Living busy lives as we all do these days, something that can come up on your social calendar rather commonly is an event “after hours”. Whether this is after hours with co-workers, friends, a significant other, or whomever, it can lead to thoughts of “What can I wear to work that will transition well to my evening social gathering?” No one wants to add more laundry to the mix (it’s the one thing that NEVER leaves us, after all), so why not make use of what you have already put on your body?
I love the idea of day-to-night style because as a Stylist, I want my Clients to own pieces that are versatile enough in their closets that they work for different occasions. Daytime style and nighttime style are very different. During the day, you want to be more modest when you are in the office or going to appointments and you want your outfit to be elevated and more chic when you head out for dinner or drinks.
Today, I’m going to explore some options for transitioning your look from day to night based upon the type of nighttime event you may be going to. First, I am going to share some tips on how to easily and quickly change your look without a lot of effort. You can change just one of these to make a difference, but layer them together (particularly Tips 1-4) and it exponentially ups the ante on your look!
Tip 1: An easy way to quickly change your look is to change up your jacket or to add one! Let’s say that you are wearing a standard black blazer with your dress pants and printed blouse during the day. Switch the jacket to a leather moto jacket and your look has changed.
Tip 2: Let’s now move to the feet. A shoe change can make a dramatic impact on your outfit. Let’s say you are wearing a flat loafer to the office. Change your shoe to a black sparkly pump and it will completely change the vibe of your look.
Tip 3: I’ve said it before and you will continue to hear me say it: Accessories are the icing on your outfit cake. The majority of women take a minimalist look to their jewelry at the office. By simply adding a statement ring or bracelet and a statement necklace or a statement earring, you will go from daytime appropriate to up-level chic for your after hours game.
Tip 4: Another simple but impactful change is to amp up your makeup. Wear a bold lip or a smoky eye for the nighttime and it makes a different statement. You can also change your hair. Throw it up into a chic ponytail or an updo for an elegant evening (if you chose a statement earring, this allows for you to show them off) OR if you had your hair up during the day, let it down and add some loose curls.
Tip 5: This last tip is the anti-Tip 1. LOL. This tip is to remove a jacket. This is a great one if you have a dressier top or tank underneath and you are going a bit more laid back for the evening. Maybe you chose to wear a sequin or lacy top under your jacket at the office, but all buttoned up so you couldn’t really see much of it. Taking the jacket OFF will dial up the “sexy”.
Okay, now that we have discussed some easy tips for transitioning your look from day to night, here are some outfit ideas that will take you from Daytime to an Evening setting in a snap. I’m showing you a “before” look for the daytime and an “after” look for the nighttime.
After Work Happy Hour with the Girls
Daytime Look:
Simple statement blouse, Trouser jeans, and nude pumps for the office
Nighttime Look:
Wear the same Trouser jeans and heels, but switch out the blouse for something a bit more glam, add on a Moto-style Jacket, and put on some fun statement earrings. Throw your hair up to show off those earrings!
Dinner Date with your Significant Other
Daytime Look:
A classic pencil pant with a basic (but scalloped) white shell with a statement jacket, and some fun red Rothy’s.
Nighttime Look:
Switch out the Ankle pant for a pair of Faux Leather pants, add a glam necklace and bracelet, and a pair of sparkly wedges. BOOM!
After work Theater Event
Daytime Look:
A pretty floral dress topped off with a neutral topper and some easy ballet flats.
Nighttime Look:
Add on a chic Bolero, some fun statement earrings, a statement bracelet, and a fun pair of heeled sandals.
After Hours Concert
Daytime Look:
Dressed-up casual during the day with a pair of Skinny jeans, a black basic tee with a black Boyfriend Blazer, a minimal necklace and a pair of simple ballet flats.
Nighttime Look:
Glam it up with the same Skinny jeans, but throw on a graphic rocker tee, a sparkly jacket, glam shoes, and a pair of fantastic statement earrings and bracelet and you’ll be ready to dance it out!
Formal Event
Daytime Look:
If you have to run straight to a formal event after your day at the office, wear your LBD all day long, topped off with a simple duster cardigan with a few details and a simple necklace with an office-appropriate pump heel.
Nighttime Look:
As you have to skate out the door, toss your hair up, lose the cardigan and add some pearls to your look with a fun blingy heel and you are ready to go in a flash!
I hope that this post has inspired you to consider what you wear during the day when you have plans out in the evening. Maybe it has opened your mind to making use of a more versatile wardrobe and really making use of the pieces you own and purchase!
Stylishly Yours,
PS – if you need help to create a versatile closet that works hard for you, I can help! Hop over to my website and sign up for a consultation call and let me help you!