We’ve all been there. It’s 3:30 p.m. and your girlfriend invites you to one of the hottest places in town for happy hour after work. Of course she asks you today, when your too-casual khakis or ultra-conservative business suit just won’t fit the occasion.

It’s hard to strike the delicate balance between office chic and post-work glam. Here to help guide us to a place of day-to-night zen is DC-based lifestyle blogger and health policy coordinator Krystal Knight of The Feisty House. In a city where networking is everything, Krystal spends a lot of time at happy hours in DC’s eclectic neighborhoods, and her workday attire has to be able to transition from boardroom to bar. Here Krystal shows us three easy looks that you can wear from day to night. Plus, all of the pieces are affordable! How’s that for doing double duty?

Go Bold: An easy way to punch up an office outfit is to trade in your classic black or navy trousers for pants in a bold color or print. I love these lipstick red pants from Zara. The classic silhouette is work-appropriate, but the color makes them easy to wear in a variety of after-work settings. Paired with a polka-dot blouse and pumps in an unexpected color, the look is classic without being too stuffy.

Mix Pleats and Prints: Another simple way to create an effortless day-to-night look is to mix prints in coordinating shades. Keep the colors muted and similar so that you don’t end up being a distraction (after all, you want the focus to be on the awesome work you do, right?). Pleats are a great way to modestly add a flirty aspect to your outfit that will work well once you’ve left the office.

Be Pretty in Peplum: In my opinion, the peplum silhouette is the best thing to happen to career fashion in a long time! Peplum tops and skirts add curves without being too form-fitting, making them key pieces for the office. A peplum top like this watercolor-inspired one from H&M is perfect for meetings and for getting drinks with the girls after hours.

krystal knight mallory benedict