Styling checklist for day to night. Part 1

How to transform your work outfit into an afterwork one

You actually need very few items to go from day to night, adding some glamour to your basic work attire, so the transition to dinner, drinks, or a cocktail party after hours is painless. So, with a bit of forethought...

1. Choose a basic work attire. I am thinking neutral trousers, a skirt with clean lines, or a simple dress. Depending on the weather, the coat you wear can be a simple trench with a bit of shine (or not), or a winter coat with no bells and whistles. Leather is a good option.
2. Shoes can also be versatile, like simple leather or suede black pumps, or you can keep a pair or after-hours shoes at the office. If you are changing shoes and you are wearing a pair of trousers, make sure they have the same heel height or the trousers will drag on the floor or look ridiculous around your ankles. Think about comfort: if you are going out at night, it may be a good idea to have been wearing flats, or kitten heels during the day, and then change to a higher heel. I call this "saving feet", in the sense of not "spending" their endurance completely during the day so I can use it afterwards.
3. Change your pantyhose, for instance, from nude to sheer black. It's always good to have extra pantyhose at the office in case of accidents.
4. Change your handbag. A smaller handbag, alternative to your work bag, is a must.
5. Add statement pieces. A sequined shrug or cardigan, a costume jewellery statement necklace, a cuff bracelet or bangle, earrings...
6. Take your makeup kit with you, including the makeup you will need for afterwards. More of this in the near future!

Statement pieces for night by Caroline Grant. Sequined cardigans or blazers, satin sandals or pumps, golden flats or sleek plain black boots add glam. Great costume jewellery spices up (almost) any workwear.

Set (above left): Jigsaw Infinity Sequin Beaded Bolero / Donald J Pliner Black Satin Boots / Lulu Townsend Tonal Lattice Box Clutch Handbag / Alexis Bittar Sugar Diamond Earrings / Lord & Taylor Effy Collection Freshwarter Pearl Ring / Majorica Ring.
Set (above right): MW by Matthew Williamson Women's Blue Cropped Leopard Jacket / Kate Spade New York Marlena Cobalt Blue Evening Sandals / Minuet Petite Front Pleat Clutch Handbag / Coast Ashlea Faux Fair Scarf / Alexis Bittar Lucite Earrings / Alexis Bittar O'Keeffe Antique Silver Skull Cuff Bracelet / Alexis Bittar Royal Blue Lucite Bangle Bracelet.
Set (below left): Vero Moda Holiday Game Cardigan / Menbur Rianna Clutch Handbag / L.K. Bennett Flori Shoes / Selia's Ribbon Wrapped Gold Chain Link Necklace and Earrings.
Set (below right): Vila Grape Blazer Jacket / ClutchThat Silk Embroidered Clutch Handbag with Peacock Feather / Miu Miu Ballerinas / Alexis Bittar Lucite Cuff Bracelet.

Everything you see above can fit into quite a small bag, which should be should be good news to any of you who hate carrying any weight or bulk, and avoid it as if your life depended on it. I know I do.
Alternatively, you can have a stash of those pieces at the office for emergencies.

MORE?
Follow the label Versatility - Day to Night below for more tips and examples.