How to Wear Your Work Uniform to an After Work Event

So you didn’t have time to change out of your custom business casual work uniform into something else before heading off to an event? Be it a work function or social event, there are plenty of ways to go out on the town without people necessarily knowing you are still wearing your work uniform. How do you do it? By employing a few of these easy style tips and tricks.

Add a Second Layer

Whether you are wearing a polo shirt-style work uniform or a dress shirt or custom uniform work blouse, you can snazz things up a bit by adding a stylish jacket. Factor in variables such as weather and season, as well as the type of event you are attending. If you are heading to a laid-back function, such as dinner with friends on a restaurant terrace, you can dress up in a denim jacket or sports coat. If you need something more formal, try a sharp blazer or long coat. And if functionality is the most important priority, stick to super comfy second layers like a fleece jacket or open cardigan sweater.

Switch it up With Shoes

If you can pack a second pair of shoes to change into after work, do it. Maybe you spend all day on your feet, working in the food industry as a restaurant manager or in a hospital as a medical professional. If you have to go out somewhere immediately after work, give your outfit a facelift by changing into a pair of shoes that make a fashion statement. In the winter, stick to boots or durable flats that can withstand snow and cold temperatures. In the warmer seasons, go with sandals, wedges, heels, or other summery flats that add pizzazz to your outfit.

Accessorize

If you’re afraid your work uniform is a little too bland for a night out, dress it up with accessories. The right handbag, scarf, or dangly earrings could be all you need to create a more flattering look. Planning to attend an outdoor function on a balmy summer evening? Tweak your work uniform with a lightweight sweater or jacket, a cute clutch purse, and some fashion jewelry. Things like statement necklaces and other pieces will take the focus away from your work uniform and instead draw attention to your knack for accessorizing.

Find Creative Ways to Enhance Your Work Uniform

What articles of clothing comprise your work uniform? Do you work in an office setting and wear dressier uniform attire, like a black custom work skirt and a white blouse? With something like this, very little enhancement needs to be done. This classic, versatile look is designed to be worn both in the office and at an after-work function like a social mixer or networking event. If you want to transition into a more nighttime-appropriate look, use subtle methods like applying a bold lipstick color, switching into a different pair of heels, or adding a flattering necklace. Is your work uniform more utilitarian, like a basic polo shirt and a pair of slacks? If you want to add a touch of style, cover your uniform shirt with a soft, cashmere sweater and change into a cute pair of shoes. Adding a colorful handbag and some jewelry will also help add style to the outfit.

Incorporate Your Personal Style

You don’t necessarily need to be armed with a second layer, a second pair of shoes, or even cute accessories to wear a work uniform to an after-hours event. You can work with what you’ve got! By day, it may be all business with your hair in a bun, but by night you can let it all down with a quick hair toss. If you have no product on hand, spray your locks with some water to give them a nice beachy wave. Apply a fresh face of makeup or spritz yourself with your favorite perfume. Sometimes, these little things are all you need to get the long workday off you, even if you don’t have time to get the work uniform off. A quick touch-up may be the boost of confidence you need to head to any after-work event in your work uniform.

Although it may not be ideal to head to a function after work without getting a chance to change out of your uniform, it is possible to still look fabulous in your work attire. Just give yourself a little bit of time to spruce up your look on the way to the event, and throw on accessories and clothing articles that will enhance your outfit. Who knows? Perhaps no one will ever realize you showed up in your work uniform!