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I just got this top in my recent Nuuly order—it’s a blue and white striped poplin button down with cute oversized cuffs and a tie-back detail. It’s so flattering, the colors are beautiful, and it is by definition a day-time top. From the colors to the fabric to the style, it screams day look. But I’m obsessed with it, and I don’t want to limit it to a certain time of day or way of styling.

So, how do we make a casual piece feel night-out appropriate? Turns out, it’s not that hard.

Mix Your Darks and Lights

An easy distinction between styles that feel more casual and more evening-esque is color. Black and darker hues tend to transition much more easily into night-out ‘fits than lighter colors, so incorporating those darker tones into your outfit is one of the simplest ways to make your favorite casual piece feel more dressed up.

A sleek black skirt, a patent leather jacket, a piece in a rich burgundy or espresso—introducing those dark colors can elevate something that feels less formal.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Shoes, purses, jewelry—they’re essential to a good dressed-up look. Shoes are so subtle, but can completely change the aura of an outfit. A cute kitten heel, whether it be a simple black slingback or a bold animal print, has the power to make an outfit look completely different. Even a light wash jean can suddenly look like night-out wear when paired with the right heel. And I know I’ve said it a million times, but I live and die for a good heeled boot. A black knee high boot or something with cool embellishments—a boot with a thin heel can dress a look up no matter how simple the rest of the outfit is.

I love layering on the jewelry for a night out, but it doesn’t have to be extreme—even just swapping your usual everyday pieces for something else can make all the difference. I wear the same two necklaces every day, but when I want a piece I wear all the time to stand out more, I’ll swap those necklaces for something different. I love chunky silver jewelry and metal bangles in particular; two styles I feel like look effortlessly chic.

Purses are one of the easier things to style when it comes to a day look versus a night look, and like a good shoe, they can elevate an outfit in a second. I love a statement purse—something covered in embellishments, something in a bold patent leather, something with a cool texture. I think that when it comes to what a purse brings to a night-out ‘fit, it’s not just about the purse having “evening” vibes—it’s about the purse aligning with your outfit. The metals matching your jewelry, or just something in the purse tying back to your outfit. Making sure the purse is adding something to your look, rather than just being something you throw on to carry your stuff.

Textures & Fabrics

When I say textures and fabrics, when it comes to a night out look, I’m talking about sequins, metallics, leathers, embellishments—and how to properly mix those things with “daytime” fabrics like knits, cotton, poplin, and so forth.

I love a knit paired with leather shorts, or a button down paired with a sparkly skirt. These swaps are so easy to make. Just think about how you’d style an outfit for the day time. If you have a top that you’d pair with denim shorts and sneakers, consider what the top would look like paired with a leather short and a heel. You can keep the silhouette the same, while swapping in pieces that work better for the occasion you’re dressing for.

Don’t Forget Your Facecard

Now, this one has nothing to do with clothes but is as important to an outfit as any beautiful shoe. When it comes to successfully dressing up a look, how you style yourself is just as important as your outfit. I’m talking makeup and hair. Changing up your usual styling can make the world of difference in elevating an outfit, just like changing out your usual jewelry can. A fun lip, a darker eye, a sleek pony, a bouncy blowout—whatever it is that makes you feel like your most elevated self, that can be the key piece to elevating that casual piece that you love.