Going from work to play means, at the very least, “letting your hair down,” “loosening your tie,” and plenty of other images that recall a fashionable “Mad Men” lifestyle. You may or may not be up for a 1960s nostalgia-fest, but whether you’re heading out for vintage-style martinis and steaks, or club-hopping to dance the night away, it’s a chance to have fun expressing yourself. According to the most important fashion employment agencies in NYC, it’s a good idea to dress professionally for work and then transform your look for night.
Start by planning a few quick, easy wardrobe adjustments to change your look and bring on your party mood. Whatever your workplace environment, after spending the whole day in your work clothes, you want to feel the difference when it’s time to go out and relax. You can dress it up or dress it down, as long as you make it fun.
Change It Up – Women on the Town
It’s been a long day, and your hair has behaved pretty well, staying tucked up into a loose bun or a tight ponytail—whatever keeps it out of your way. Now, you’re going out to party, so take that 60’s saying literally and “let your hair down.” Muss it up for a looser, casual look, or try a little back-combing at the crown for added height. What if your hair has been down around your shoulders all day? No problem, change it up—literally—and smooth it into a dramatic up-do. Of course, you came prepared with a few clips or bobby pins in your purse.
Dressing for your night out actually starts in the morning. New York fashion agencies advise choosing a day-to-night dress or skirt and blouse, and adjust it with a few key changes. Do you show up to work in a tailored man-suit? Throw off that dark-toned jacket and throw on a brightly-colored trim little blazer to contrast with your suit skirt. If it’s not convenient to carry an extra jacket to work, stick with your suit, but take your neatly tucked-in blouse and pull it out to hit below the waist, or leave it tucked and pop in a bright, narrow metallic belt.
Now for the real fun—it’s time to bring on the shoes. Go from workday shoes to your super-glam heels for a very “high fashion” splash. There’s something especially sexy about a pair of neon suede five-inchers, contrasting with a dark-colored, slender, fitted outfit. Your walk changes and your self-image can change along with it. Out on the town is getting a little chilly at this time of year. What a great opportunity to pull on your knee-high (or over-the-knee?), gleaming leather boots for a seasonal accent to your structured skirt or dress.
Above All Else – Accessorize!
Perhaps we’re being overly dramatic, but that is the point. This is your chance to add some drama with a bold statement necklace and cuff bracelet. Jewelry, an often overlooked wardrobe piece, lends a finished look with little effort required. Just avoid piling on too much at once. A few well-chosen items add color and brighten up your pretty face and hands.
The statement necklace is not for everyone, but you can still frame your face with a contrasting color accent. Choose a soft statement scarf to keep you cozy and lend an up-to-the-fashion-minute feel to your look, with a solid, bright color, animal print, or seasonally shiny metallic. The newest scarf twist, the collar scarf, gives you an instantly trendy and pulled together feel, with no time wasted struggling to loop, tie, or arrange.
Finally, leave the briefcase or satchel bag at home or office, and feel carefree with a smaller clutch or cross-body bag. It’s another great opportunity to shine, and an alternative to jewelry. Choose a bag that lends a bright pop of color or metallic sparkle to finish your day-to-night outfit.
Taking Your Look from Day to Night Is Simple!
Going from work to play means, at the very least, “letting your hair down,” “loosening your tie,” and plenty of other images that recall a fashionable “Mad Men” lifestyle. You may or may not be up for a 1960s nostalgia-fest, but whether you’re heading out for vintage-style martinis and steaks, or club-hopping to dance the night away, it’s a chance to have fun expressing yourself. According to the most important fashion employment agencies in NYC, it’s a good idea to dress professionally for work and then transform your look for night.
Start by planning a few quick, easy wardrobe adjustments to change your look and bring on your party mood. Whatever your workplace environment, after spending the whole day in your work clothes, you want to feel the difference when it’s time to go out and relax. You can dress it up or dress it down, as long as you make it fun.
Change It Up – Men on the Town
Clearly, women have more fashion tools at the ready than men when transforming from office to night-out attire. Still, a well-dressed guy can make a few key changes to be party-ready in minutes. Executive retail recruiters advise that you pay close attention to your work environment and the daytime dress code. Once the day is done, start by removing a few items. Don’t just loosen that tie—get rid of it (just for the evening). The exception to the lose-the-tie rule: if you’re a trim guy in a slim suit, try unbuttoning the top shirt button and loosen your tie just enough, maybe take off your jacket and roll up the shirtsleeves to mid-forearm (not to the elbows unless you’re planning to bail some hay). Stand back, and be ready to greet your fans.
Next, take a look in the mirror. What additional traces of office formality do you see? Remember, you removed that tie. Are you still buttoned up? Now, you can unbutton a couple of buttons and roll up your cuffs. If you have the option, bring a trim but casual polo or quality, neutral colored t-shirt to change into, and throw your narrow, trim suit jacket or blazer back on top—minus the uniform pocket square.
If you get to wear jeans to work, score a hundred bonus points…your options are limitless. You can actually choose to dress them up for your night out, with a black blazer over a black button-down shirt or t-shirt, or let out your inner preppy with a pressed pastel Oxford-cloth shirt and some polished loafers.
It’s pretty hip to go sockless these days, but how cold are your feet? And how confident are you? Dare to wear socks with a bold pop of color, or a lot of pattern, as long as you pair them with the right contrasting pant. Finally, remember to freshen up a bit before you go, to leave every trace of the office behind.
Ultimately, it’s all about having fun and letting off a little steam, so wear what feels right to you, and enjoy your night on the town.
Clearly, women have more fashion tools at the ready than men when transforming from office to night-out attire. Still, a well-dressed guy can make a few key changes to be party-ready in minutes. Executive retail recruiters advise that you pay close attention to your work environment and the daytime dress code. Once the day is done, start by removing a few items. Don’t just loosen that tie—get rid of it (just for the evening). The exception to the lose-the-tie rule: if you’re a trim guy in a slim suit, try unbuttoning the top shirt button and loosen your tie just enough, maybe take off your jacket and roll up the shirtsleeves to mid-forearm (not to the elbows unless you’re planning to bail some hay). Stand back, and be ready to greet your fans.
Next, take a look in the mirror. What additional traces of office formality do you see? Remember, you removed that tie. Are you still buttoned up? Now, you can unbutton a couple of buttons and roll up your cuffs. If you have the option, bring a trim but casual polo or quality, neutral colored t-shirt to change into, and throw your narrow, trim suit jacket or blazer back on top—minus the uniform pocket square.
If you get to wear jeans to work, score a hundred bonus points…your options are limitless. You can actually choose to dress them up for your night out, with a black blazer over a black button-down shirt or t-shirt, or let out your inner preppy with a pressed pastel Oxford-cloth shirt and some polished loafers.
It’s pretty hip to go sockless these days, but how cold are your feet? And how confident are you? Dare to wear socks with a bold pop of color, or a lot of pattern, as long as you pair them with the right contrasting pant. Finally, remember to freshen up a bit before you go, to leave every trace of the office behind.
Ultimately, it’s all about having fun and letting off a little steam, so wear what feels right to you, and enjoy your night on the town.
