Day to Night: 8 Style Panel members take one outfit from office to party with a few simple steps
Tis’ the season of holiday parties. Now that we’re getting closer to Christmas and holiday festivities are in full swing, there will be many after-work soirees to attend over the next couple of weeks. But how does one make the sartorial transition from day to night during this busy month? We asked the ladies of our Style Panel this week and they rose to the challenge.
Putting together an outfit that is office-appropriate as well as party-ready is not as hard as it seems, as showcased here by the members of our Style Panel. They each picked a simple wardrobe staple—dress, skirt, pants—and jazzed up the outfit by adding accessories to transition into the evening. Switching to a smaller bag, adding more jewelry, choosing a higher heel and even adding a red lip are all key ways that will transition an outfit from day to evening. Our newest Style Panel member Sandy Joe Karpetz of The Pretty Secrets did her to day to evening switch by adding a pop of green to her outfit with a purse from J.Crew. How festive!
Question 31: Seeing as it’s holiday season, what do you recommend for an outfit that works for the office as well as a cocktail party? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | DEANNE MCRAE, MISSISSAUGA | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRYSTIN LEE, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | STEPHANIE STERJOVSKI, TORONTO | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
When preparing for daytime to evening scenarios I rely heavily on delicate separates. By layering sheer garments beneath a blazer they’re instantaneously workplace appropriate. Once you are free of daytime commitments it’s time to add a splash of bright lipstick and let the transparent fabric reign supreme.
Sandy’s wearing: Blazer, Juliette Longuet. Blouse, Vintage. Shorts, Victoria’s Secret. Tights, Wolford. Boots, Vintage. Purse, J.Crew.
Stephanie Sterjovski, 22
Toronto | Stephanie Sterjovski
I love a look that can take me from day to night, and pieces that are versatile are budget and closet friendly. This jacquard crew sweater from Joe Fresh is conservative, while also being very festive in kelly green. It looks clean against a pair of tailored pants, as well as office appropriate. After work, I would add a statement necklace (which goes perfect with a high neckline) and clutch, adding the perfect amount of sparkle for cocktails. If you’re feeling extra festive, apply a red lipstick – that always makes me feel confident, and ready for a night out.
Stephanie’s wearing: Sweater, Joe Fresh. Pants, H&M. Clutch, H&M. Necklace, J.Crew. Heels, Steve Madden.
Whitney Cosgrave, 25
Los Angeles via Vancouver | See Shop Eat Do
My favourite ‘day to night’ piece is the ever-versatile wrap dress. Wrap dresses look good on everyone and are perfect for work during the day or a night out with friends. The key is to change up accessories; I like to wear it with a (relatively) sensible shoe during the day, and higher heels, a fun bag, and some interesting jewellery to take it out for evening.
Deanne McRae, 22
Mississauga | Threadbare
I find that the easiest way to choose an outfit that can go from day to night is to start with night and then make adjustments for day. When choosing the perfect outfit, there were three things I kept in mind – can this also be work appropriate, is it suited for the winter season, and does it have enough vavavoom to impress at a holiday function. After considering these I knew exactly what to do – this long sleeved, form fitting number from Forever21 fulfills the second and third category perfectly, and with a few adjustments – losing the belt and adding tights and a blazer – it is instantly and easily work appropriate. Finally, the off green heals paired with the off red dress seemed to be just the holiday touch the outfit required, giving a slight nod to the season without being too obviously festive.
Christina Cravero, 27
Toronto | The Style Mogul
The holidays are upon us and all the next couple weeks call for are parties. Most of these normally occur throughout the work week and there is nothing worse than lugging half of your wardrobe with you so that you are party ready! There are numerous ways to transform your work attire into a stylish fabulous party outfit, with just a few simple changes. I love sequins during the holiday season. There is something about it that no matter what you’re pairing with it, it will always look dressed up and sophisticated. Even though my sequin skirt screams party, I still managed to transform my work outfit into something more fun by switching my everyday bag big to a small clutch, adding a few chunky accessories, changing my lip colour to a bold one and throwing my hair into a messy bun. These small changes only take a few minutes and after you’ll be party ready! Hope all of you have a Happy Holiday!
Christina’s wearing: Skirt, H&M. Top, Danier. Blazer, Forever 21. Tights, DIM. Shoes, Zara. Clutch, Zara. Bracelets, Bebe and vintage. Necklace, Forever 21. Lip colour, Dior “Decadent Plum”.
Krystin Lee, 26
Toronto | Suburban Faux-Pas
With the holidays approaching and day planners slowly booking up, dressing the part can often be difficult. This week, I’m showing you how to take an outfit from day to night with a few minor details. This dress with tights doubles as a cute, office appropriate look for the day and dazzles for night. By simply adding a sequin jacket and a studded belt, I’ve added bold accents that offset the feminine print. I also swapped out my larger work tote for a small black clutch so as not to compete with the jacket. With a few small adjustments, I’ve created an outfit that easily transitions from day to night.
Photo #1 Krystin’s wearing: Dress, Joe Fresh. Turtleneck, Joe Fresh. Tights, Joe Fresh. Boots, Aldo. Belt, H&M. Necklaces, J.Crew, Forever 21 and vintage. Purse, Unknown.
Photo #2 Krystin’s wearing: Jacket, Forever 21. Dress, Joe Fresh, Turtleneck, Joe Fresh. Tights, Joe Fresh. Boots, Aldo. Belt, Forever 21. Necklaces, J.Crew, Forever 21 and vintage. Clutch, Aldo.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
During the holiday season, you might find yourself tight for time, and like me, running across the city after work to hit up a festive dinner or party. When this happens, getting dressed is all about working in layers. My favourite thing to do is style a cocktail dress for the daytime, a collarless coat with a delicate knit add texture and contrast to a bold dress; that is working as a skirt. A printed dress, like this one, can be a true masterpiece, and can be styled differently to be worn for any occasion year after year. To take this look into the evening, I added classic statement pearl earrings and kept the rest simple allowing for the dress to speak for itself! Happy Holidays!
Barbara’s wearing: Dress, Clover Canyon. Coat, T. Babaton. Sweater, Kimchi Blue. Socks, Adidas. Pumps, Aldo. Watch, Michael Kors. Earrings, Vintage.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
When you are involved in as many things as I am, you need your outfit to work as hard as you do. The best way I’ve found to take an outfit from day to night, is to start with a great basic black skirt and tights, and then simply swap out the shoes, the purse, and the top. When going from day to evening just remember the purses get smaller, and shoes get higher, and the make up gets darker. What’s great is that you can probably tote along your substitutes like lipstick, and jewelry in your everyday purse leaving you party ready at the drop of a hat.
Photo #1 Kayla’s wearing: Skirt, Tommy Hilfiger. Tights, Winners. Sweater, Tommy Hilfiger. Socks, Ardene. Mittens, Ardene. Tote, Christopher Kon. Coat, Tahari. Sunglasses, Ray Ban. Scarf, made by Kayla’s mother.
Photo #2 Kayla’s wearing: Skirt, Tommy Hilfiger, Tights, Winners, Shoes, Aldo. Tank, H&M. Necklace, H&M. T-shirt, Suzy Shier. Coat, Tahari. Gloves, Ralph Lauren. Clutch, Vintage.
