Photo: Tim Whitby/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
As you rush from work to play this summer, you may wish you were like Wonder Woman and could spin yourself a few times to transform your outfit instantaneously. While you're probably never going to be able to twirl yourself out of your workplace-appropriate suit into something, well, a bit more sizzling, you definitely can change your look from day to night almost as easily with the right pieces and accessories. You might not have indestructible bracelets, a tiara or a lasso of truth, but that doesn't mean you can't channel that glam '70s vibe that is showing up everywhere in summer 2011 for a look that even the princess of the Amazons would envy.
Switching from day to night is all about accessories and styling. Just have fun with it.
- Colin T. McDonald, stylist
Professional to Playful
If you're heading straight from the office to a night out, plan ahead with a work-appropriate outfit you can take on the town. Fashion consultant Jackie Rose, the fashionista behind San Francisco-based Jackie Rose Style, points to knee-length shorts as one of the go-to pieces of the season for those with womanly assets.
"For curvy women, longer shorts -- above the knee or to the knee -- in a neutral color with a nice, feminine top works well," said Rose, who has styled celebs that include Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. "It's about showing the definition of your legs without showing all your legs."
For petite women, Rose recommends the updated version of the parachute pant. Actress Rashida Jones has been seen sporting a cropped pair that featured a high waist and -- yep, it's true -- horizontal stripes.
Skirts and dresses work at work, too. New York City-based stylist Colin T. McDonald says the ones to wear for day-to-night have plenty of feminine flair -- and a vintage '70s feel. "There's a lot of lace and crochet this summer," he said. "Go for a lace or crochet applique minidress for casual Friday. Throw on a pair of heels and some statement jewelry for night, maybe a turquoise belt. Switching from day to night is all about accessories and styling. Just have fun with it."
McDonald says the cropped crochet dress, which he sees a lot in white, works for just about every body type. "It's how you wear it," he said. "If you want to define your waist, all it takes is throwing on a belt and cinching. Long necklaces help draw attention up to your chest or center, and that's smart for curvy women."
Another option that works for figures ranging from athletic to full-figured is the maxi dress. Jene Luciani, stylist, "Today" show style contributor and author of "The Bra Book," says they're perfect for your version of the Wonder Woman transformation. "Wear one to work with a cardigan or blazer over it, and [after work] add heels and big earrings," she said. "Peel off the cardi layer, and voila, you're ready for evening."
Casual to Evening Chic
When you're having a busy day running errands or spending it at the beach and have time only for a quick refresh -- not a total reset -- before your evening out, try out a little disco-era number: the jumpsuit. "The '70s glam is really coming back," Rose said. "Throw on a jumpsuit with your bathing suit under it for day and a jean jacket over it later."
She said she likes the ones that leave one shoulder exposed. "The back is a really sexy part of a woman's body. So for women who don't really want to wear revealing clothing, the one-shoulder jumpsuit is great," Rose said. "I tell women to dust bronzer on the part of the shoulder that connects to neck to get nice little summer glow."
She recommends the jumpsuit for all body types but says hourglass or bottom-curvy women will find they can help show off their smaller waists if the jumpsuit features a little elastic at the waist. If not, add a thin, gold belt if you're curvy and a thicker belt if you have a straighter silhouette.
Jumpsuits may be the rage, but both McDonald and Luciani sing the praises of another piece. "This is the season of the tunic," Luciani says. "I love decorative or embellished tunics as chic beach cover-ups. Just take away the swimsuit, add heels and jewelry, and it becomes an adorable minidress for evening. If you're a little leg-shy, add cropped leggings."
McDonald advises pairing your tunic with not-too-casual cargos. "Scrunch up the cargoes to the knee, throw on some heels and some statement jewelry," he said. "It's still casual but fun to wear to a party."
Which high heels are summer chic? Open-toed, of course. McDonald recommends this versatile shoe with a pair of jeans -- white denim -- and a button-down for day and a cute dress at night. "Heels in bright colors or metallics are big, as are patterns," he said. "These shoes not only go from day to evening, chic to casual, but we're also seeing them go from summer to fall."
