Three Ways: Dresses for Day to Night

If you want to purchase an item from this set, refer to this morning’s post. The only items not there will be the handbags, the Ivanka Trump Crystal Satchel ($150) and the clutch by Rachel Roy ($59).

Dress One.  This combo dress is so pretty in person.  I own the navy and white one.  It’s form-fitting but not so tight that it isn’t professional.  It has a delicate silk top and a lovely, structured gabardine on the bottom. 

For the Day look, I paired the dress with the yellow cardigan to offer some comfort in air conditioned rooms.  Flesh-toned shoes, a structured satchel and tortoise-shell sunglasses continue the ladylike feel of the dress.  Lastly, I paired the green earrings with the bold ring to finish the look.  (Can you believe this ring is under-$10?)

I would wear my hair up in a twisted updo, and keep my makeup neutral with well-defined eyeliner and eyebrows.  I’d also choose a basic red nail polish like Essie Lollipop.

For the Night look, sometimes on a work trip there will be evening events like dinners and cocktail receptions.  It’s very easy to mold a dress like this into a sophisticated night look using the right accessories.  Here, I added a bold cuff (so gorgeous!), the embossed clutch and a pair of snakeskin pumps (not as high as they look in the picture).  I used the studs instead of a fancier earring because I didn’t want to distract from the feminine neckline of the dress.

I would keep my hair in the updo, apply two more coats of mascara and add a sheer red lip like Fresh’s Sugar Passion Lip Treatment.   I’d also spritz on some perfume.  I like Fresh Citron de Vigne, it’s citrusy and clean, but lingers beautifully.

If you want to purchase an item from this set, refer to this morning’s post. Not included in that post are the handbags, the Ivanka Trump Crystal Satchel ($150) and the clutch by Rachel Roy ($59).  Also, I forgot to add the evening earrings by Monica Vinader ($73).

Dress Two: Sadly, this dress is on sale and selling out quickly.  Probably because it had gorgeous pencil styling, a demure sleeve and a gorgeous, deep color.  It’s the perfect work dress.

For the Day look, I added a smooth tan belt with an unexpected metal plate.   This belt defines the waist and spruces up the look.  I also added the green earrings for a touch of color and the rings for subtle glitz.  I would wear one on each hand–one on the pointer finger, one on the middle.

The hair for this look would be a half up-half down style curled under at the ends with volume at the crown.  The makeup would be a pop of pink blush, defined eyes and a sheer, tinted gloss like Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster.

For the Night look, I brought back the shoes and clutch from the night before.  I also switched out the leather day belt for a silver metallic one without a buckle.  And I added a drop earring (again, I forgot this in this morning’s set, but how much space does a pair of earrings take up?) to lift the look into the business cocktail category. 

I’d let my hair down for the evening reception or pull it up all the way, dealer’s choice.  I’d also change my pink gloss out for a berry lipstick with gloss like Clinique’s Black Honey, and add more eyeliner and some perfume.