The working day has a natural rhythm. From the morning hustle and bustle, to the peace and quiet of post-worktime. Now, for those who work in an office, we have the added challenge of transitioning from day attire to night attire. Whether you’re heading to drinks after your shift, or you’ve got a big night out planned, and you don’t have time to go home and change, transforming your wardrobe between day and night can be done! In this article, we’ll be exploring some creative and stylish options to help you make the transition from day to night effortlessly.
I. Dressing for Daytime Elegance
Whether you need to fragrantly attend a special occasion or otherwise set up a lasting impression, then you might be looking for something that will last all day and still look fabulous. In this case, daytime elegance can be the way forward. Here are some tips to ensure you strike the right balance between chicness and comfort.
- Choose a striking one-piece, such as a jumpsuit or a dress. Strive for silhouettes that emphasize your natural curves but also give you enough room to move and breathe. Look for rich colors, soft fabrics, and delightful details like lace, frills, or ties.
- Make sure your accessories match – ditch your regular jewelry for eye-catching statement pieces. Consider pairing a pair of earrings with a necklace to complete your look. Avoid overdoing it, as elegant pieces should aim to look effortless and minimalistic.
- Invest in comfortable, stylish footwear. Flat shoes are both fashion must-haves and lower-maintenance options. Stylish sandals or ballet flats add a touch of sophistication. If you’re aiming for a more classical aesthetic, try out some classy lady pumps.
- Pick a clutch. When it comes to bags, nothing stands out more than a bold, eye-catching clutch. If you’d rather not carry a purse, opt for a bag or purse with a good strap. Make sure it offers space for all your daytime necessities.
In the end, the key to elegant daytime dressing is a combination of looking stylish and feeling your absolute best. Keep an eye out for pieces that closely follow your taste and body type, and don’t forget to experiment with different materials and silhouettes. Remember, this time is all about you!
Finally, pay great attention to delicate details. A floppy hat, a scarf in a jaunty knot, or a pair of sunglasses can make all the difference. If you’re looking to add a special touch, add a bold-colored lipstick or a light dusting of blush to your look.
II. Making the Shift from Day to Night
As the day slowly comes to an end, it’s time to shift gears and prepare for the night ahead. Whether it’s for work, leisure, or just simply winding down, there are some things you can do to help you transition into the right frame of mind for the night.
- Lighting: Soft, warm lighting can help prepare the body for sleep, so switch out those bright white lights for something that won’t hurt your eyes.
- Technology: Give your eyes (and brain) a rest from all screens. Put your phone away and close the laptop for a while.
- Change of Scenery: If you’re at home, switch up the activities you’re doing: maybe a bath, a book, stretching, or putting on some relaxing music.
These tips aren’t of course mandatory, but making small changes can usher in big feelings of peace and minimalism—ensuring that you get plenty of rest in the coming night hours. And no matter what time of day it might be, if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, there’s always the technique of taking 10 deep breaths to calm the nerves.
It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your environment to fit your needs. After all, a good night sleep comes down to the simple things. To create a better night sleep, try to pay special attention to the smells in your environment. Whether it’s burning some incense, aromatherapy candles, or essential oils, mild smells can be incredibly calming for the body and the mind.
Getting ready for the night requires an open mind and willingness to experiment with different techniques. To make the night hours as easy and restful as possible, gather your thoughts, simplify the space around you, and tune in to the scents in the air. Good luck, and have a good sleep!
III. Adding a Touch of Formal Flair
Topping Off the Outfit: Tie, Bowtie, or Pocket Square?
A smart and stylish tie is the quintessential accessory for a formal outfit. To add a sophisticated flare, choose a tie with complementary colors to the suit and shirt you’ve chosen. Finding the perfect tie can be tricky, since there are many different shapes, sizes, widths, and fabrics to choose from. Each have their own visual statement, so take the time to choose the one you like best.
For a more sartorial approach, a bowtie may be the way to go. Depending on the formal event, it can look extremely sharp and polished. Bowties come in a variety of colors and styles, so make sure the one you choose fits with the rest of your outfit.
Bonus Round: Pocket Squares
If adding a tie or bowtie isn’t quite your style, a pocket square is the ideal accessory. These small pieces of fabric make a bit statement for a formal outfit. Similar to the other pieces of formalwear, choose one that reflects the colors and fabric of your chosen shirt and suit.
To make a pocket square stand out from the crowd, experiment with fabrics and patterns. For example, silk pocket squares definitely stand out in a crowd, especially when they’re carefully folded.
No matter which accessory you choose, make sure it ties the whole outfit together.
- Choose a tie that suits the style and colors of the shirt and suit
- Experiment with bowties and pocket squares to make a statement
- Match fabrics and patterns in accessories to those of the shirt and suit
IV. Perfecting Your Day-to-Night Look
Besides making sure you have all the essentials for a day-to-night look, there are a few little tips and tricks you can use to take things up to the next level. Here are some ideas to spruce up your outfit without having to pack a separate set of clothes for the night:
- Brighten up your makeup: Making subtle modifications to your makeup look to make it more evening-appropriate can make a huge difference. Try adding a smoky eye or dramatic lip color for a night out.
- Add a statement accessory: A classic statement bag or trendy necklace can instantly upgrade your look from day to night. Look for pieces that make your outfit stand out, but that won’t be too distracting from your overall look.
- Go for long and flowy: Rocking a maxi skirt or dress is an easy way to transition from day to night. Flowy, long pieces often have a more dressy feel to them, which can help blur the lines between day and nightwear.
When it comes to day-to-night looks, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment. Having items that you can mix and match can help you create endless styling opportunities that can take you from the office to the dancefloor.
Creating a day-to-night look can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few small tweaks, you can easily take your style from day to night with ease, without having to pack an extra set of clothes.
Whether you’re attending an event or heading to the office, now you know how to create the perfect look from day to night. With the right attitude and a few styling tricks, you can easily transition your formal attire and go from “desk glam” to “party ready” in no time at all!
