Let’s be honest: Finding a way to stuff an evening dress into your work tote in the morning is never fun (is it better folded or rolled??).  Neither is lugging it to the bathroom at precisely 6:01 p.m. only to find out that stuffing really wasn’t a good idea in general, and that not even the most inspired Marie Kondo roll/fold could have saved said frock from its disastrously-wrinkled fate.  You now have no choice but to step out to evening plans looking more wrinkled than Dumbo himself.

Whether you’re off to after-work drinks with friends, that blind date set up by your co-worker three months ago (for which you are officially out of reschedule excuses) or a fancy dinner with the gals, there’s rarely time to head home for a full wardrobe change before evening festivities commence. So, must you just come to terms with disheveled Dumbo status?  Or, perhaps work on acting techniques to feign a very believable sudden onset of the flu at approximately 4:30 p.m. so that you have more time to go home and get ready?  Move over Meryl, here you come!

As a third (albeit less dramatic) alternative, I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for the rare and elusive day-to-night dress.  Those hidden gems that you can wear anywhere and are as appropriate for daytime activities as they are for night-time fun. I recently spotted three little pieces of perfection from Banana Republic that can take you from the boardroom to bar hopping in t-5 seconds.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to your new hero pieces of the season:

#1  //  Classic Periwinkle Sheath Dress

DRESS: c/o Banana Republic  | SHOES: c/o Banana Republic  (also in

SILVER and BLACK) | CLUTCH: c/o Banana Republic

This periwinkle blue sheath dress is a classic summer staple.  The silhouette is timeless and elegant, making it perfect for days at the office paired under a blazer, which can be ditched after work to reveal cut-out shoulders that are perfect for a date or drinks with friends.

#2 // Short Sleeve Polka Dot A-Line Dress

DRESS: Banana Republic (also love similar options HERE and HERE and all of the other similar polka dot pieces HERE) | SHOES: c/o Banana Republic | BAG: Furla

This lightweight navy number with white polka dots screams summer chic.  With a classic print and appropriate hem length, this dress makes for the quintessential everyday work dress, while the cinched waist and shoulder detail adds just the right amount of flair to make this baby ready and raring to go for that date after work!

#3 //  Khaki Fit and Flare Midi Dress with Asymmetrical Hem

DRESS: c/o Banana Republic  | SHOES: c/o Banana Republic | CLUTCH: c/o Banana Republic

As you know from my spring Trend Memo series, khaki is a huge trend this season. This dress not only nails the khaki trend, but also picks up on the equally killer asymmetry trend thanks to the flared skirt that tapers elegantly to one side.  This beauty is the perfect day-to-night dress for weekends when you’re running from brunch and shopping during the day to dinner and drinks al fresco at night.  The belted waist and cuffed strapless neckline add the perfect finishing touches to elevate this into a day or night-time stunner!

I’ve shopped at Banana Republic since middle school because season after season they produce beautiful, affordable pieces that always fit my lifestyle.  Their pieces are practical and they don’t skimp on style—the winning combo in my book!

Thanks to Banana Republic for partnering on this post!