When the Sun Goes Down and the Moon Comes Up

Written by: Maddie McCrea 

Photography by: Mira Church 

Creative Director: Maddie McCrea,

Modeled by: Maddie McCrea, Jenna Brown, Lauren Jones, Finn Benne

Like moths to a flame, college-aged partygoers flock towards the neon lights of nightlife. Gone are the sweat sets and casual comfortabilities of the day; replaced by the more dark, more daring outfits for a night out. What is the allure that draws us to eveningwear? No matter your style, the palpable difference in textures, silhouettes, jewelry, and accessories tells a story: how and why the daily outfit melts away to reveal a creature of the night. 

Maybe our inclination toward darker colors in eveningwear is a result of the natural progression that happens as the brightness of the day fades slowly to dusk. Deep jewel tones like burgundy, navy, plum, and evergreen, often coupled with classic black are seen more prominently in eveningwear than daywear. Conversely, pastels and brighter colors like pink, yellow, and sky blue make up the daily attire of many. This color shift reflects the shift in light as the 24-hour cycle persists. 

Maybe the lure of more daring textures like leather, satin, and lace, or more decorative accessories like layered jewelry, statement bags, and knee-high boots comes from the anonymity of a night out. There is something magnetic about when the sun goes down and the moon comes up; you can be whoever you want. The elusiveness and anonymity of morphing into who you’ll be under city lights can be freeing, especially when you have the accessories and ornamentation to match. 

Or maybe, leaning into silhouettes like bodycon or revealing a bit of skin through cut-outs and mesh comes from the confidence and power they can make us feel. During a night out, people are often braver and more stylistic with their ensembles compared to daytime. Paired with eyeliner and an eye-catching lip combo, this small bit of boldness or sensuality can add to the boost in confidence to be gained from a night out. 

Wherever the allure comes from, it’s clear that the shift from daylight to after-hours is one that entices many toward the lively and dynamic activities of the going-out scene. No matter where it takes you, the right combination of colors, textures, accessories, and makeup can make all the difference.