With a day job, errands outside of work and dinners to attend, the line between office chic and casual night attire can be difficult to strike. Luckily, there are some easy and chic fashion tips that will help you look your best from the cubicle to cocktails.
The key is in the accessories. Try a blouse in lace or a silky number that goes with relaxed-fit trousers or boots.
1. Keep It Neutral
Today’s women often have a long list of responsibilities and obligations that extend well past the work day. As a result, they need to look professional during the workday and stylish for a night out. The key to achieving this is to build your wardrobe with neutral pieces that are both business-appropriate and chic for a night on the town.
When building your wardrobe with neutrals, it’s best to stick to the colors that flatter you most. People with cool skin tones will look great in blues, emerald green, deep purple, ruby red, and lavender. Those with warm skin will look beautiful in yellows, oranges, golds, and olive greens.
A classic pencil skirt and a silk blouse are office appropriate, but when you change up the top to something more feminine and flirty like a lace tee, the outfit becomes office-to-evening-ready in no time. You can also add a sleek leather jacket and strappy heels to complete the outfit.
2. Keep It Simple
When you’re headed out for the evening, try keeping a few simple accessories stashed in your purse to instantly dress up an outfit. A simple leather jacket can transform a sheath dress and cardigan into a flattering and fashionable night-out look, while a pair of strappy heels can add a stylish finish to skinny jeans. If you’re a fan of dresses, keep a few versatile styles in your wardrobe like PrettyGarden’s Belted Dress that cinches the waist to show off your figure or Amoretu’s Tunic Swing Dress that can be worn off-the-shoulder for a more relaxed feel.
If you don’t have the time to change out of a dress, consider adding bold fashion scarves or jewelry to your outfit. Evening events fashion trends can often be last minute, so it’s good to have extra accessories on hand in case you need a quick change. This way, you’ll be ready to go when your day ends and it’s time for dinner and cocktails.
3. Keep It Comfortable
A busy working woman has a lot to do, and there are often dinners to be had or errands to run after work that don’t call for the same attire. A good solution is to invest in a few pairs of neutral-colored bottoms that you can use for both business and casual outfits. This way, you can wear the same pants for a day and then switch out the top and accessories for a night out.
According to fashion stylist Cindy Conroy, a pair of skinny black pants are great for office-to-evening outfits, especially when worn with a lace or sheer blouse. She also recommends investing in a long, well-fitting coat or bomber jacket to transform your look.
Luxury accessories like a designer bag, jewelry, or watch can help you look more refined, mature, and sophisticated at the workplace. Choose pieces from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, or Hermes Birkin. You can also find these types of items at discounted prices on designer resale websites.
4. Keep It Stylish
When it comes to work-to-evening transitional dressing, you want to make sure your look still feels chic. One way to do this is by adding bold accessories that can take your outfit from office-appropriate to party-ready.
For example, if you’re wearing a sheath dress with a cardigan and sleek pumps, add a pair of dangly earrings or a bright fashion scarf to the mix to give your outfit some extra oomph. You can also add eye-catching shoes to your outfit, such as a pair of platform sneakers with a floral printed sheath dress or luxe loafers with a polished denim skirt.
If you’re looking for office-appropriate yet chic shoes, fashion stylist Cindy Conroy recommends styles from brands like Loewe and Chloe. As for eye-catching jewelry, consider a dainty choker from Laura Lombardi or a sleek Mejuri necklace to elevate your look. Lastly, don’t forget to add some sparkle with a glittery clutch from Valentino or Gucci.
