An NYC fashion consultant shares 3 style tips for day-to-night dressing this spring
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- Versatile workwear is essential for socializing in and out of the office.
- Returning to the office provides workers with an opportunity to connect and also catch a happy hour.
- Here's what one fashion consultant suggests for seamless day-to-night transitions this spring.
Spring is coming to the US, and the (hopefully) warmer weather might mean your coworkers are less eager to go straight home from the office.
But don't worry: if you're styling your workwear correctly, Reginald Ferguson, fashion consultant and founder of the NY Fashion Geek, told Business Insider, there's no need to pack a change of clothes for happy hour.
"I truly believe that whatever statement you're making in the office should easily carry over into after hours," Ferguson said.
Loneliness increased among young adults working remotely in 2020 and beyond. A 2021 study commissioned by Cigna found that 79% of the 18-24-year-olds surveyed said they felt lonely. Now that more companies are calling their employees back into the office, the revival of post-work events is an opportunity to connect with colleagues but it can present wardrobe challenges for those now more accustomed to Lululemon and hoodies at home.
There are ways to jazz up your corporate 'fit outside taking off your tie or slipping off those sensible heels once you're off the clock. Ferguson recommended small tweaks before work that can save you the trouble once it's time to hit up happy hour.
For specific items that can seamlessly transition from day to night Ferguson suggested choosing items like a midi dress, loafers, a polo shirt, an unstructured sport jacket, chunky heels, or wide-leg trousers. He said that retailers like J.Crew and Madewell are good places to start looking.
Once you've got your base outfit, here's what Ferguson recommends to switch seamlessly from the office to the afterparty.
Plan ahead and dress comfortably
Staying out after an eight-hour shift requires some comfort, Ferguson said. From the morning commute to bustling nightlife, "it's going to be a long day."
Some after-work plans are spontaneous, but Ferguson said it's good to plan ahead. If you know the venue you plan to visit after work, it makes it much easier to "dress appropriately" for both occasions.
Although block heels would be the best of both worlds, those who can't tolerate their achy work shoes should plan to swap them out, the stylist said.
Don't shy away from shedding layers and adding accessories
If blazers and sweater vests make your outfit more corporate, layer them over a shirt (perhaps a polo) and take them off for a more casual look after work. Or, roll up the sleeves of your blazer and flip the collar up.
"Take your socks off and put your shoes back on," Ferguson said.
He also suggested adding "statement" jewelry or a watch can elevate your daily attire and make it interesting.
A "pencil skirt and a plain blouse" can be taken to new heights by eye-catching accessories.
Avoid these at all costs
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Unless your office isn't an office, most professional workplaces have dress codes.
"Don't dress like you're going to a club, a rave, or a DJ set" at the office, Ferguson said. That is, "unless you work at a club."
For those whose employee handbooks don't permit that attire, ripped jeans, crop tops, baseball caps, and graphic tees should be for the weekends, according to Ferguson.
Lastly, he said, "Don't look like you rolled out of bed."