Two Ways: Lace Collar Blouse from Day to Night

Blouse: Cloud Bank Blouse ($48)

From Left, Earrings: Crislu Pearl Studs ($90) Ring: Pomegranate Multi-Band Ring ($225) Bag: Follie K Vintage Satchel ($225) Tights: Commando Control Top Tights ($36) Shoes: Loeffler Randall Viola Boot ($595) Blazer: 1035 Blazer ($288) Skirt: Pencil Skirt ($148)

From Right, Earrings: Club Monaco Jolene Earrings ($60) Ring: KJL Button Ring ($77) Palette: Guerlain Calligraphy Palette ($79) Bag: Harlow Envelope Clutch ($78) Shoes: Glitter Block Heels ($198)

Especially during the holiday season, I get a lot of questions about how to transition a work look from day to night.  This post is designed to colve that conundrum.

For the Office.  Adding a feminine blouse to a basic black suit can lighten up the look tremendously.  I find button downs a bit too masculine.  These necklines don’t match exactly (like I usually do), but the lightness of the fabric and the vertical lines in the blouse help lengthen it out.

I like J.Crew suits, and I’ve had good luck with them.  If you can find them on sale, or pick up a gift card for the holidays, this is one investment that you won’t disappoint.  If you need a less-expensive alternative, I know some staffers who wear The Limited suits (skirt and jacket) and like them.

I added tall boots because I find them to be more comfortable than pumps, and they keep my calves warm.  Need a cheaper pair?  This Corso Como pair are under-$175, and this pair from You and Me is $80.

I added feminine pearl jewelry, and a bright red bag for a bit of wow.  Need an alternative ring in a lower price point? I like this model from French Connection for under-$50.

For the hair, I would style it up in a wavy, twisted updo.  For the makeup, I would put on the base coat of a smokey eye.  In other words, the base color and the medium lid color.  I’d also apply some pink blush.

For the Party.  Changing it up for an after hour’s event is really quite simple.  First, lose the jacket. Second, lose the tights (I like bare legs for evening events even in winter).  Lastly, change up the jewelry, the makeup, the shoes and the bag.

The clutch should fit nicely in your day time purse, and I usually keep the makeup and jewelry in the bag so I don’t misplace them.  If you would prefer a box clutch, this velvet one is under-$100 and this chain bag is under-$50.

These glitter pumps from Ann Taylor are crazy good.  I love the balance between the coppery brown and the black.  If you’d like something in a glitter toe-cap for under-$100, this pair should do nicely–but you’ll need to wear pewter or silver jewels.

I’d also switch out the prim pearls with some long dangle earrings and a giant cocktail ring.  I like these earrings because they have a light feel, but enough weight to be festive.

For the makeup, I would add a bold red lip and the final layers to my smokey eye.  This palette from Guerlain gives you almost everything you need, all you need to add is some liquid liner.  If you’re looking for a less pricey palette, it will be tough to find one with both the lip and eye colors.  I would recommend buying an inexpensive red lipstick and a grey palette separately.