From Desk to Drinks
My weekday routine looks a little something like this: It starts with school drop off, followed by desk time at my office. From there, I run out to a client meeting (or three), then back to the office (now my dressing room/salon) where I get ready to head out for dinner with my husband or drinks with the girls. Needless to say, I don’t have time to head home for multiple wardrobe changes. My outfit has to seamlessly take me from 9am - 9pm without much hassle.
Dressing from day to evening can stump even your most seasoned fashion pro (myself included)! You want to be comfortable, appropriate, and chic in all the moments of your day--most of which have very different demands. The good news is, this seemingly impossible feat can be achieved with a little planning (and expert style advice of course ;). Ditch your massive tote that doubles as a traveling closet and use these step-by-step hacks to take your outfit through the punches of your day.
01Put a Blazer On It
Don’t let those GNO dresses fool you--they aren’t just for the weekends. Let your night out dresses take you from the break room to the bar in just a few simple steps.
Start with your favorite night out dress and use it as the base of your outfit for the day. Think something silk-y, in dark solid or small print, and appropriate to be layered.
Chances are, this dress doesn’t exactly scream “business professional” on its own, so add a chic, structured blazer.
Still need an office-appropriate boost? Layer a turtleneck and/or tights under the dress. Warm out? Stick with the light blazer and pointy flats.
When the clock hits 6pm, shake off your layers, put down those luscious locks, add a bold lip, and get ready to hit the town!
02Something Leather
Stocking your wardrobe with a few versatile leather (or faux leather) pieces is an easy way to elevate your all-day look without much effort. The key to transitioning your leather from day to evening is pairing it with the right footwear.
Leather pants + silk top = day : sneaker // night : heeled bootie
Leather pencil/midi skirt + cashmere knit = day : knee high boot // night : strappy heel
Leather dress + block heel = day : block heel // night : tall suede boot
03Touch
Nothing says ‘corporate’ more than a boring and basic blouse and trouser / skirt combo. Steer clear of ultra basics, and instead add in points of interest if you want your look to resonate after dark. Don’t know where to start, or afraid you’ll go too far in the other direction? Pick one and done:
Something printed : blouse, shoe or pant/skirt
Something detailed : knit/top with a sleeve or other impactful detail
Something textured : dress or skirt with textured fabric (think leather (above;), suede, chunky knit, velvet, etc.)
You’re officially ready to take your hectic day by storm--and you definitely deserve happy hour at the end of it ; ). The good news is, you now have all the tools you need to leave your traveling closet at home and still show up occasion-appropriate and ultra chic no matter where your day (or night) may take you.
