The transformers

Day to dinner, boardroom to bar — there are dozens of catchphrases when it comes to describing those wardrobe essentials (and they are essentials) that transition easily from a.m. to p.m. And with good reason: it’s not always a seamless shift, especially if your office dress code is particularly formal or corporate. That said, there are a few things to look out for when it comes to successful day-to-night dressing. Rebecca Tay presents five tops that fit the bill, along with a few key factors to keep in mind.

SILK ROAD

A silk button-down blouse is the be-all-and-end-all when it comes to a piece you can wear for both a conference and cocktails. This ‘Bria’ version by Wilfred (which comes in a few different hues) is an update on the classic, with girlie puffed sleeves that are balanced out by a slightly looser, boxy silhouette. Keep it untucked to keep your look contemporary.

Aritzia, aritzia.com | $110

BUTTONED UP

Think your workwear wardrobe is so corporate and restrictive, there’s no way you’d ever want to wear a top from office-to-out? This style by RTA might make you think again. Made from a silk lamé blend, it’s disco-worthy — just undo a couple of buttons and swap your suit for high-shine pants and pointy mule stilettos. Take things one step further by tying the bottom front hem, ’90s-style.

Nordstrom, nordstrom.com | $503.20

DENIM DAYS

Denim, for work? Really? In some cases, yes. Just be sure it’s a very dark denim, with a slightly rigid feel for structure.

And remember that this is not an opportunity to don your best Canadian tuxedo; rather, stick to bottoms in dressier materials like silk, stretch ponte, wool or cashmere, or a thick, double-faced chino.

Joe Fresh, joefresh.com | $29

SMART ALECK

OK, so technically, this isn’t a blouse, it’s a jacket, but it looks as smart as a blouse, without the boringness of a typical blazer. Best worn zipped up all the way, pair it with co-ordinating trousers or a pair of black or navy cigarette pants for the office, and high-waisted cropped jeans for after.

Club Monaco, clubmonaco.com | $279

PRETTY POSIES

Part of H&M’s ‘Conscious’ collection, this blouse has everything you want in an evening top: puff sleeves, ’80s-inspired, lightly padded shoulders, a tapered waist, and a peplum. Yet despite all these fun features, it looks great tucked into a basic black skirt for work.

Oh, and it’s made from 67 per cent Tencel lyocell, an eco-friendly fabric derived from pulp. Win-win all around.

H&M, hm.com | $99