One of the many talents everyone will have to learn as an adult is how to go from a business to casual outfit in a matter of minutes. Life is about balance and sometimes having that work-life balance includes a couple of quick changes in between work and, well, life. Making plans with friends and family can be tough around a busy lifestyle so we tend to fit them in when we can and sometimes that means right after work, but that doesn’t mean we want to look like we just stepped out of the office. Work can be stressful and the last thing you want to do is bring that energy (or that wardrobe) into your personal life. Read this guide to find out how to go from business to casual so that your night isn’t brought down by your wardrobe.
Knowing that you’ll change your outfit throughout the day, it’s best to go for a simpler or more minimalist look. Stick with basic colors such as black, white, or beige. These colors are extremely professional for the office but are also very stylish for a night out on the town. It’s also easier to switch out a top or bottom when you are already wearing more muted colors. It’s much harder to match with a bright yellow skirt or patterned shirt.
One of the easiest ways to make a quick change from business to casual is already to already wear the bottoms you’re planning on for the afternoon. Black bottoms can be formal enough to use in the office but can also be chic enough that all you have to do is switch out your formal top for something a little more flirty. The same goes for a chic pencil-skirt.
Maybe some of your work clothes consist of less-than-fun slacks or khakis but you have a little more choice with the tops that you wear. Wear a top that you like or that you can change up a bit like a button up and then change up the bottoms. Add a skirt to instantly change your look or change into jeans for a more relaxed style.
Sometimes you don’t have time to change your top or bottom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change things up. Add a pop to your wardrobe that wasn’t already there while you were at work by adding accessories. Bracelets, earrings, or a scarf are great ways to change up the wardrobe so it doesn’t feel like a dull office look. Even think about adding a stylish belt that stands out.
Office make up tends to be more toned down, but why not amp it up a bit for a night out on the town? Just by adding red lips you go from business to casual and ready for a night out. It adds a daring flare to your outfit that wasn’t there before and can even give you a boost of confidence. Want to be more subtle with your look? Just lip gloss and mascara will do.
What easier way to change things up then to take something off or put something on? Layers add a variation to your wardrobe that you can’t get with just a simple top and bottom. Blazers and cardigans can easily be added or taken away depending on the look you are going for. They are also a great way to add color to your outfit. Wearing more muted colors to work such as black or white allows you to play some more with your nightly wardrobe. Grab a layer with patterns or a a bright color to help your outfit pop and you can go from business to casual and even to high fashion.
Shoes can be incredibly underrated in a person’s outfit but can be incredibly important to pushing your outfit from boring business to casual chic. It may not be practical to wear high heels or your more fashionable pumps at your day job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t swap out those flats for heels when your shift ends. Heels can amplify your outfit, taking it up to another level. They are also another way to add a quick pop of color to your more muted business outfit. Even if you can’t change anything else in your wardrobe, shoes are a quick and easy way to add a little something extra to your outfit.
Whether planning on changing out your top or bottoms, adding accessories or shoes, it’s important to choose versatile items. By keeping your clothes more simple, they become more versatile, but also choose clothes you may be able to change up a bit. A button up can be styled differently just by deciding to tuck it in or roll up the sleeves. Dresses are for work or hanging out with friends, but they aren’t as interchangeable as a shirt/pant outfit so if you do decide to go with a dress, be sure to accessorize.
Just about every girl can relate to trying to find an outfit and practically taking apart their whole closet in search of something to wear. Considering you’ll probably be packing an outfit to change into, make sure that you try it on the night before or it’s an outfit you’ve worn and felt confident in before. The last thing you want is to change into your outfit and hate it considering you don’t have any time to find something else to wear. Planning ahead and trying on your outfit before can help prevent a meltdown and ensure that your outfit goes from business to casual as planned.
Whether you are going out with friends, meeting up with family, or have a date you’re excited about, all of these are great ways to change your outfit from business to casual. A day in the office can be hectic but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe should be. Use one of these tricks or several of them together to ensure that your outfit is fun and stylish without those office vibes.
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