As fashion writers, we spend nearly as much time working after hours as we do 9 to 5–mostly because we’re forced to attend numerous events celebrating the latest collection, shop, or fragrance. (Wink, wink.)

And so it goes with most careers. Whether you’re out wining and dining clients or simply catching up with old friends over tapas, most of us don’t have time to go home and change for the evening’s activities. Our new dressing room is the office lavatory.

That’s why perfect little dresses like this 3.1 Phillip Lim Organza Lace Patchwork Dress from Nordstrom are so essential. It’s smart enough for day–especially when paired with a sharp black blazer–and chic enough at night, worn with a pair of strappy black heels and your favorite clutch.

The same could be said for Dolce & Gabbana‘s charming Dot Stretch Georgette Dress. Switch out your standard black pumps for vampy red heels for date night, and button it up with a thin cashmere cardigan for a meeting-free day.

Speaking of our favorite color combination–red and black–we’re also obsessing over this reversible dress from Lanvin. Wear it as a serious black shift for day and flip it over to look daring it red for night.

The great thing about fashion right now is that it’s fun, but still totally appropriate for lots of different occasions.

This content series is brought to you by Nordstrom.com: Think Less Buttoned-Up—It’s a New 9 to 5.