IMAGE: @ANNELAUREMAIS
What's the secret to day-to-night dressing?
Day-to-night dressing is all about simplicity and versatility. The key is to curate an outfit that looks chic and casual during the day but can easily be transformed into an evening-appropriate ensemble with just a few strategic adjustments. Here’s how you can make that transition seamlessly:
Master The Art of Layering
Layering is a powerful tool in creating a versatile outfit. With a few tweaks, you can shift from a relaxed daytime look to a polished evening ensemble. Consider how outerwear, like blazers, jackets or a trench coat, can instantly change the vibe of your outfit. During the day, a lightweight blazer over a simple blouse or t-shirt gives a casual yet put-together appearance. For the evening, switch to a more structured or embellished jacket or simply drape the blazer over your shoulders for a sophisticated touch.
This principle applies to tops as well. During the day, you might opt for layered knitwear or a casual button-down shirt. As night falls, a quick change to a camisole underneath a blazer, or even just unbuttoning a few top buttons and adding a statement necklace, can completely change your look. The key is in how you layer and style these pieces to effortlessly transition from day to night.
Footwear is Key
Footwear has the power to completely transform your outfit’s look and feel. During the day, comfort is often a priority, so flats, loafers or casual sneakers are common choices. To elevate your look for the evening, swap these out for strappy-heeled sandals, sleek pumps or ankle boots. Darker tones and luxurious materials like leather or suede instantly give an outfit a more sophisticated edge.
Even within the realm of flats, subtle changes can make a big difference. While rounded-toe flats are more suited to daytime errands, pointed-toe flats offer a more refined silhouette that works beautifully for the evening. The slight elevation of heels, even in modest amounts, also contributes to a more polished appearance. So, whether you’re in flats or heels, consider the shape, material, and colour to make your footwear evening-ready.
The Power of the Perfect Bag
Your choice of bag can significantly influence the overall look of your outfit. During the day, practicality often reigns supreme, with larger bags or totes that can carry everything you need for work or errands. However, evening occasions call for a more streamlined approach.
Transitioning to a smaller, more sophisticated bag is a quick and effective way to signal a shift to eveningwear. A sleek clutch is a timeless option that exudes elegance and effortlessly complements a variety of outfits. If a clutch isn’t your style, consider a small crossbody bag with metallic accents or a mini shoulder bag in a luxe material. These choices are not only functional but also add a polished, evening-appropriate touch to your ensemble.
Jewellery: The Finishing Touch
Jewellery is the final flourish that can take your outfit from day to night with the least amount of effort. During the day, you might opt for subtle, minimalistic pieces that are functional and understated. However, when transitioning to the evening, the right jewellery can create instant glamour and sophistication.
Consider adding a statement necklace to a simple top or dress for a dramatic transformation. Bold earrings, such as chandelier or drop styles, draw attention to the face and add a touch of sparkle. A bracelet or a few stacked bangles can also elevate a look, especially when paired with an elegant watch. The key is to choose pieces that complement your outfit while adding that extra bit of shine and sophistication that signals you’re ready for an evening out.
To demonstrate 9-9 dressing, I’ve scoured Instagram in search of five daytime looks that can easily be transformed into nighttime ensembles with only a few simple adjustments. Here’s how you can master day-to-night dressing:
Day: Grey Dress + Denim Jacket + Sunglasses
A no-fuss dress serves as the perfect blank canvas when it comes to versatile dressing. By day, style with a denim jacket and sunglasses for an effortlessly cool look. By night, go without the jacket and swap the shoulder bag for a croc-embossed clutch. Complete the look with a simple and chic gold necklace.Â
Night: Clutch Bag + Necklace
LIÉ STUDIO
DEMELLIER LONDON
Day: Shirt + Jeans + Heeled Mules
Blue jeans and a shirt are the ultimate daytime duo. To make it feel more formal and less casual, the outfit needs darker tones, sharper angles and more hardware. Layer the shirt with a structured blazer, one with wide padded shoulders and a cinched waist to create a tailored feel. For the bag, swap to a gold metallic clutch, again with an angular structure.
Night: Blazer + Clutch
RÓHE
PARFOIS
Day: White Trousers + Turtleneck + Sandals
Sticking to black and white is a helpful hack for day-to-night dressing. Keeping things simple makes the transition from casual to elegant a lot smoother. To transform this monochromatic ensemble, swap the flip flops for a sleek pair of suede low-heel mules paired with gold statement earrings.
Night: Heeled Mules + Earrings
REFORMATION
COMPLETEDWORKS
Day: Silk Skirt + Knit Top + Flats
A slip skirt is sophisticated by default, especially in a rich chocolate hue. The textures in this ensemble are already elevated: silk and wool. The only change that needs to be made for an evening transition is simply to swap out the ballet flats for slingback mules and the tote bag for a petite top-handle one.
Night: Slingback Mules + Top-Handle Bag
TONY BIANCO
FURLA
Day: Black Dress + Tee + Flats
The trusty black dress — it never fails. This midi dress is already decidedly dressy for daytime although the white tee and comfortable flats make it more casual. Come dinner, remove the tee and swap the flats for a pair of leather boots. Sweep your hair back and complete the look with a pair of statement drop earrings.
Night: Boots + Earrings
DUNE LONDON
LIÉ STUDIO
