From Deadline To Date Night – Easy Ways To Transform Your Outfit From Work To Play

By Brian Maynor
June 7, 2013 

It’s 5:30 on Friday. You just met your last weekly deadline, and have 30 minutes to meet your date.  Do you panic and simply run out the door as-is, planning excuses for how you look?  No, of course not, because you planned ahead and made smart wardrobe choices to ensure an easy transition from day to evening. 

When you know in advance you won’t have time for a complete wardrobe change between work and dinner here are a few ways to transition your outfit easily and effortlessly. 

1. When getting dressed in the morning, start with your evening outfit because the general rule is to add one layer for work-appropriate attire, and remove a layer for evening attire.  Here we started with a gingham shirt and sleeveless dress and added a tie to keep the shirt from being too casual, and a grey cardigan to make the dress office appropriate because even in the Columbia summer, sleeveless tops are frowned upon in the office. 
2. Think about changing out one item if possible to keep your outfit looking fresh.  Here we have swapped the dress pants for chambray jeans.  They travel well in a bag and the chambray material reads like denim, but is more comfortable in hotter weather. 
3. Swapping out jewelry is the most quick and easy way to change-up your look. For the office the jewelry will be simple and understated, but for the evening you will want to make a statement.  In this outfit we chose a statement necklace to add some color up around the face, and kept the other accessories coordinating, not matching, and proportional. 
4. The watchstrap matters.  One traditional rule-of-thumb that has not changed is that you should wear a metal watch during the day and a watch with a leather watchstrap in the evening.  This is a great tip not just for a date, but any professional evening event.  It may be a small detail, but it will be noticed. 
5. Bags and shoes are the final quick-change elements.  Both items are guaranteed to make a big impact in the overall tone your outfit projects.  I chose a yellow bag for the day to bring in a nice balance of color, while the neutral clutch coordinates with the evening accessories and lets the necklace stand out. I also switched out the lower nude-pumps for a more playful, peep-toe platform that ties the necklace to the outfit. 

When you are out after work the last thing you want to worry about is your outfit.  These tips will help ensure you look ready for a night out and just not worn out.

Women’s Weeknight Date Night 

Men’s Weeknight Date Night

Images created via www.Polyvore.com.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
 

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