How to Master Day-to-Night Dressing

The easiest way to go from day to night is to embrace the art of high-low dressing. This seemingly effortless way of pairing more dressy, formal items with relaxed, laid-back garments requires a bit of thought, but the results speak for themselves.

Style influencer, Rachael Alisedaghat (@rachaela_) layers a crisp white oxford shirt underneath a slinky lace cami for the day, then removes it as she heads out for the evening. She transitions her comfy daytime flats – essential for commuting and afternoon errands – for a pair of dramatic heeled boots to wear to evening drinks.

The best jeans for day-to-night outfits

Choosing the right pair of jeans is essential for a day-to-night look, as they act as the base for your whole outfit. It’s a tall order – they need to be comfortable enough for all-day wear plus look polished for evening looks. Per Una’s straight-leg jeans are Rachael’s go-to pair as the relaxed fit look works both ways.

Finding an outfit that can transition from day to night can be tricky; it needs to be suitable for the daylight hours, but still impactful enough so you feel dressed up for evening plans. Your top can make the most impact when your jeans or trousers are more neutral.

How to take a blouse from day to evening

Choosing the right material is key for successful day-to-night dressing. The trick is to find a garment suitable for daytime but made in a luxurious fabric to dial up the glam factor and segue effortlessly into the evening. A chiffon or satin high-neck blouse strikes the right balance: modest enough for daytime duties, but effortlessly elegant when the sun goes down. Just add bold jewellery and swap flats for heels to take it into the night.

For a seamless switch from desk to dinner, a head-to-toe tonal look is your secret weapon. Dressing in varying shades of the same rich hue – like this deep aubergine ensemble – adds instant polish, while still feeling cohesive and work-appropriate.

How to elevate tailoring for the evening

Reaching for a matching fitted top and tailored trousers create a pulled-together silhouette that transitions effortlessly into the evening. The clashing textures of the top and satin trousers create definition and visual interest.

Keep accessories in the same colour family for maximum impact, then refresh your mascara, slick on a stronger shade of lipstick and you're good to go.

Step straight out of the office into drinks with friends or a romantic mid-week date in a pair of heeled boots. They're ideal for all-day wear as they're more comfortable than high heels, but look a bit more polished than trainers or flat shoes.

A pair of leather stiletto boots complements flowing midi skirts and sweeping dresses, contrasting the feminine silhouette with added edge. If you're doing a lot of walking during the day, a sturdy riding boot or block heel will get the job done while you're on the go.

Outerwear can be tricky when it comes to day-to-night dressing as transitional seasons can be unpredictable. Look for a coat or jacket that is light enough for warmer afternoons but will beat the evening chill when colder weather comes calling. You'll also want to avoid anything too big and bulky to achieve a sleek evening look.

A leather or suede jacket is the perfect compromise. A wardrobe staple as timeless as a pair of jeans or a white T-shirt, a biker-style jacket injects quiet confidence into any outfit, day or night. Whether you opt for a cropped bomber fit or experiment with an on-trend funnel neck, this hero piece is sure to elevate your outfit.

From those long-awaited evening plans with friends that have been in the diary for weeks to last-minute drinks with work colleagues, transitioning your outfit from day to night can take many forms.

Whether you're simply layering on extra jewellery for a little extra sparkle or swapping your favorite flats for wow-factor heels, we have all your bases covered at M&S. Make those staple wardrobe essentials like jeans and little black dresses work just a bit harder by taking them from meetings and lunches to swanky evenings out.