10 Simple Outfit Swaps To Take You From Day To Night

Different occasions call for different looks, but life can get busy, and the last thing we need are multiple mandatory outfit changes to go along with our jam-packed social agenda. Don’t cancel any plans – just skip the second or third outfit scrambling all together. With some simple swaps, you’ll master the art of fashion versatility and go stylishly throughout your day, looking neither too overdressed for your casual daytime plans, nor too underdressed for the more formal after-hours. Let’s get styling.

Layer Like A Pro

Instead of worrying about the fundamentals of your look, leave the transition job to your outer layers. First, make sure your base pieces are suitable for both day and night with a classic pair of trousers and a versatile top; then, make some magic happen by adding a proverbial cherry on top: keep it business casual during the day with an oversized blazer or a knit cardigan, and then swap it for a leather jacket for more edge during the night. Alternatively, choose an elegant blouse that’ll look discreet under your blazer during office hours, and ditch the layer all together when the (lack of) dress code allows you to bare a bit more skin in a cute camisole.

Make Mini Mods

Regardless of the season, the plans or the venue, you can easily adjust your look from café to club with the true masters of versatility: accessories. Swap your work tote bag or day cross-body for a small clutch or a chain-strap shoulder bag. Take off your baseball cap and sunglasses, and add a scarf to the look. Whether you’re wearing a relaxed tee or a nice blouse, cinch your waist with a trendy belt for an extra touch of formality. And be sure to add accent colours for the night – they can make all the difference when sprucing up your look.

Add A Spark

And, of course, don’t forget about the tiniest, daintiest details. You can completely shift the direction of your looks with a few pieces of jewellery, conveniently stashed in your bag for any impromptu plans. Even a basic jeans-and-t-shirt can be transformed into a dinner date ‘do’ with a bold necklace or multiple layered chains, a set of long hoops or a fancy bracelet. To highlight your outfit even more, pick jewellery pieces in colours that contrast with your clothes: if you’re wearing prints, go for chunky but solid trinkets, and if you’re looking too monochromatic, add splashes of colour, or pick elegant pearls or gemstones to do the talking.

Reach Higher Heights

A sneakers-to-heels swap is the most obvious decision – not even a pair of jeans or parachute trousers would look too casual paired with heels. However, be smart about what you pick. If you’re working (or strolling) all day and partying all night, opt for a chunky heel or platform boots instead of stilettos for the same swanky night vibe, but with a new level of comfort (and sprained ankle prevention). Or, if you’d rather ditch the heels entirely, a set of embellished flats, ankle boots or platform loafers could also align with your fancy soirée. Keep a pair in the back of your car or somewhere inside your inexplicably deep tote bag, and you’ll be good to go wherever your feet take you.

Master Multifunctionality

If you’re smart about your pieces, you’ll only need minimal changes for your midday-to-midnight transition. Take a shirt dress, for example, worn with a pair of jeans or leggings for the day, and as a dress (topped with the right accessories) at night. For something more classic, try an LBD with a denim jacket and sneakers first, and on its own with fancier shoes later. One piece that will never fail you is a slip dress: wear it over a t-shirt and flat shoes, and then take the shirt off, put on a blazer and a pair of mules. Double duty done right.

Get Comfy And Convenient

If you’re particularly keen on minimum input with maximum output, you’ll find it close to home, literally. A loungewear co-ord set might be appropriate for running errands, grocery shopping and answering emails from your home office, but getting drinks and hitting the dance floor? Definitely! You won’t even need a swap if you consider the right fabrics. While cotton might be too casual, and linen may not be warm enough, something in silk, velvet or wool (if it’s chilly out) would be your best bet. Choose a versatile pair of shoes, add some flashy accessories, and party – comfortably – away!

Colour Correct

Colour has great power to set the mood, and that includes the time of the day. While you probably won’t be wearing any sequined silver or silky emerald during the day, you also wouldn’t opt for soft pink lace or ivory at night (of course, you can, but there are far better options). For plenty of psychological, cultural or plainly aesthetic reasons, certain colours are mostly associated with one or the other – so next time you need a quick outfit change, you could just adjust one hue. For example, swap your light-washed jeans for darker ones, your beige blazer for a black shacket, or your white sneakers for a pair of burgundy loafers. More than the piece itself, the colour change will make it situationally appropriate.

(De)Waist It

Daytime usually calls for a more relaxed fit; whether it’s an oversized cardigan, an untucked button-down or rolled-up sleeves, you can play with proportions more freely when the sun’s up. When it’s time to punch out, and happy hour requires more put-togetherness, don’t change your outfit – just make it fit better. Tuck in your blouse, cinch a belt around your waist over your blazer, create a more flattering fitted illusion, and you’ll instantly look more formal. On the contrary, if your office hours require more formal business attire and your evening plans involve going to the movies or meeting friends at the neighbourhood pub, de-cinch that waist, untuck your shirt, let your hair down, and achieve a more relaxed vibe without changing one single piece of your look.

Don’t Be Shy: Re-Apply

If your clothes don’t have any room for modifications, rely on the most fool-proof way to get dolled up in a snap: accentuating your make-up. Carry some blotting sheets to remove any excess shine, hide tired eyes with concealer, go for a bolder look with a statement lip, re-curl your eyelashes, and add a smudged or winged eyeliner for more drama. Don’t forget a few splashes of perfume – elegance appeals to other senses, too.

Do Knot Panic

If all else fails, a few bobby pins might be the key. Spruce up your look by subtly modifying how you tie your hair. If you usually wear it up for work, try letting it down with some messy waves for a fun, more relaxed look. On the contrary, if you’re running errands all day with your hair in a low ponytail, try a more elegant ‘do with some shiny clips, a padded headband or a topknot. You’ll get that extra oomph with minimal effort.