As evidenced by my heavy inclusion of “casual outfit posts,” I’ve been experiencing a bit of a conundrum this fall: how exactly can I stylishly transition from my days full of work/meetings to a pulled-together, chic look for evening events? So far this autumn, I haven’t been putting in enough effort, meaning I usually show up around 5 pm to events so sick of whatever outfit I put on at 7 am that it might as well be maternity wear (well, maternity wear from 20 years ago…retailers are making chic alternatives now). I thought I would do myself a favour (and hopefully share a trick or two with some of you) by learning how to elevate my casual day looks into something I’m proud to wear out and about in the evening, and to do it all without having to lug around a whole change of clothes!
This is a very typical day look for me nowadays: doubled-up tights (you’d be shocked by how much that extra layer improves warmth), comfortable booties, my huge Roots bag that holds my life and more, an easy-to-wear dress and winter accessories for heat-insulation.
Now here’s the switch-up: in my ginormous bag, I’ve stowed away a thin clutch (which takes up virtually no room), two festive pieces of jewelry and a spin pin from Goody.
Now twist your hair up into a low side bun, throw on the jewelry, put your gloves, scarf and jacket in your bag and stow it away (or leave it at the office) et voilà – you’re ready! If you want to really shed a bit more, you could take off one of the pairs of tights (leaving on the patterned one perhaps), but even in packed rooms I’m usually still freezing so I’ve opted to leave both on. Wherever you choose to focus your efforts when transitioning a look from day to night, here are a few tips:
1. Unless you really have nowhere to leave it, keep the laptop, notebooks, etc. at work or at home. Nothing’s more annoying than carrying around a huge bag that weighs a ton around at an event (trust me, I speak from experience i.e. this is usually me at every single event I attend).
2. Think high impact in small packages: lipstick and jewelry can make a big style statement while weighing close to nothing.
3. Bringing a change of heels means you don’t have to suffer during the day, but if you can find a pair of more elegant booties that are also practical enough to traipse around town in, then that’s one less thing you have to worry about carrying.
4. If you’re a dress person, then let your dress do the heavy work. Take this LBD I have on, for example. It’s warm enough to wear during the day but nice enough to wear to an event. Keep day-to-night practicality in mind when shopping for dresses during the cold seasons.
Outfit 1:
Darling dress from Violet Hill, Aldo booties, TNA scarf, Twenty8Twelve leather jacket,
bag c/o Roots, Club Monaco gloves, Wilfred belt
Outfit 2:
Earrings c/o Keltie Leanne, bracelet c/o lia sophia, Club Monaco clutch,
Darling dress from Violet Hill, Aldo booties
I love this dress! It's the perfect LBD for the holiday season. Esp one that can take you from work to a Holiday after hours party. Love how you styled both looks.
http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/
That dress is beautiful and that clutch is amazing. Stunning look.
Ginny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
You did the day-to-night thing amazingly!
Shannon
bigdreamsnandexpensivetaste.blogspot.com
Amazing dress, I like it the way you play with it a night and day
kiss
Aurélie
@www.lespetitesbullesdemavie.blogspot.com
Such a great idea! I like the little changes that jewelry can make! You look so so chic!
~Sara
Day to night posts are my favourite posts even though I usually have nowhere to go. You look stunning of course and I love that LBD. Also I'm so intrigued by the spin pin. I may have to pick one up because I loved your beauty tutorial the other day that used one.
i love both looks! nothing beats LBD!
xoxo,
Fashion Fractions
I love this – so many great tips and I think both looks are gorgeous and perfectly appropriate for their functions. And, I love love love that dress!
Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com
So many great ideas here – I love that you showed the accessories to bring along! It really doesn't take that much to transition from day to evening…you look gorgeous in both of these looks!
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
Thanks for the great tips! I love the leopard clutch~
http://theoccasionalindulgence.blogspot.com/
Love both looks ! That dress is amazing !
My Blog – A Pretty Nest
I love this dress, it fits you great. Perfect for the holidays. -Heidi http://fabricandfrosting.blogspot.no/
ohh that is such a pretty dress!!
This is such a wonderful post!!! I love seeing day to night posts, and you rocked it. That dress is so unbelievable, I love it and how you paired it with the leather jacket and blush scarf and then with the leopard print clutch. Great tips!!
xJennaD
beautiful dress! love it for both night and day xo
I am really loving that night look! You look so classy, and the leopard clutch is the perfect finishing touch 🙂 x
I love how you took this dress from day to night! The scarf and jacket are perfect for the day look, and the leopard clutch is wonderful for a night out 🙂
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Trendy Teal
I LOVE how you took a gorgeous dress, and made it such a stylish daytime look. LOVE it.
Keep an eye out on my blog later today. I'll be featuring this as one of the looks I love today.
xo,
Terry
http://terrys-two-cents.blogspot.com
the leopard clutch is the best item of the look:)
http://sienastyle.blogspot.it/
Love the night look! Your clutch is out of this world!
Emily
http://the-sync.blogspot.ca/
perfect looks! i love your bag and leather jacket! i love the transition from day to night! you are beautiful!
This day to night makes a lot of sense and is practical! 🙂 I LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing 🙂 Noted for next time I am going to an event or happy hour right after work!
Nice! Both looks look great.
Thanks for sharing!
nialangleyspeaks.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/NiaLangley1
I love the transition from day to night! The jacket and scarf make for the perfect cozy daytime pieces.
-Erin-
OneTwoSummer
love the cut of the dress & the clutch is perfect!
xx
Jenny
http://www.jennyscribbles.com
Love the way you've transitioned this dress from day to night! And thanks for the tips – I'm always so lost about what to do for a bag, but hiding a clutch in your day bag is genius!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
What a stunning dress!! Love how you accessorized from day to night!!
Your pictures are so pretty! The transition is perfect! Well done!
oliviamoone.blogspot.com
I love how you made the transition between day and night, it's perfect! And your dress is simply beautiful.
Marie
This is a great post idea – I absolutely love it. You look gorgeous in both looks , but as a casual girl myself … I like the day look the best!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
♥ xoxo Cori
http://www.purecaneusgarfashion.wordpress.com
This is super cool and fabulous styling on both outfits.
You are so pretty.
Txx
http://fantasticfunfashion.blogspot.co.uk/
Love that little black dress. So lovely and elegant. Love your style! Following you on FB now 🙂
XO Jenna
https://www.facebook.com/DemureInDiamonds
Demureindiamonds.blogspot.com
That dress is perfect. It fits your shape perfectly!