Day-to-night outfits are always spoken about in theory, but when it comes to figuring out formulas that actually transition from the morning to after hours, the challenge is real. For me, common trouble areas include shoes that aren't built for all-day comfort, sneakers or sandals that work for day but feel too casual at night, lightweight pieces of clothing [1] that, while comfortable in the heat, require an extra layer in overactive AC or after sundown, mini accessories that are great for a night out but feel impractical during the day, and casual staples that work for low-key outings but feel a little underwhelming for a dinner, drinks, or a party.
An obvious solution to these dressing conundrums is changing at some point during the day, but I live in New York City and rarely have an opportunity to switch out a piece of my outfit let a lone do a full-on wardrobe change without lugging around an overstuffed tote bag (not exactly chic). I also hate overcomplicated outfits that require too many pieces, which means I have to think super creatively to land on a formula that feels just right (a real Goldilocks predicament, if you will).
If you, too, struggle with day-to-night outfits that actually work day to night, ahead, I've put together 8 Summer formulas that can truly do both. From top-and-skirt combos [2] to all-in-one jumpsuits [3] and versatile dresses [4], these outfits are not only easy to wear and but star affordable clothing from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [5]. That's what I like to call a win-win.
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Breezy Dress + Denim Jacket
Breezy dresses — like this POPSUGAR Button-Front Dress [6] ($37, originally $50) which is also available in Plus Size [7] — are perfect for a day in the sun while a white denim jacket is the perfect transition piece whether you're in and out of AC or dealing with a post-sunset chill. Woven sandals with a block heel and a canvas bucket bag are the ultimate Summer accents that are both comfortable and practical all day long. Modern pearl earrings make a for darling finish.
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket [8] ($32, originally $64)
Pull&Bear Natural Jute Mid-Heel Sandals
Pull&Bear Natural Jute Mid-Heel Sandals [9] ($50)
Staud Bissett Leather-Trimmed Canvas Bucket Bag
Staud Bissett Leather-Trimmed Canvas Bucket Bag [10] ($295)
Donni June White Pearl Drop Earring
Donni June White Pearl Drop Earring [11] ($134)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Camisole + Printed Shorts
On a weekend day or for holiday, a camisole like this POPSUGAR V-Neck Cami [12] ($18, originally $36) is comfy and cute with just about any bottom from jeans to skirts. For a bit of interest, pair this chambray style with printed shorts and finish the look with lace-up sandals, a bright mini bag, and dainty gold rings for day-to-night ease.
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts [13] ($33, originally $44)
Massimo Dutti Tubular Flat Sandals
Massimo Dutti Tubular Flat Sandals [14] ($110)
Urban Outfitter Super Mini Trapezoid Crossbody Bag
Urban Outfitter Super Mini Trapezoid Crossbody Bag [15] ($24)
The Last Line Three Set Dainty Gold Band
The Last Line Three Set Dainty Gold Band [16] ($189)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Feminine Tee + Jeans
You can't go wrong with a t-shirt and jeans during the day and this POPSUGAR Ruffle-Sleeve Tee [17] ($22, originally $30) is a fresh and feminine version that's ultra-lightweight in the heat. To give this simple combo and fashion-forward spin, a colourful bag and heels make for a standout look that's as perfect for a lunch outing as it is for dinner and drinks. Statement earrings are the ultimate finish.
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans [18] ($25, originally $50)
A New Day Kayce Strappy Stiletto Heeled Pumps
A New Day Kayce Strappy Stiletto Heeled Pumps [19] ($30)
Emily Levine Dumpling Knotted Floral-Print Cotton-Voile Tote
Emily Levine Dumpling Knotted Floral-Print Cotton-Voile Tote [20] ($145)
Corita Mambo Earrings
Corita Mambo Earrings [21] ($78)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Linen Dress
Is there anything better than a linen dress [22] in the Summer? This POPSUGAR Button Up Midi Dress [23] ($45, originally $60) is a flattering silhouette on all body types and feels quintessentially Summer with white sandals, a unique basket bag, and colourful drop earrings.
Journee Collection Colette Sandals
Journee Collection Colette Sandals [24] ($42, originally $49)
Ulla Johnson Raya Trapeze Bag
Ulla Johnson Raya Trapeze Bag [25] ($295)
Sophie Monet Wood & Jade Aurora Drop Earrings
Sophie Monet Wood & Jade Aurora Drop Earrings [26] ($150)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Cute Tank + Colourful Skirt
Up the ante of your standard tank top-and-miniskirt combo with bright colours and playful prints. This POPSUGAR Smocked Tank Top [27] ($27, originally $36) makes a splash when paired with a yellow skirt and feels especially fashion-forward with trendy (and comfortable!) kitten heels, a minimal woven bag, and a cute anklet.
POPSUGAR Button-Up Mini Skirt
POPSUGAR Button-Up Mini Skirt [28] ($37, originally $50)
Zara Pleated Mid-Height Heeled Sandals
Zara Pleated Mid-Height Heeled Sandals [29] ($40)
Hunting Season Trunk Mini Raffia and Leather Shoulder Bag
Hunting Season Trunk Mini Raffia and Leather Shoulder Bag [30] ($395)
Ariel Gordon Figaro Anklet
Ariel Gordon Figaro Anklet [31] ($170)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A Printed Jumpsuit
Take your jumpsuit — like this POPSUGAR Wrap Jumpsuit [32] ($34, originally $68) — from work to drinks by teaming yours with sleek mules, a woven shoulder bag, and gold hoops. The result is polished yet playful.
& Other Stories Criss Cross Tortoise Buckle Mules
& Other Stories Criss Cross Tortoise Buckle Mules [33] ($129)
Cult Gaia Kaia Bag
Cult Gaia Kaia Bag [34] ($298)
Laura Lombardi Duo Earrings
Laura Lombardi Duo Earrings [35] ($92)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: A T-Shirt + Shorts + Cardigan
For coastal activities from beach days to sailing and strolling the main street, a comfortable t-shirt like this POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [36] ($22, originally $30) is idyllic with a cute pair of shorts. When the chill sets in, a striped cardigan is key to have on hand while lace-up espadrilles, a leather-and-straw bag, a chainlink necklace give this look an elevated, fashion-girl effect.
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts [37] ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Nautical Cardigan
POPSUGAR Nautical Cardigan [38] ($25, originally $50)
Mango Laces Slingback Espadrilles
Mango Laces Slingback Espadrilles [39] ($60)
Hereu x Net Sustain Alqueria Leather-Trimmed Woven Straw Tote
Hereu x Net Sustain Alqueria Leather-Trimmed Woven Straw Tote [40] ($240)
Uno de 50 Chain 6 Gold
Uno de 50 Chain 6 Gold [41] ($120)
Day-to-Night Outfit Formula: An Eyelet Top + Jeans
Another fresh alternative to a t-shirt and jeans is an eyelet top like this POPSUGAR Eyelet Tee [42] ($33, originally $44) with true-blue denim. Bright block-heel sandals, a minimal bag, and a chainlink bracelet take this combo from simple to sophisticated.
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans [43] ($25, originally $50)
Charles & Keith Yellow Mesh Mini Block Heel Sandals
Charles & Keith Yellow Mesh Mini Block Heel Sandals [44] ($69)
Medea Prima Short Small Leather Tote
Medea Prima Short Small Leather Tote [45] ($440)
Gorjana Parker Bracelet
Gorjana Parker Bracelet [46] ($60)