Commute-Proof Wardrobe Essentials That Go From Office To Happy Hour

You have your days where after work you drive straight home. Probably with no music playing, and riding in complete silence because work was a drag. But then other days, you might have a networking mixer or dinner with your co-workers or clients on the calendar. You might even have an impromptu girls night with your friends. 

How does the saying go? 

“Don’t live for the weekend—make every day count.”

Sometimes you won’t have the time to go home and change, especially if you have a long commute. Valuable wardrobe essentials are not built based on the latest trends or fast-fashion. Commute-proof wardrobe essentials are built on staple pieces and accessories that take a simple office look and turn it into an elevated look that’s just right for your after-hours plans.

Here are some key wardrobe essential items that go from office to happy hour:

Flats and heels can be used interchangeably depending on shoe preference. Some women wear heels in the office, Some women enjoy wearing pumps, block heels, and even kitten heels. 

Let’s say you do wear heels to work; depending on the after-work event or activity, you may still want to wear heels. So, greater commuter-proof options are wearing block heels or kitten heels. It’ll provide you with comfort throughout the day, so your feet can withstand a few more hours during a dinner or networking event after work. 

On the other hand, if you are someone who likes to be comfortable all day, then you’re probably wearing flats or mules to work. And if that’s the case, then you can pack some lightweight pumps, particularly slingback pumps to elevate your outfit for the evening. Just make sure to keep your flats close by in case you do need to switch out.

Jewelry is definitely a mood changer, which makes it a great commuter-proof wardrobe essential. You don’t even have to wait until the end of the workday to add jewelry. You can walk into the office with some wonderful statement pieces that add personality to your outfit and allow no wardrobe changes once you’re off work. 

Any of your basic office staples paired with a fancy watch, or gold hoops (not super large), or a statement necklace that’s subtle, yet bold will not only be great for the office but for your after-work activities. Jewelry will take your office blazer, trousers, or button-down shirt from conservative to social real quick. Jewelry is an essential that maximizes what you’re already wearing, so not much (including an outfit change) is required. 

When switching from the office to happy hour, layering is a great tool to use. 

Let’s say you wore a white buttoned-down shirt to work. When it’s time for happy hour, you can dress it up with a blazer. And if you really want to step out and elevate your look while adding some personality, a hot pink blazer would be great. A nice, bold statement piece to spice up the evening’s festivities.

Or if it’s Friday and the office is in dress-down attire (some employers typically allow for Fridays to be a “you can wear jeans” day), when it comes time to elevate your look for the night, you can throw on a leather jacket. Or if you’re a millennial who hasn’t let go of wearing jean jackets, then you can wear that. 

And if you’re really wanting to pack light for your computer-proof wardrobe essential, then you can wear a light cardigan that works for both the office and after work

An honorable mention for a commuter-proof wardrobe essential would be a matching two-piece set. This allows you to look polished and professional throughout the day. But it also makes it easy to just elevate your after-work outfit with the recommended essentials above, which doesn’t require a full outfit change.