Easy ways to take your wardrobe from day job to night gig

I have to wear jeans to work (on days when the park isn’t open, the uniform is a whole other level of trial). And I almost always wear a T-shirt, because we have to be in a KI official shirt, not to mention the fact that my work is frequently hot, messy, or otherwise inconvenient for “nice" clothes.

But y’all know me... I’m on the go all the time. And I frequently feel like I don’t want to be in my work clothes for that. Sometimes, it's that I don't necessarily want to rep KI every minute of the day. But sometimes (frequently), it's that I find myself feeling self conscious in jeans and a t-shirt. Not in a "these clothes look bad on my body" way, but in a " these clothes don't fit who I am" way.

Do you ever feel that way? Like you're wearing someone else's costume?

So here’s a few quick change tips if you, too, have to job hop at varying levels of formality, or just want to be able to flawlessly change looks on the fly (straight from the gym to work? These ideas work there too!)

1. Wear jeans that fit and flatter- that you’re comfortable and confident in. If you are afraid of getting your jeans painty or dirty- honestly I would recommend changing those too. Black jeans are a great option here. Black is instantly dressier if you're concerned about that, plus it goes with (almost) anything.

2. Keep 3 or more quick easy tops in your car. Preferably these are things that won’t wrinkle easily, that will work for a variety of occasions, from a meeting to dinner out. I also add a blazer or cardigan to that pile sometimes. My pile consists of: black jersey swing tank with lace yoke (shoulders), my Hamilton t shirt, and a teal 3/4 sleeve shirt with a cutout in the back.

3. Keep a change of shoes in your car. I usually go for a boot in the winter and a sandal in the summer, but keeping a dressier shoe is an easy way to dress up your outfit. My current pick is a black platform oxford.

4. Keep extra toiletries and makeup in your car. I keep deodorant, dry shampoo, a brow crayon, powder, face wipes, mascara, eyeliner and a colored Burt’s bees stick in my car. Also: gum, a hair brush, Bobby pins and hair ties.

5. Wear the proper undergarments and outer wear. In the fall/winter, I wear the dressier coat or jacket if possible (welcome back, moto jacket season!). I always wear the bra and underwear that go under the dressier outfit.

6. Build time into your departure. If I need to leave work by 4:30, I schedule myself until 4. Then, I can run late to leave (inevitable), clock out, and still have time to update my look. It takes 10 minutes max, and I feel clean, pretty, and confident wherever I’m heading next!

7. Don’t forget your hygiene basics: if you’re clean and fresh when you leave the house, you’ll arrive to your last appointment of the day feeling far fresher than you will if you’ve got two days of muck on you!

How and where you actually perform your magic transformation is totally up to you, but I must admit that I typically do mine in the backseat of my car. I drive an SUV, and so it is pretty simple for me to get in the back seat (with tinted windows), change clothes, and come back to the driver's seat to change up hair and makeup. I've chosen to go this route because of the difficulty of bringing items into the park when it is in operation- although I can bring these items through security, it's a hassle I just don't like to deal with. I'm fairly comfortable with my backseat changing booth, but I've also been known to stop at a gas station and change there if I feel like I need to. No shame!

PS: this still totally works if you're taking public transit or another method of transport that doesn't include a personal vehicle. It just takes a little more strategic planning! Can you keep your changes somewhere at work? I have an office I've been known to keep emergency clothes in. Can you put a quick change kit in the bottom of your workstation or locker? Can you plan your days ahead so you know when you'll want a change of clothes and bring them with you only when you need it? Also, think through the weight and size of each item- flats might be easier to haul than boots, a t shirt worn under your jacket is easier than a sweater, etc.

What's your daily schedule like? How many costume changes do you need? How do you manage them? What's your emergency toiletry and quick change kit look like? Hop on over to facebook @chariscostumes or Instagram @charisweible and let me know!