On the one hand, the fashion industry drives a desire for newness, the latest celebrity-endorsed It-bag or a pair of trending ballet pumps, say; on the other, clever styling can encourage us to make more of what we already own, unlocking the full potential of our most prized pieces.
Taking clothes out of their usual context is one of fashion’s oldest tricks in the book, and, quite often, one of its most effective. Take the nightie-style dress, which can be toughened up with biker boots and a leather bomber or given a more everyday feel with a T-shirt and chunky knit. Sequins, too, are no longer reserved for nocturnal pursuits; paired with loose-fitting denim or a sporty striped tee, they suddenly feel considerably less dressy. The same goes for gorpcore, where hiking-ready trainers and technical outerwear have long been paired with decidedly non-outdoorsy pieces to create a point contrast. And evening dresses? Well, who’s to say they can’t be worn in daylight, too?
With the right accessories and a few considered styling tweaks, an elegant evening dress can become part of your everyday rotation, something the style set has demonstrated throughout this season’s shows. A slinky slip can be made day-ready with the simple addition of a jumper and ballet flats, while a sleek LBD takes on a more casual feel when paired with jorts and a leather jacket.
Below, brings you six ways to give your evening frocks a more casual spin, because there’s no reason to save them for best.
Evening dress + jumper
Ezra Black Tumbled Ruched Loafer
Mini slip + blazer
Floaty dress + leather jacket
Leather Collarless Biker Jacket In Black
Satin dress + slouchy boots
Posy Twisted-Shoulder Satin Midi Dress
Slip dress + oversized coat
New York Label Wool Blend Coat
Check Me Out Column Slip Dress
Leather Funnel Neck Bomber Jacket
The Half Pipe Bermuda Fray Denim Shorts
How do you make an evening dress casual?
It’s all in the styling. Where in the evening you might elevate your dress with a pair of heels, a clutch and some opulent jewellery, in the day, you can lean on flats, layers and bohemian accessories to balance it in the opposite direction. With the right accoutrements, even a floor-length gown can work double duty.
What shoes make an evening dress look more daytime appropriate?
Flats are the failsafe. This year, ballet pumps are trending, and they’ll work with almost any dress you wear them with. If you want to make it sporty, go with trainers (something low profile and retro) or, as the weather cools, stick with boots.
How do you rewear an evening dress so it doesn’t look like the same dress?
The easiest way is with layers. It could be a cardigan, a jumper, a jacket, a shirt or a trench – the fact is, if your top layer breaks up the dress, it looks like a different piece entirely. Throw some denim over a sequin slip, for example, and it suddenly reads “daytime” rather than “last night’s party”.