Continuing on with the theme of Polyvore went kaput and a lot of my earlier posts don't have images anymore (you can read more here), I am revisiting some basic One Item, Five Fashionable Ways themes and updating them. This week, the basic black suit.
Suits have been dying a slow painful death in recent years in favor of more casual looks and suited separates. Yet there are still some women who actually wear them. Due to the decline in suit wear, most designers have decided to stick with the basics of suits in navy and black. In some respects, I can see the logic. If you are going to offer one suit in two colors, offer it in two of the most widely acceptable colors around. On the other hand, with limited suit options out there, this leaves the woman who actually wears a suit for more than just interviewing without a lot of choice. This makes being able to change up a basic black suit to make it look different important. In today's post I am styling this basic black suit from Boss Hugo Boss (link to pants, skirt and jacket).
Five Ways to Wear a Basic Black Suit
Outfit #1
Any chance I get to warm up the starkness of black I jump on it. Not being someone who wears black, it's just in my nature to use warmer components to soften the color. In this look, I styled the BOSS suit with a silk top from Vince, Calvin Klein pumps in cognac, organizer tote from LODIS and layered necklace from Stella & Dot.
Outfit #2
This next look I styled with the skirt. Of course, all of these looks are interchangeable and this outfit would look equally good with the pants. I added a burgundy wool blend top from L.K. Bennett, block heel taupe pumps from Sole Society, triple strand necklace from Bauble Bar and Coach carryall in deep burgundy. What is nice about this outfit is the jacket can be removed and the outfit would still look finished.
Outfit #3
On the day you want to look bolder, go the easy route with black and white. Please keep in mind, black and white isn't always right for everyone, so be sure it is right for you first. I styled this printed blouse from Reiss and finished the outfit with black loafers that have a gold touch from Rockport, a Tory Burch satchel and hoop earrings from Melissa Joy Manning.
Outfit #4
Suits don't need to indicate that you are on the warpath. Power doesn't need to smack a person in the face. In this look I softened the appearance by adding a deep teal top from Boden, a mauve pair of pumps from 1.State, drop earrings from Ippolita and fawn colored tote from MICHAEL Michael Kors.
Outfit #5
This last look combines cool grey and warm rusts and oranges, which creates a stunning combination. I styled a slim grey J. Crew sweater under the jacket and added a pair of weatherproof brick colored booties from Aquatalia. The look is finished with a Proenza Schouler tote in burgundy, printed scarf from Treasure & Bond and elongated link necklace from Banana Republic.
Black suits can be boring or they can be interesting. It all depends on how you style them. Remember to think about your black suit like chicken and what you add to it as the flavor or spice. With all the different ways there are to flavor your suit you'll be able to wear it a variety of different ways.
