How to transition from day to night in style

Photography by Tina Sargeant • Hair by Josh Vasquez, Evolve Hair Studio

For many, it rolls around by mid-week. For others, it lays dormant until Friday afternoon. Few are entirely exempt. Whether you work in an office or on your own schedule, you more than likely experience the “it’s-five-o’clock-somewhere” itch. You know the drill. It’s 3:50 p.m. and you’ve been staring at the clock on your computer since lunch. You can think of
a thousand places you’d rather be — heading to your favorite local restaurant with your significant other, meeting up for apps and drinks with the girls. Heck, your back porch with
the kids playing in the background would be a suitable option at this point. Just someplace where you can sit back, turn off your brain, where your only concern is mindless chatter over libations and small bites.

Callie

Work:
Floral Button-Up Blouse, NY&Co.
Black/White Cardigan – Madison, Belk
Jeans – model’s own
Pearls – a few layered strands, vintage and Nordstrom
Gray Suede Pumps, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Evening:
Black Leather Collar Blazer – Ellen Tracy, Marshall’s
Oxblood Pumps – Anne Klein, Marshall’s
Faux Diamond Statement Earrings and Bracelet – Stella & Dot
Black Metallic Silver Clutch – Lauren Merkin, Nordstrom
If your post-work, happy-hour destination does involve refreshments of some sort, another concern, which may be equally as important, is choosing a location based on what’s on tap. That’s right — chicks dig beer too. While many local establishments have always carried impressive wine menus, a variety of Lakeland eateries and wine bars are becoming just as popular for their craft-beer selections. I recently met up with a few of Lakeland’s working women on their way to Tony’s Studio B, one of Downtown Lakeland’s newest afterhours
scenes, to sample some of their craft brews.
Because time is obviously of the essence, you need not waste a moment on a total change of clothing, or worse, a detour home because you’re ill-prepared for your transition from day to
night. With a few simple steps, the gals on these pages will be out the door and only minutes from a Facebook check-in and a cold beverage in hand.
Work attire lends itself to a much more traditional, polished look. When you’re transitioning to night, you can let go of some of that and mix it up a little. Add a bit more edge, a little more fun. Mix in some evening-appropriate jewels, accessories, jackets, and bags to balance out your classic daytime apparel. Here are some tips that will keep you evening ready without having to change your entire look.

Jen

Work:
Blush-Colored Long-Sleeve Blouse, LOFT
Burgundy Wool A-Line Skirt, LOFT
Floral Scarf, Target
Gold Hoops, Hattie’s Branches
Black Patterned Tights, Target
Black Riding Boots – Vince Camuto, Dillard’s
Evening:
Black Pumps – Steven by Steve Madden, Dillard’s
Bronze/Gold Statement Collar Necklace – Stella & Dot
Calf-Hair Leopard Envelope Clutch – Antonio Melani, Dillard’s
 
ONE: Drop the stuffy blazer, plain cardigan, or denim jacket, and add a more modern piece such as a leather jacket, an animal-print cardigan, a sweater or blazer with a little bling or leather piping to it — something pleading for an evening appearance. For instance, on Callie, I exchanged the cardigan for a black leather-trim blazer that provided a little more edge for evening. For Katie, I ditched the blazer and belt, and untucked the blouse for a less buttoned-up look.
TWO: Ditch the flats and add a pair of pumps, wedges, or booties. Make it a fun color or an animal print if your clothing is more traditional. On Callie, I opted for sexy, pointy-toed, oxblood-colored heels in place of traditional gray suede pumps. For Katie, I exchanged the basic black heels for a pop of bright-pink pumps that complement the green in her blouse. I replaced Jen’s black riding boots with black pumps that allowed her to keep the same patterned tights but introduced a more evening glam look.
THREE: Leave the pearls at the office, and turn heads by adding a statement necklace or earrings. Choose one or the other, and keep the rest of your jewelry simple. If you have a busy
neckline — ruffles, button-down — then choose the earrings. If you have a solid top with a simple neckline, then go with the necklace. For Callie, I did just that. I replaced the pearls with
statement earrings and a bracelet to add a little evening edge to her look while creating the perfect contrast to her feminine floral blouse. For Katie and Jen, I added statement necklaces
to give a modern flare to their looks.
FOUR: Store a clutch in your day bag. Then you can just grab your necessities — I.D., cards, powder, lipstick, and phone — put them in your clutch, and leave your day bag at work. Out the door you go. If your outfit needs some color or print, let your clutch do the work for you rather than an outfit change. You’ll notice the girls did just that, each with a clutch in hand
that complements the colors and prints in their looks. Because Callie and Katie were wearing prints, they both carried solid clutches. But Jen needed a print to shake up her solid look. What better way than a little leopard to spice up your evening ensemble?

Katie

Work:
Black Cropped Ankle Pant – model’s own
Black Blazer – model’s own
Green/Black Print Silk Blouse – Cynthia Rowley, Belk
Fuchsia Calf-Hair Belt, Target
Black Pumps – Steven by Steve Madden, Dillard’s
Evening:
Gold Statement Necklace, Nordstrom
Raspberry-Colored Pumps – Joan & David, Nordstrom
Black w/Gold Trim Minaudiere, T.J. Maxx
Pink Stone Bangle – Bourbon and Bow Ties, Hattie’s Branches
 
FIVE: Use your makeup and hairstyle to serve as accessories. For instance, if after removing your blazer you’re left with a white button-up as your blank canvas, you can still have some fun by switching up your hair and makeup. Create a red lip. This brings color and drama to an otherwise boring look. With a quick roll of the sleeves, hair thrown up in a messy bun, andstatement earrings to top it off, you’re effortlessly chic in no time.