The Social Hour: Los Angeles

Where do the pretty things go to socialize and sparkle when the sun sets? What do they wear to meet clients, woo their boos, or dance up a storm? Most importantly, when they’re looking for a little face time, what are their beauty secrets?

It’s not always all fun and games. Sometimes, you have to show your colleagues, a client, or a room full of peers not only how professional you are, but how perfectly, appropriately stylish you can be. But career-minded doesn’t always have to mean conservative. Staying minimalist and elegant, just like the Standard or the Mondrian, will give you the sway to rule the room.

Los Angeles is a rock-and-roll town — but every city has their basement clubs, hole-in-the-wall music spots, and big concert venues where you shake off a day at the office and vamp it up a bit. Whether you'll be throwing your fists up at The Echo or sharing drinks with drummers at Villains Tavern, drama and a tour bus full of color is your best bet for drawing eyes in those darkened rooms.

The fireworks during the first time out with that intriguing guy shouldn't be coming from your look — but rather from when your eyes meet. A subtle, sweet approach is best when you're getting to know each other. That said, a perfectly placed punch of coral color will do wonders for your confidence and a number on his heart.

Unlike a fun first date, a night on the town with your BFFs is no time to be subtle. Still, going overboard could hurt your game. Offer up an sultry look with a nude lip and dark eyes paired with a red-hot number, and dance the night away at Harvard and Stone.