If you’ve ever woken up in the morning and tried to solve the problem of how to pick one outfit that will last you until well after dark, we feel your pain. In fact, I feel your pain right now – I tried to accomplish that feat this morning, and only time will tell whether or not I was successful. I do have some practice at all-day outfit crafting, though, so my hopes are high that I won’t look like I came directly from work beyond the requisite happy hour. If you’re less confident in your day-to-night abilities, though, we’d suggest you take a dip into our PurseBlog Picks page at Net-a-Porter, which is full of ways to finish your look (and if you need more than one look in a day, we can do that, too). We’ve taken the liberty of demonstrating how it’s done with this lovely Christopher Kane dress.
First, the dress…
As much as I love accessories, the real key for day-to-night dressing is picking the appropriate base layer for your accessories. A knee-length, tailored dress in a modern print is perfect; no one in the office will bat an eyelash, and no one at after-dinner drinks will, either. With the right accessories, a design like this Christopher Kane Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Dress can look appropriate basically anywhere. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,360.
For the office…
Naturally, the first thing we’re concerned about is what bag to carry. The Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Tote is a perfect work bag – neutral, reasonably discreet, roomy. (That last part is key – you’re going to use it to stash your accessories for later in the day.) Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2,450.
Despite the fact that I always take off my bracelets as soon as I sit down at my desk (typing is such a pesky activity), I think it’s important to wear a bit of jewelry to the office. It’s an added detail that makes your outfit look more considered and put-together, and this matte Bottega Veneta Enameled Sterling Silver Bracelet provides polish without inapproprate bling. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $3,850.
On a bright spring day, there’s no better way to finish an outfit than a pair of great sunglasses. The Row Oversized Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses are classic and dark – perfect for bright morning sun on the way into the office. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $445.
After the Office…
Ok, so here’s what you’re going to do: you’re going to stash this Jimmy Choo Candy Printed Acrylic Clutch in your work bag at the beginning of the day, and then when it’s time to leave, you’re going to stuff it with your essentials and lock your regular bag in your desk. Really. You can’t look fresh as a daisy at 8 p.m. if you’re lugging an obvious work bag with you, and if you’re planning on a night out, what are you going to need before morning except your keys, phone and a small wallet? Nothing. It’s time to cut the cord on your big bag, and you can do it by picking up this clutch for $795 via Net-a-Porter. (Plus, this print looks super cute mixed with the print of the dress.)
Beyond the bag switch, you also need to switch your baubles. This Alexander McQueen Dragonfly Cuff has just enough shine (check out those Swarovski accents), and it’s big enough to be bona fide “nighttime” jewelry. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $715.
