In a town with so many cocktail parties, it’s important to have your day-to-night wardrobe on lock. But no one wants to tote a whole change of clothing to work, so here are some quick tips for a seamless transition.
A midi skirt and turtleneck can be dressed up for dinner or down for happy hour, and jeans are always easy to pair with boots here are some fashion tips.
1. Dress in neutrals
While we love a brightly colored dress as much as the next girl, for the office-to-evening transition, neutrals are the way to go. Black, white, and beige are extremely professional but also look chic for dinner. Plus, they pair well with many different colors, making them easy to wear with a range of accessories.
If your employer hasn’t specified a formal dress code for the evening, opt for something elegant yet casual such as a long neutral maxi gown. It’s the perfect outfit for a dinner party or wedding reception, and it won’t have you looking like an over-50 member of Kanye’s crew.
If you have dark hair, consider wearing browns in your outfit, as they will naturally accentuate and reflect the shade of your locks. Or, choose a neutral shade that’s a similar hue to your skin tone. The key is to make your neutrals pop with interesting texture, pattern, and accessories. For example, you might want to combine a sheath dress with a woven bag in a contrasting shade or style a print button-down blouse and chinos with a solid sheath dress.
3. Keep it simple
Today’s women often have a busy schedule that includes errands and dinners outside of work as well as the typical 9-to-5 duties. For this reason keeping a few extra pieces in your closet is a great idea. For example, by adding a few simple accessories like earrings or a bold fashion scarf you can transform an outfit from office to evening in no time at all. Even a pair of heels and a statement necklace are enough to dress up jeans and a sheath. For a more casual look, a pair of fun ripped jeans is also an option that looks great for night.
4. Dress for the occasion
fashion trends out what to wear to every occasion on your calendar can be daunting. But with some smart outfit selections, you can look chic and put together at any event this year, from weddings and networking events to charity 3K runs and barbecues.
For a networking event, choose an outfit that is a step up from what you would normally wear to work. A blazer with a slim-fit skirt or pants will instantly elevate the look, says fashion stylist Cindy Conroy.
If you are attending a funeral or wake, avoid sexy and revealing outfits. Instead, opt for a knee-length dress or pencil skirt. This will show that you respect the occasion and are professional, says Williamson.