Whether they're skinny or flare, denim or wool, I'm willing to bet that you have a pair of black pants in your closet. And while [yawn], they may not be [snore] the most exciting [zzzzzzz] sartorial choice…just you wait.
1. Obviously, A Flashy Top
Black pants with a nice, silk top look OK. Black pants with an insane, over-the-top, sequin top look awesome.
I can't be the only magpie in this bunch, right?
But here's the thing: if you are going to do the black pants + festive top party uniform, you've got to really commit to the look, you know? That festive top needs to be something crazy-fabulous. Otherwise, the end result is often…meh.
wearing:
top: Anthropologie
pants: J Brand
bracelets: stella&dot, similar one, similar two, similar three
boots: old, Nine West…similar Via Spiga (40% off at Nordstrom)
wig: Henry Margu
2. Mix Your Metals, Then Add Faux-Fur
Shimmery tops are great with black pants: silver, gold, whatever. The color matters not – treat it like a neutral. Add in a glittery or embellished bag and bold jewelry in mixed metals.
THEN….faux fur. Fur makes everything sofreakingcool. And now I feel the need to admit that my fur is, uh, real. Augh! I KNOW. But you guys? It was my mom's. She wore it to her prom, I kid you not. So yeah – I'm gonna wear it and love it.
wearing:
top: Need Supply
pants: would you believe mine are 10 years old? Similar slim or bootcut
wrap: similar faux fur stole at ASOS
bracelets: stella&dot, similar one, similar two, similar three
shoes: old…similar
bag: vintage, but love this blush metallic envelope clutch
wig: Edge Savvy by Forever Young in 6
Saturday I was all set for date night with Mike, wearing this exact outfit. Except…a fur wrap isn't all that warm and it was freezing and then I remembered that we are not actually this fancy.
So I tweaked it.
See? Mixed metals! Faux fur! Black pants! (And wool.)
One little trick I like when wearing wool on date night (and trust me, in this regard I am an expert), is to layer the arm candy over the wool.
Someday I'll share all of my turtleneck-datenight strategies. I KNOW! It will be exciting.
wearing:
sweater: similar
top: Need Supply
pants: J Brand
bag: similar
faux-fur jacket: similar
bracelets: stella&dot, similar one, similar two, similar three
wig: Henry Margu
3. Spoof A Tux
A guy's bow tie, plaid shirt, and a statement necklace. Tomboy holiday style, right? Mike was slightly confused, but I loved it. I think he got on board eventually. (These things take time.)
But this outfit was tricky: just a bow tie and I felt like a stripper, just a statement necklace…well I already did that one last year. But both! Both I like!
One other option – leave the tie and shirt open – all sexy, post-wedding-man inspired. (Does that even make sense?) In any case, I think Mike liked this styling better.
wearing:
shirt: similar
bow tie: J.Crew
necklace: similar (oooo…on sale for $44)
wig: Henry Margu
4. Bright Colors, Patterns And Bling
Sometimes, when an outfit is boring, I just throw on a bunch of patterns, texture and mismatched color.
And that blonde wig.
But that's the thing about black pants – the supersaturated color can take it. Go crazy with patterns, add a glitter bag, don some brights. Black is an anchor.
Of course, if you can add one more pop of black somewhere – besides the pants – it'll tie the whole thing together. (Someone once said that this trick works with living rooms, too.)
wearing:
sweater: Anthropologie
pants: c/o i-Ella The List
necklace: c/o Bauble Bar – similar
bag: old, but am DYING for this furry one
shoes: old, Aerosoles…similar
wig: Rebel Chick by Forever Young in candy
5. When Aren't Stripes The Answer?
I mean really. Stripes, bling, black pants, happiness. It's all there.
Happy, happy, happy, Mamas.
xoxo,
S
