Day to Night | Black Maxi

Happy Tuesday, friends! Who’s ready for some Spring Style inspiration today?! It’s been awhile since I styled a Day to Night look, and since I’ve been wearing this new maxi dress pretty much non-stop, it was the most obvious choice! In fact, these are all real looks I’ve worn in the last few weeks…Mr. SP was just sport enough to snap some shots for me while we were out and about!

Let’s start with my favorite Day look…by following the Rule of Three, I layered on a fitted jacket, statement necklace, and chic bag, to give the simple black dress lots of style.

This maxi dress may be simple, but the flattering high-low hemline makes it fun. Most maxi dresses and skirts drag the ground unless I wear a wedge, but as you can see on the (much taller) model, it’s intended to be more of a tea-length in back, and knee-length in front.

Which means it’s the perfect maxi length for me, even in flats! #everybodywins


Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, and even after putting it through the washer/dryer and it shrinking a teenie bit, it’s still a tad big on me up top. #noboobs So I’d say it’s true-to-size to a tad big. 

Maxi Dress (I also love this full-length version) |  Handbag (similar, but larger version)
Similar Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Sunglasses | Watch | Similar Sandals

Style Tip: To keep from swimming in fabric when styling maxi dresses, make sure your jacket is really fitted. I pull the sleeves up to show a little skin, as well.

I’m often asked how I transition bags so frequently…and really my only trick is to streamline what you carry in your bag. In addition to my wallet, phone and sunglasses, I keep lipstick, gum, and other small necessities in a small zippered bag…those four things are easily transferred from bag to bag.

Of course on the days when I need a checkbook, laptop, notepad, etc…I carry a larger bag, and about once a week I clean out the gum wrappers, receipts, and toys that inevitably find their way to my bags. Keeping my accessories closet organized has helped, as well, because it allows me to quickly grab the cutest bag for my outfit, along with just the lipstick and sunglasses I want for the day.

I view handbags as another layer of style for an outfit, so I want to make it easy on myself to mix them up.

Next, by changing up the shoes and accessories, and swapping the cross body bag for a clutch, I was ready for a night out.

My easy nighttime formula usually includes heels, a statement jewelry (earrings or necklace), and a clutch. You could add that trio to so many casual looks, and it’s instantly ready for evening. In fact, that theory might just need it’s own future post! #challengeaccepted

You didn’t really think I’d leave it at two ways, did you?!? #overachiever #firstborn I wore the dress again with my stand-by jean jacket and wedges, and this look could go Day or Night!

What’s your trick for working your outfit from Day to Night? Do you swap your handbags regularly, or stick with one for an entire season? Oh, and if you were trying to get the Gift with Purchase with a $35 purchase from yesterday’s post, it’s now live!!

See more Day to Night looks here & my full-length maxi dress styled {Five Ways} here.

{Day Handbags Under $100}
(hello Mother’s Day gifts!!)

{Night Handbags Under $100}

*This post was created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothing, ideas, and handbag-hoarding are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*