I, like every other New Yorker, struggle with wearing too many hats and committing to too many things. As a fashion creator and full-time biology PhD student working in the lab, the number one question I get asked is, “How do you balance both?” It does seem absurd when you examine how different the two worlds are—the rigidity and structure of academia and the hectic, often disorienting excitement of the fashion industry. But I tackle transitioning between the two as I do with anything in my life: with a methodical plan and lots of trial and error.
Over the years, working in a lab all day and then rushing to fashion events straight afterward, I’ve gleaned many valuable lessons on day-to-night dressing. I know to tailor my work outfits to my evening plans, as the fashion world is much more critical than the scientific one when it comes to what you look like (shocker, I know.) Luckily, the molecular work my lab doesn’t require strict PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which makes my task of styling something practical but event-ready much easier. (Despite what the TikTok comments may suggest, I don’t put myself in danger by occasionally wearing a skirt in the lab.)
(Image credit: Vivian Li)
One of my foolproof day-to-night outfit recipes is a midi skirt with a cute top and leather knee-high boots. You can’t go wrong here, but when in doubt, let the boots do the talking. There’s something about a pair of good boots that genuinely makes me feel like an extra in a music video when I walk down the New York streets. My favorite pair right now is these from Vagabond, which have a tiny heel that’s easy to strut in.
Additionally, one of the best parts about tall boots is that they double as an extra layer during the colder months. I’ll still wear tights and knee-high socks to keep warm (which are especially helpful when I bike to work), but knee-high boots are my secret to wearing my extensive summer skirt collection during the winter.
Ann Demeulemeester Danny Combat Boots | 35
Vagabond Shoemakers
Lykke Tall Boots
(Image credit: Vivian Li)
Another wise piece of advice for a day-to-night outfit: just throw on a dress. Take the stress out of it, and slip into a dress that’s easy and, more importantly, comfortable. In my opinion, the secret sauce to an outfit is really in the accessories.
My go-to mini dresses are any from my Sandy Liang collection, thrown together with my trusty Repetto ballerina flats and a big coat. I also adore a minimal, chic maxi dress, like this one from Paloma Wool, styled with a statement belt. From experience, longer hemlines trick people into thinking you’re fancier than you actually are.
(Image credit: Vivian Li)
(Image credit: Vivian Li)
My last trick for transitioning from my 9-5 to my 5-9 is to abide by a ‘half business, half party’ approach. To take things literally, I often juxtapose some tailored trousers with a slinky top, or a structured evening jacket with something silky and ruffly layered underneath. I also love taking a pair of casual, slouchy jeans to the next level with a belt and a statement top. This combo gives an air of professionalism, while also being fun enough to stop by after-work cocktails parties.
MiistaAW25
Rio Belt – Black Leather
Free People
Suede Hex Hip Belt
For me, there is no such thing as being overdressed at the workplace, and there is no shame in not being in the craziest look at every fashion show or event. It comes down to the fact that my style is rooted in pragmatism, just as so many other aspects of my personality are. I need outfits that can handle all parts of me as a modern woman, ambitious and determined, with plans she’s already fashionably late to.
