When it comes to dressing yourself, what works for the office and your post work plans aren’t always synonymous. Trust me, I’ve tried it all: being uncomfortable during the workday followed by being wrinkled and sweaty by 8:00 pm, lugging around a completely different outfit, you name it. It’s taken me a bit to master the hack, and it comes down to a few rules. They’ll take you from the office to date night like a total pro.
Choose your fabrics wisely.
When you’re commuting in a city like New York, movability is king. Thicker bodycon bottoms are not only sleek for the office but comfortable and resilient enough to wear all day. I love adding this Opening Ceremony skirt to the mix for days I have a stacked calendar of work and personal events. I also love swapping out a fancier top for a tee; it’s a fun way to dress down an office worthy pencil skirt. Fewer wrinkles, more confidence! The blazer + tee combo? This is always a hit for style and comfort points!
Ditch the heels.
Is there anything worse than standing in a crowded bar for hours or walking in heels from the office? With today’s chic options for sneakers, it’s a no-brainer for me to throw them in the mix every chance I get. I feel like it’s an outdated mindset that you have to wear heels on first dates. I personally believe you should wear what you feel most comfortable and confident in. For me, that’s a pair of sneakers. If that’s heels for you, then go for it! Pair them with something else more comfortable like a killer pair of leggings so you can be as confident and comfortable as possible.
Office to date night: Find yourself a bag that can do both.
When it comes to planning for work and going out, it’s all about the packing strategy. I hate carrying around multiple bags on the subway (hello sweat, ugh), so I make sure I carry a bag that can hold it all, including a cute purse I can take out and use at night. I’m never without my carry-all bag from Transience which chicly holds everything I need for the day: a cute purse for the evening, my laptop, and lunch.
Outfit Details
Sweater: Abstract Crop Sweater, Peter Pilotto
Skirt: Side Flounce Skirt, Opening Ceremony
Sneakers: Classic Cortez Sneaker, Nike
Bag: Olga Backpack, See By Chloe
Sunglasses: 53mm Round Sunglasses, Ray Ban
MAKEUP DETAILS
Primer: Ambient Light Correcting Primer, Hourglass in Luminous Light
Foundation: The Influencer Clean Longwear Foundation, Sunday Riley in 140
Highlighter: Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, Fenty Beauty in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal
Blush: Air Blush Soft Glow Duo, Marc Jacobs Beauty in Lines & Last Night
Contour: Match Stix Matte Skin Stick, Fenty Beauty in Mocha and Rum
Eyes: Naked Petite Heat Palette, c/o Urban Decay
Lashes: Ardell Wispies, Target
Lips: Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, Fenty Beauty in Spanked
Photos by Lydia Hudgens, makeup by me