I love this time of year, when it's actually still light out when I get home. It always makes me feel like I somehow have more free time to get things accomplished at night (this isn't really actually the case, but it still makes me feel better). I love being able to go to dinner with friends after work and actually be able to see them in the daylight. The added hours of sunshine also mean it's a lot more feasible to convert your work clothes to an outfit for an early-dinner or after work drinks with co-workers (i.e. throw on jeans, put on flats, etc).
It's very easy to get in a rut when it comes to work clothes and then "going-out" clothes, so I put together a sample outfit. Something you could have on during the day and then easily modify for a night out.
Daytime
Always a great starter is a clean white shirt. Perfect for the office and very easy to dress up for a summer evening dinner. This ruffled shirt from Paperwhite, offers just the right amount of detail and flair with the ruffle bib detail. You can either leave it untucked like in the image to the right, or you can tuck it into a more high waisted skirt. Another fun way to play up a basic shirt is to add a belt on the outside of the shirt while leaving it untucked.
This shirt is great layering piece also, and would like great underneath a bright colored cardigan, like this multi-colored sweater from Charlotte Tarantola. Again, you could easily tuck in the white top and have the sweater unbuttoned over the top, or you could leave the top untucked and just loosely button a few of the middle sweater buttons. Either way, feel free to mix and match to whatever feels the most comfortable for you. Also, don't forget to accessorize! Play up the great colors of this cardigan with a new pair of crystal earrings or even a longer gold dangling necklace.
To complete the daytime, office wear look, I would suggest pairing the sweater and top, with a 
great black pencil skirt, like this one from BCBG. Besides being very in-style right now, pencil skirts are very flattering on most shapes. They help to de-accentuate the stomach area and also slim the thighs, especially true for black skirts. This whole looked could be topped off with a great pair of black summer heels or wedges (see my previous blog for suggestions). It's very work appropriate look yet has a great deal of edge and sophistication.
great black pencil skirt, like this one from BCBG. Besides being very in-style right now, pencil skirts are very flattering on most shapes. They help to de-accentuate the stomach area and also slim the thighs, especially true for black skirts. This whole looked could be topped off with a great pair of black summer heels or wedges (see my previous blog for suggestions). It's very work appropriate look yet has a great deal of edge and sophistication.Evening
The great thing about this look, is it's very easy to go home, exchange out a few elements and be ready for a night out on the town! For starters, you can keep the crisp white shirt on, as it's always a good look in the day and in the evening. You may also choose to keep the sweater on as well over the top just to add more color to your outfit. Next, exchange out the black skirt for a great pair of dark wash, boot cut jeans, like these ones from Michael Kors. A dark wash is a very flattering look for any body type, and the boot cut is great for those who are looking to balance out larger hips too (not that any of us struggle with that area).
After you've got your great jeans, top and sweater (maybe) on it's time to finish that look, and head out the door for your night on the town. For those of us in cooler climates, even during most summer nights, I take a jacket or sweater out with me at night. And what I love about this coral colored jacket is the punch of color it gives you no matter where you are. This Kenneth Cole trench coat, looks amazing paired against the dark wash jeans as well as the multi-colored sweater and crisp white shirt. It looks so great on and is so comfortable that you can easily wear it throughout the night too. Finish the outfit off with a great pair of metallic flats (or heels, depending on how your feet might be feeling that day), and enjoy your night, knowing that you look fabulous!Happy Shopping!
