Date night but no time to run home and change after work? We’ve all been there- scrambling to figure out what to wear that will be appropriate for both the office and a night out on the town. Once you know the basics of transitioning an outfit from day to night, you’ll find it really is a cinch to do in a pinch.
1. Add a layer
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit look more formal for evening is to add a great jacket, blazer, or cardigan. Wear a simple dress or blouse to work and then spruce it up by adding a fun layer on top. It’ll also help keep the evening chill at bay once the sun starts to set.
2. Go for bold accessories
You can really make an outfit pop when you wear the right accessories. Evening calls for something bold and exciting, so think big hoop earrings, a dazzling cuff bracelet, or a chunky chainlink necklace. You can easily slip these on in the car on your way to your evening plans.
3. Drama is key when it comes to makeup
A fresh face is perfect for daytime, but nighttime is when it’s time to bring on the drama. Go daring with a smokey eye or a striking red lip. You can really play off your daytime outfit by picking out your favorite colors from the outfit and popping it on your lips, cheeks, or eyes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the wide color palette.
4. The right bag can make or break an outfit
What works during the day is definitely not the same as what works at night when it comes to a bag. A casual handbag is fine for the office, but a night out on the town calls for something different. A cute clutch is ideal for evening because it’s a bit more formal and not so bulky, but if you prefer something bigger, a fun leather tote is also appropriate.
5. It’s all about the shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit, but they are also the easiest thing to change to bring your outfit from day to night. A pair of flats or sandals are comfortable for wearing all day at work, but they’re too casual for an evening out. Pick an exciting shoe, like a snakeskin bootie or a pair of fire-engine red stilettos. They can make even an old pair of jeans look fresh and fun.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of effort to transition an outfit from day to night. As long as you start with a good base, you can add pretty much anything to it to give it an upgrade. Spritz on a little perfume and you’ll be ready to take on the night.
