Dressing for Day to Night

day to night outfit

elizabeth and james booties

If this is my go-to outfit for running errands when I’ve been sitting around in a t shirt all day, this look is my go-to for when I have errands to run, people to meet, and a date with Joe in the evening. In fact, I would go so far as to call this my uniform: skinny jeans of some description, with a button down silk blouse, half tucked in. Add flats when there’s a lot of walking to be done, fun heels when I feel like dressing it up. The great thing about my uniform is how truly versatile it is. For one thing, you only need a couple pairs of jeans and a few blouses in different colors, and before you know it, you’ll wind up with countless outfit permutations. And with such a basic palette, the look is ripe for accessorizing. 

oversized clutch and bracelets

day to night look - purple blouse, black skinnies

Want to look more minimalist? Then don’t pile on the jewelry, keep your shoes flat and neutral, and pair the look with a practical tote. Looking to dress things up? Opt for statement jewelry pieces, and a fun handbag or clutch.

Last week, I went somewhere in between, with a simple, delicate gold bar necklace, a stack of bracelets (which for me, feels dressier and more trendy, as I typically hate the feel of a bagillion bracelets on my wrist — apologies if I’m the arm party’s party pooper), tough-but-cool camel booties, and my oversized clutch. It’s an outfit that can take me from client coffee meetings to a cozy dinner for two at a local neighborhood restaurant. If you’ve seen me at any point in the last six months, there’s a 75% chance I was wearing some variation of this outfit. Real life friends can confirm, scout’s honor.

In this post:

J.Crew Blythe Blouse | J. Brand Jeans | Elizabeth and James booties (on sale!)

Bauble Bar necklace (similar here, and budget option here) | J.Crew and Aqua bracelets (old)

Sweet and Spark vintage bracelet

{Photography by Lydia Hudgens}

Leave a Comment

25 Comments

  1. 6.25.13
    Meg said:

    Love your bright purple top!

    http://happinessiscreating.com/

  2. 6.25.13
    Lauren said:

    Love the outfit posts! Gorgeous! Love love love!

  3. 6.25.13
    Meghan said:

    I am loving this look , you look amazing those boots !! are gorgeous.

  4. 6.25.13
    nora said:

    i love those booties! i wish i wasn’t so tall, i feel like a giant in heels.

    • 6.25.13
      vmacandcheese said:

      I say rock it anyway!! :)

  5. 6.25.13

    completely obsessed with your boots!

  6. 6.25.13

    Very similar to my go to outfit. Have you check out Tucker blouses they come in the best prints. I love all your jewelry. I have some great vintage bracelets that would also look great wit this look.

  7. 6.25.13

    This is my go to look as well! Its so easy to dress up or down. In the summer months I swap the jeans for a skirt.

    X Kenzie

    http://www.CaveGirlintheCity.com

  8. 6.25.13

    I love the top. I have one from Old Navy in a light teal that I love to wear out or even to work.

  9. 6.25.13
    Allison said:

    Glad I’m not the only one who’s anti arm-party. I always abide by the less is more rule! And that purple color looks gorgeous on you!

    -Allison
    http://asimplestatement.com/

  10. 6.25.13
    kelsey said:
  11. 6.25.13
    Ailee said:

    Those booties! Oh my word. Obsessed.

  12. 6.25.13

    Lovinggg this outfit. Probably because I also wear a variation of this almost daily. And your arm party is rockin – so much so that I now want to have an arm party of my own. ;)

  13. 6.25.13
    Rachelle Porsenna said:

    I’ve had my eyes on these booties for weeks, I love this outfit.

  14. 6.25.13
    Kirby said:

    Love that you’re doing more outfit posts!

  15. 6.25.13
    julia said:

    love it! you look amazing!

    xo julesinflats.com

  16. 6.26.13
    Abby said:

    I’ve been lusting over those booties for such a long time — love the way you wore them here!

  17. 6.26.13

    You look so fresh and well put together. That is the best uniform, truthfully. I think it’s appropriate for most outings.

    http://fashionwashere.net

  18. 6.26.13

    GAH. stop being so cute!!

  19. 6.26.13

    SUCH a pretty outfit! You look lovely

  20. 6.26.13

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your large envelope clutch. The gold metal corners take it to an entirely new level. You’re a goddess.

    https://lineage-interiors.squarespace.com/

    XO Alexandrea

  21. 6.26.13
    viv said:

    Those Elizabeth and James booties are aaaahmazing!
    http://www.fashiontruffles.com

  22. 6.26.13
    taylor said:

    perfect day to night outfit – I’ve been drooling over those booties for SO SO long
    http://www.itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com

  23. 6.26.13

    your purple shirt is stunning! but those booties are show stoppers for sure!

    xo. c & v
    cake & valley

  24. 7.1.13

    I adore those shoes! Totally something I would pass by at the store, but you styled them perfectly!