It’s only November, and your party calendar is already filling up. With gifts to give, how will you afford new outfits for your super-sized social calendar?
There’s no need to buy entire ensembles for each event. RedEye helps you take the basic black that’s already tucked away in your closet–that little black dress or those black trousers–through the holiday season.
Look #1
An after-work party: Classic meets structure
For the woman, the gray tweed fitted jacket with faux fur collar (Banana Republic, $228) fits with the menswear trend. The faux fur collar can be removed, making this is a piece that can go from sophisticated to casual to dressy. Give the traditional pearl earrings a long, feminine flair (Liz Palacios earrings, Marshall Field’s, $85). Don’t forget that this season, it’s all about the perfect pair of hose, and lace is classic and feminine (Black Lace Hosiery, Banana Republic, $15). Add color with shoes and gloves (Red Franco Sarto Shoes, $79, Marshall Field’s, and Red Leather Gloves, $19.90, H&M).
For the man, this no-fuss look is polished. The Merino wool red V-neck sweater (Banana Republic, $59.50) is a great piece to go from casual to dressy. Layer it over a white-and-blue square-print button-down dress shirt (Banana Republic, $68) and finish off the look with a black leather belt with brushed silver buckle (Banana Republic, $32) and Kenneth Cole black lace-up leather shoes (Nordstrom, $150).
Look #2
A cocktail party: Trendy chic
Sash it, girl! The red stain ribbon sash, (Nordstrom, $28), adds color. An interesting print (Python clutch, Banana Republic, $38), hot fish-net hosiery (Banana Republic, $25), silver/crystal hoop earrings (H&M, $3.50) and BCBG “Igone-B” black lace-up boots (Nordstrom, $169.95), will make you every trendwatcher’s go-to girl.
For the guy, prints make perfect. The shirt (Robert Gram, Nordstrom, $128) is an easy way to add some spice to basics (Kenneth Cole black knit zip-front t-neck, Marshall Field’s, $70). The vintage high top (Steve Madden “Villain,” Nordstrom, $69.95) is street style at its coolest. Don’t forget a unique belt (Reward black distressed leather belt with nail head detail, Nordstrom, $36) or accent (Kenneth Cole brushed silver bracelet, Marshall Field’s, $40) to finish the look.
Look #3
An evening affair: Vintage glam
Her gray faux fur stole (Lulu Guiness, Marshall Field’s, $125.00) secured with a crystal snowflake pin (Monet, Marshall Fields, $18), plus sexy earrings (Nadri silver crystal earrings, Nordstrom, $88) and pearl cuffs (H&M, $3.50) screams sophisticated, ladylike style. The look is finished off with a feather clutch (BCBG, $98) and platinum sling-back pumps (Nine West “Gracie,” Nordstrom, $68.95).
His shirt’s large collar and wide French cuffs (Banana Republic, $78) with the ruby red tie (Banana Republic, $48) is the look for men. Add quirky cuff links (Kenneth Cole motorcycle cuff links, Marshall Field’s, $50). Always belt it (black leather belt with brushed silver rectangle buckle, Banana Republic, $32), and give your feet some flair (Kenneth Cole “Business Atieerle” black leather lace-up shoes, Nordstrom, $150).
