significant chunk of time in between (1-3 hours) so I can stop to eat, get a coffee, and open up my computer to knock a few things off my to-do list or wrangle my inbox.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. Accessories include: a gold Apple MacBook, a leather Gigi New York journal, and a palm leaf phone case by Minnie & Emma.

For days when I’m out and about all day, an outfit that effortlessly takes me from all of my daytime meetings to evening events is absolutely essential. Express just launched the new collection of Express Edition that’s perfect for creating an elevated look to take you from your desk to drinks and dinner. I paired this white, long-line blazer with a pair of white lace shorts, and a silky top for a chic, all-white summer look. I love how each of these three pieces will easily mix and match into my wardrobe, but look so chic when paired together, too. This long-line blazer will look great with both skinny and flared jeans and the lace shorts can effortlessly be dressed down on the weekend with a simple blouse and sandals.

What are some of your go-to day-to-night outfits and wardrobe staples during the work week?!

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Get the Look…

Express Edition Blazer
Express Edition Lace Shorts
Express Edition Racerback Tank
Express Sunglasses
Vince Camuto Lace-Up Pumps
Cuyana Leather Tote
Gigi NY Leather Journal
Minnie & Emma Palm Leaf Phone Case
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Bracelet
Michael Kors Watch
Katie Dean ‘Bae’ Necklace
Katie Dean Druzy Ring

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. She's wearing an all-white summertime outfit made up of a long-line blazer, a silky tank top, lace shorts, and lace-up leather heels.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. Accessories include: a gold Apple MacBook, a leather Gigi New York journal, and a palm leaf phone case by Minnie & Emma.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. Accessories include: a gold Apple MacBook, a leather Gigi New York journal, and a palm leaf phone case by Minnie & Emma.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. She's wearing an all-white summertime outfit made up of a long-line blazer, a silky tank top, lace shorts, and lace-up leather heels.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. She's wearing an all-white summertime outfit made up of a long-line blazer, a silky tank top, lace shorts, and lace-up leather heels.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. Accessories include: a gold Apple MacBook, a leather Gigi New York journal, and a palm leaf phone case by Minnie & Emma.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. Accessories include: a gold Apple MacBook, a leather Gigi New York journal, and a palm leaf phone case by Minnie & Emma.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank, lace shorts, and lace-up heels for a chic summertime look.

Bows & Sequins working on her computer at the outdoor Bow Truss coffee shop in the Gold Coast at Mariano Park in Chicago. She's wearing an all-white summertime outfit made up of a long-line blazer, a silky tank top, lace shorts, and lace-up leather heels.

Bows & Sequins wearing an all-white outfit that's perfect for going from the workday to dinner and drinks! Pair a long-line white blazer with a silky tank and lace shorts for a chic summertime look.

Created in partnership with Express

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22 Comments

  1. 7.7.16
    Emma said:

    I love this all white look, great shorts!
    emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

  2. 7.7.16
    Samantha said:

    I’d love to hear your tips for keeping hair and makeup fresh and comfortable all day and night without stopping home 🙂

  3. 7.7.16
    Natali said:

    Whiteout!!! You’re looking sophisticated and summertime ready in this outfit. 🙂

    http://lartoffashion.com

  4. 7.7.16
    Maggie said:

    I think those lace shorts are adorable! I don’t typically care for Express but I love this look!

    -Maggie http://www.thatgirlmags.com

  5. 7.7.16
    Jenn Lake said:

    Flawless! Loving these layers on you, lady!

  6. 7.7.16
    Meghan said:

    LOVE this ensemble on you. When can I borrow it 🙂

  7. 7.7.16
    Ellen said:

    Time management is such a struggle! There aren’t enough hours in the day. Would love to learn more about your day to day schedule as a freelancer.

    Ellen | A Pop of Pink

  8. 7.7.16
    Jen said:

    Love this look on you, Jess! Especially love the way you accessorized. Also love watching your snaps – you crack me up. x

    Jen | affecionada

  9. 7.7.16
    Courtney said:

    Love the all white look! So chic! 🙂

    champagneandcitylights.com

  10. 7.8.16
    Polly said:

    Those lace shorts are so cute! Love the all white outfit!

    Polly
    http://gemsandjoy.com

  11. 7.8.16
    Sophie said:

    Gorgeous outfit! Sophie x

    sophiehmstewart.com

  12. 7.8.16
    MODENOVA said:

    What a beautiful outfit. Perfect for summer! Continue the great work!
    Best, MODENOVA I http://www.modenova.com

  13. 7.8.16
    Shannon said:

    This outfit looks SO great! Very put together. Love the tiny details (lace shorts, crisp white sunnies, and arm candy)!

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    shannoninthecity.com

  14. 7.8.16
    Meg said:
  15. 7.8.16
    Minau said:

    This look is awesome!

  16. 7.11.16
    Liz Adams said:

    This outfit is PERFECT. I want to be wearing it now.

  17. 7.13.16
    Victoria said:

    OBSESSED WITH THIS – how do those shorts run? TTS? Same with the blazer? I may be copying this look because that’s how much I LOVE IT!! XOXO

  18. 8.13.16
    Emily Piskulick said:

    i’m obsessed with this look – so chic! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/