How to Transition Your Lilly Pulitzer Dress from Day to Night

Lilly Pulitzer dresses are known for their vibrant colors, playful prints, and effortless elegance. Whether you’re wearing one to a brunch, a beach party, or a garden wedding, these dresses are versatile and stylish enough to take you from day to night with ease. The key to making this transition is in the accessories, styling, and slight tweaks to your look. In this article, we’ll explore how to seamlessly transform your Lilly Pulitzer dress from a daytime favorite to an evening showstopper.

1. Choose a Versatile Dress for Day-to-Night Potential

The first step in creating a day-to-night look with your Lilly Pulitzer dress is selecting the right one. Dresses with classic silhouettes and neutral or mixed prints tend to be more versatile. A shift, wrap, or A-line dress in a fun pattern can work well for both daytime and evening occasions.

Best Picks:

• Shift Dresses: Timeless and easy to accessorize, these dresses can easily transition from casual daytime looks to more formal evening outfits.

• Wrap Dresses: Wrap dresses provide flexibility and comfort and can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories you choose.

• Maxi Dresses: A flowy maxi dress in a bright floral print is perfect for day outings and can be dressed up for an elegant evening look.

2. Daytime Look: Keep It Casual and Comfortable

When transitioning from day to night, your daytime look should be relaxed and comfortable yet still chic. Opt for accessories and shoes that keep the vibe light but stylish.

Key Elements for Daytime:

• Footwear: Keep it casual with sandals, espadrilles, or flat ballet shoes for comfort during the day. A pair of chic, strappy sandals or simple sneakers can also work well.

• Accessories: For daytime, opt for delicate jewelry, like layered necklaces or simple stud earrings. A straw hat or a crossbody bag can complete the laid-back daytime look.

• Layering Pieces: Throw on a denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan to add an extra layer of style while staying cool and comfortable.

Styling Tip:

For a day event like brunch or a trip to the farmers’ market, pair your Lilly Pulitzer dress with minimal accessories and comfortable shoes. Stick to natural makeup and soft hair textures, like loose waves or a ponytail.

3. Transitioning to Night: Elevate the Look with Accessories

As the sun sets, it’s time to elevate your outfit for a more polished, evening-appropriate look. You don’t need to change the entire outfit; instead, focus on key accessories and styling tweaks.

Key Elements for Nighttime:

• Footwear: Swap your flats or sandals for a pair of heeled sandals, strappy heels, or wedges. Heels add a touch of sophistication and instantly elevate any dress.

• Statement Jewelry: Transition from delicate daytime jewelry to statement pieces. Think bold earrings, layered necklaces, or a chunky bracelet to add a bit of glamour to your look.

• Clutch or Evening Bag: Ditch the daytime crossbody bag in favor of a sleek clutch or a metallic handbag. Opt for a bag with some embellishment or sparkle for a more evening-appropriate feel.

Styling Tip:

For evening events like dinner parties, cocktails, or a night out, consider adding a bold lip color, a touch of highlighter, and defined eye makeup. Smooth out your hair with a sleek blowout or elegant updo for a more refined look.

4. Layering for Evening: Add a Touch of Glam

Adding a layer of glam can quickly transition your Lilly Pulitzer dress from daytime casual to evening chic. Consider outerwear or accessories that bring sophistication and a touch of drama.

Options for Evening Layering:

• A Statement Jacket or Blazer: A fitted blazer in black, white, or metallic can give your dress a more structured and polished look. For a more chic vibe, throw on a leather jacket or a satin kimono.

• Shawls and Scarves: A luxe scarf or shawl, especially one with sequins or metallic threads, can elevate your outfit and keep you warm as the night cools.

• Shimmering Accessories: Add a touch of sparkle with a statement belt or a sparkling hair accessory. This adds dimension and a bit of glam to your look.

Styling Tip:

If you’re heading to an evening event outdoors, a shawl or silk scarf can double as a chic accessory while keeping you cozy.

5. Transitioning Your Makeup and Hair

Your makeup and hair can also play a significant role in taking your Lilly Pulitzer dress from day to night. The shift doesn’t need to be dramatic, but subtle changes can have a major impact.

Daytime Makeup:

For daytime, keep your makeup light and fresh. Opt for a natural foundation or BB cream, neutral eyeshadows, soft blush, and a nude lip color. A quick swipe of mascara and a light touch of bronzer will have you looking effortlessly chic.

Nighttime Makeup:

For the evening, opt for a more defined look. You can add a bold lip, perhaps a red or berry shade, and amp up the eyes with a bold eyeliner or smokey eye look. Don’t forget to use a setting spray to keep your makeup intact throughout the evening.

Hair Tips:

For daytime, soft waves or a messy bun are perfect. In the evening, you can switch to a sleek ponytail, an elegant updo, or styled curls for a more polished appearance.

6. Choosing the Right Dress for Different Evening Events

Not all evening events require the same level of dressiness, so it’s important to consider the occasion when transitioning your look.

Casual Evening:

For a casual dinner or drinks with friends, you can keep your dress casual while adding some accessories for extra style. A simple Lilly Pulitzer shift dress works great, and you can easily elevate it with heels and statement jewelry.

Formal Evening:

If you’re attending a more formal event like a wedding or gala, a maxi dress or elegant wrap dress with gold or silver accessories will make you stand out. Pair with heels and a metallic clutch for an added touch of glamour.

7. Make It Your Own

The beauty of Lilly Pulitzer dresses is their versatility. You can make a daytime look your own with fun, playful accessories, and then switch it up for the evening by adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and style, while embracing the spirit of fun that Lilly Pulitzer is known for.

Final Tip:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories, makeup, and hair to find the perfect combination that transitions your Lilly Pulitzer dress from day to night seamlessly. The key is to keep the spirit of the dress intact while elevating it for a more glamorous evening look.

Conclusion: From Day to Night in Style

Transitioning your Lilly Pulitzer dress from day to night is easier than you think! With the right accessories, a quick touch-up to your makeup, and a change of footwear, you can go from casual and comfortable to elegant and chic in no time. Embrace the versatility of your favorite Lilly Pulitzer dress, and you’ll be ready to shine from morning to midnight.