Lace: Day and Night

The same lace dress can take you from work to night out.

Lace for office hours by Caroline Grant. The combination fo beige with shades of rust for office is a great option for those who look good in such neutral shades, but even them need to wear some colourful makeup, like Tom Ford's Crimson Noir lipstick, together with a more subdued eye makeup (liner, mascara, nude eyeshadow, tops). Missoni's Jungle scarf is also a great contrast in yellow and khaki green to all that beige. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Alberta Ferretti Brocade and Ribbed-knit Dress / A.P.C. Wool Tweed Blazer / Radley Carsington Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots in Camel / Missoni Jungle Orange Wool Scarf / Mulberry Stud Gloves in Biscuit / Marni Horn Flower Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Goldplated Earrings /  Tom Ford Lipstick in Crimson Noir / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red.

Lace for after work by Caroline Grant. Who says you have to be cold when you go out in winter? A wool-blend lace dress will keep you warm, plus the gloves and the faux fur jacket. Your have to love the combination of oxblood and beige/gold! [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Alberta Ferretti Brocade and Ribbed-knit Dress / A.P.C. Wool Tweed Blazer / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots in Camel / MARC by Marc Jacobs The Airmail Yellow Gold Long Clutch Handbag / Missoni Jungle Orange Wool Scarf / Mulberry Stud Gloves in Biscuit / Marni Horn Flower Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Goldplated Earrings /  Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.

MORE?

• How to wear lace: DOs and DON'Ts.
• How to style lace: Lace looks for day.
• How to style lace: Lace looks for special occassions.
• Styling checklist for day to night Part 1

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!

Maxi dresses are versatile

Weekend and holiday wear

Maxi dresses are great for weekend wear or holidays in spring or summer. A maxi dress or skirt covers your legs but, at the same time, lets the breeze through. They are a good garment to wear for a sunny, hot climate, as your legs can get burnt as much as any other part of your body. Choose a natural material like cotton, viscose, or silk jersey.
Also, when travelling to Muslim countries, it's better to cover your legs and shoulders if you want to be left alone (mostly), and also be allowed into places of worship. You may also need to cover your head also, so carry a scarf with you. The same goes for most churches and cathedrals. If you don't want to comply with this policy, you will have to forgo that particular visit: church authorities are never flexible with women's attire.

Day to night

If the material of the maxi dress is some sort of jersey that doesn't wrinkle, that makes them very comfortable and great for travelling too. On the plane, they are very convenient, as they double as travel wrap when temperatures plummet during a flight or train trip. Versatility is key when planning your travelling wardrobe: any piece brought with you should help create at least two different outfits, and it should be possible to dress up or down some of those pieces for different occasions.You actually need very few items to go from day to night.

1. Retouch your basic makeup. Go for shine (gloss, even sparkly, on lips, eyes, or even body makeup) or a pop of colour on your lips. (Re-)Apply perfume.
2. Change your shoes and handbag. If you have been standing all day or walking, chances are you are too tired to use heels, so get hold of a great pair of glittery or metallic flats.
3. Add statement pieces. A sequined shrug or cardigan, a costume jewellery statement necklace, cuff bracelet or bangle, or earrings. All of the pieces have to build on the items that have been worn for the day.

You can read more on packing for a holiday following the label Travelling, and more on changing from day to night following Versatility - Day to night.

More on maxi dresses?

• How to wear maxi dresses according to your silhouette and height.
• How to shop for a maxi dress.
• How to style your maxi dress.