It’s a weekday, you’re at work, and you have a date tonight. Yes, you wanted to go out during the weekend, but your schedules wouldn’t allow it, so you decided to “what the heck” and are meeting up on a school night!
Here’s the problem with that: you only have a limited window to get ready for said date after you clock out. There is def not enough time for you to dash home, shower, and change. That’s out of the question! So, how can you take your workwear and change it up into a date-worthy look? Easily!
Okay, maybe it’s not the easiest thing to do, but with a little planning and some strategic apparel choices, it can be done without a lot of hoopla.
You need to find a balance between how you are expected to dress in your professional atmosphere and taking that look from day to night. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out for a romantic dinner, catching a show, or anything else you plan to do on this date! With a few simple alterations, your work attire can go to a date-ready outfit in minutes. How? Here are the best ways for both women and men to quickly transform your day look into a nighttime ensemble that will be sure to wow them!
Elevate Your Base
If you already have on a versatile base outfit, you’re pretty much ready! For ladies, a fitted little (not too little, you have to look presentable at work) black dress or a pair of tailored, wide-leg pants paired with a silk blouse is super easy to elevate! Throw a pair of great heels into a tote bag, along with statement jewelry or a different shirt, for a quick change. And swapping out your work lipstick for a bold red lip is always a great elevator. Refresh your makeup in the ladies’ room, and voila, the date is ready in no time! But we’ll get into all of those specifics below, so keep reading!
It’s a little easier for men to go from work to wow, as their office wear doubles as date wear if the venue calls for dressing up. If it’s a fancy dinner and you already have a suit on, you’re good to go. If it’s a more casual date, the classic combo of a good pair of jeans or chinos paired with a crisp, fitted shirt works well. These choices are professional enough for most work environments while also providing a basic foundation to build upon for the evening.
Strategic Accessorizing
For the Ladies: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Accessories are your wingman when transitioning from day to night. Swapping out your daytime work purse for a cute clutch or a statement handbag will instantly elevate your look. Jewelry is important, too—lose those subtle studs for bolder hoop or drop earrings and layer a few necklaces for an extra touch of glamour. And for a little black dress that needs something more, a belt will not only accentuate your waist—it can totally transform a plain dress or top.
For the Gents: Accessories are not just for women, fellas! The power of a watch or cufflinks cannot be overstated. A sleek, sophisticated watch adds a little something to your evening look. Changing out your daytime leather band for a metallic one can really make a big difference. Additionally, adding or changing cufflinks introduces an element of style to your outfit without almost no effort.
Shoe Game
For the Ladies: Heels will transform your posture and attitude—they are a powerful tool for transitioning to an evening look. If you don’t want to schlep another pair of shoes to work, you can wear versatile ankle booties or ballet flats that are comfortable for the office but tasteful enough for a night out.
For the Gents: The right footwear will elevate your entire outfit, so switching out those worn-out day shoes for a pair of polished loafers or suede derbies can make your transition to evening smooth and stylish. Even if your daytime look is more on the casual side, a change of shoes will say, “I put some thought and effort into this, and I’m ready for the evening!”
Makeup and Hair Makeover
For the Ladies: A bold lip color, like red or even fuschia, will instantly take your look from day to night. If you don’t already, bring a makeup bag with your must-haves like mascara, a compact powder, and your favorite blush for a quick touch-up before heading out. If you want to redo your face and start with a clean palette, throw some makeup wipes in your bag so you can start fresh!
As for your hair, do a quick spritz of dry shampoo and volumizer, or shine oil on an easy-to-achieve style like a sleek ponytail or loose waves, or gather it up in a purposely messy updo.
Scent Transition
Don’t underestimate the power of fragrance—a more intense or seductive perfume can set the tone for the evening and differentiate your night look from your daytime presence. Both men and women can benefit from having a signature evening scent that complements their style and the mood of their after-work engagements. But please don’t overdo it—when it comes to perfumes and colognes, less is always more.
Layering and Textures
For the Ladies: Changing or adding a layer can drastically alter your appearance, so swap out your daytime blazer for a leather jacket, a fitted or gathered cardigan or even a sophisticated shawl. These changes not only adjust your look but can also be practical for the cooler evening temps.
For the Gents: Think about adding a tailored blazer or a casual jacket over your workday shirt. Experimenting with textures like corduroy, silk, or velvet will add something extra to your evening look.
The Devil is in the Details
For the Ladies: Small changes can have a big impact. Putting on a chunky statement watch or sliding on a cocktail ring will make your outfit more evening-appropriate. And if you are a prepper, throw a travel sewing kit and some double-sided tape into your bag—unexpected wardrobe malfunctions happen at the worst times.
For the Gents: Pay attention to the state of your attire—is it wrinkled? Are there fabric nubbies on your pants? A quick refresh with a lint roller can fix a few things, and make sure your shirt is crisp by ironing it before work. Don’t forget to polish your—these things make a big difference in your overall appearance.
Practical Considerations
Lastly, for both women and men, think about the practicality of your day-to-night transformation. If you’re getting ready at work, make sure you have a compact version of your essentials to avoid carrying too much. And don’t forget to consider where the date is happening; while it’s fun to dress up, make sure your outfit is appropriate for the planned activities—you don’t want to look completely over or under-dressed!
Transforming from a work to a W-O-W look for an evening date does not require a dashing home and completely overhauling your outfit! With a couple of strategic choices and a few little adjustments here and there, you can effortlessly elevate your daytime ensemble to something that feels special and is right for the occasion. The goal is to feel confident in what you have on and to enjoy your date without the stress of an extensive and time-consuming makeover or overhaul. Keep it manageable, focus on the little details, and you’ll be able to effortlessly go from work to WOW easily!
