“To spruce up the look a bit, the easiest option is to accessorize,” says Monica Barnett founder and Image Curator of Blueprint For Style, a personal styling and branding company that specializes in creating a polished personal and professional image. “Switching your handbag for a smaller clutch is an easy signal that it’s nighttime!”
Dress, Calvin Klein, $134, Macy’s. Watch, Sasha Rhett, $299, sasharhett.com. Satchel, DKNY, $325, select DKNY stores. Thigh highs, Hanes Silk Reflections, $12, hanes.com. Pumps, Christian Siriano for Payless, $33, payless.com for similar styles.
“After your PTA meeting and you want to head out for drinks, lose the cardigan and go for the self-assuredness of a cropped jacket,” suggests Barnett. “Rather than wearing heels, choose a colorful or dark metallic flat—less the hosiery, and you’re ready for hanging with the girls.”
Cardigan, Gap, $45, gap.com. Dress, Mcginn, $295, Nordstrom stores. Earrings, SuperJeweler, $50, superjeweler.com. Necklace, Carolee, $75, carolee.com. Thigh highs, Hanes Silk Reflections, $12, hanes.com. Heels, Ivanka Trump, $140, zappos.com.
“The look is all ready to go but, you can take it up a notch by trading the wedge booties for a strappy heel that has a touch of bling,” suggests the stylist. “While larger, more colorful handbags are great for the day, they can be a pain to carry all night, so go for a small, more structured bag just enough to carry your essentials or even a cute shimmery crossbody.”
Blazer and trousers, Ann Taylor, $168 and $88, anntaylor.com. Blouse, Loft, $50, loft.com. Necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane, $110, maxandchloe.com. Watch, ESQ Movado Contempo, $295, esqmovado.com. Satchel, Lauren Ralph Lauren, $348, macys.com. Thigh highs, Hanes Silk Reflections, $12, hanes.com. Wedges, DMSX Donald J Pliner, $148, dmsx.com.
“Going from desk to date is all about showing your assets—tastefully. You want to show some skin or a little more shape to set the mood.”
Jacket, Rachel Rachel Roy, $169, rachelroy.com. Belted dress, Tracy Reese, $348, La Moda, Fairfield, Connecticut, 203-254-2112. Necklace, Lia Sophia, $148, liasophia.com to find an adviser. Thigh highs, Hanes Silk Reflections, $12, hanes.com. Shoes, Nine West, $89, zappos.com.
“Girls night out is a time to just be you, so get dolled up! A bright jacket works well and a few pieces of perfectly placed jewelry and you’ve achieved your goal of comfort, femininity and zestiness in one look!” Barnett explains.
Jacket, Zara, $100, zara.com. Top, Rock & Republic, $48, kohls.com. Jeans, Siwy, $196, shopbop.com. Thigh highs, Hanes Silk Reflections, $12, hanes.com. Booties, Vince Camuto, $159, vince camuto.com.
