10 Day-to-Night Ideas & the Pieces that Make Them Work
At Arthur, one of the most common requests we hear from our members is a day-to-night look that can take them from the office to drinks. Whether those drinks are part of a networking event, blowing off steam with colleagues, or going out for dinner with friends, it can be challenging if you feel your work clothes don’t match your next destination. It doesn’t matter if you spend your day in a business-casual environment or a more formal atmosphere, it can be a hard to make the same outfit work for more than ten hours.
Figuring out what pieces transport you from day to night is one of the trickiest fashion hurdles, but once you have your favorite combos, its one of the most reliable ways to feel stylish at all times. Below are some ideas for how to make the transition, including pieces you can add or swap, and the top picks to make it happen.
To get started, here are a few looks that don’t need any adjustments, they’ll take you easily from work to your next destination. Of course you can always play with your hair and make-up.
Go Monochrome (Ready-To-Go)
The easiest way to take an outfit from day to night, without swapping anything, is to go with a monochrome look. Even if the pieces themselves are casual, the color palette will look polished in the office and will carry over easily into night. Consider a simple white blouse with laid-back trousers, and penny loafers and vest to give the look some edge.
Wide-Leg Pants + Fitted Turtleneck (Ready-To-Go)
The shape of the pants combined with the simplicity and clean cut of the turtleneck makes it appropriate for multiple environments while still giving you an opportunity to make a statement.
Sweater Dress + Leather Jacket (Ready-To-Go)
An easy pairing is a sweater dress and a cool moto jacket. The sweater dress will blend in in almost any office environment, while the jacket will help balance out the look at night. Pair the items with a Chelsea boot to pull the look together.
Jumpsuit or a Matching Set (Ready-To-Go)
The beauty of both these options is they are both statements all on their own — so add whatever accessories or layers you’d like, they’ll all work when put on top of either a professional-level jumpsuit or matching skirt set.
If you’re willing and able to carry a few additions in your bag or keep some at the office, here are a few pieces that will adapt your day outfit to make it suitable for the night.
A Trendy Blazer (Add-On)
This isn’t your dad’s suit jacket — finding a well-fitting, feminine blazer to throw over jeans and a sweater is an easy way to step up your evening game
A Statement Necklace (Add-On)
While you could theoretically copy this style with a sweater or blouse with a jeweled collar, having the option to take this element on or off is always nice. These necklaces can make blouses seem less corporate and make tee-shirts seem more formal, so no matter what your office dress is, they’re a great item to throw on at the end of the day.
A Bomber Jacket (Add-On)
Alternatively, adding a bomber jacket is an easy way to dress down any office outfit and make it more cool. Consider a floral pattern to also add more femininity into what you’re wearing or keep it edgy with darker solid colors.
If you’re willing and able to go the extra mile, you can even swap one item for another. Here are few ideas that will certainly move the needle when it comes to the nighttime transition:
Pencil Skirt → Leather Pants (Swap)
A pencil skirt is considered a work staple, and no doubt will get a check mark from your colleagues. But it’s not always the most comfortable item for cocktails. Consider swapping your traditional skirt for some leather pants and you’ll be set for the evening. Pair both with a ruffled top and simple sling-back low heels.
Workbag → Fun Clutch (Swap)
If you can swing leaving some belongings at the office, you can make any outfit more fun by trading in your workbag for a small, more festive clutch or purse. You’ll feel mentally and physically lighter, and able to take on the evening without the weight of a laptop.
Flats → Block Heel (Swap)
Sometimes all you need is a little lift. Changing your shoes from daytime flats to a more supportive heel will certainly up your nighttime game and make your look more evening-appropriate.
All these looks are super easy to replicate and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways. The key is finding the look that makes you feel most comfortable no matter where you’re going.
Leigh Sevin is co-founder of Arthur, a membership for women to help them discover and manage their work wardrobe.
