Shop My Outfit:
Shirt: Old Ann Taylor ( similar; plus size option) | Pants: Old Ann Taylor ( similar; plus size option) | Booties: VANELi c/o Marmi Shoes ( similar) | Choker: ASOS (sold out; similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Lipstick: NARS 'Bette' | Sunglasses: LeSpecs
I love having easy black basics in my wardrobe to throw on when I'm short on time or creativity. Both these pants and this shirt are years old and get so much wear. The top I'll wear tucked in or loose like this, the sleeves down in colder weather and rolled for spring and early fall. The pants you know I adore and wear with everything from sequins and stilettos to casual sweaters and sneakers.
But basic black pieces can look pretty drab if they're not accessorized. The addition of a current style of bag, necklace, and sunglasses help. Does does makeup, which is also an accessory. Adding a deep wine lip adds glam and a current trend to old faithfuls from the closet. A dark wine lip is very on trend this season. This is 'Bette' from NARS' Audacious lipstick line and it has been a favorite all fall. Not too goth, not too red, not too shiny, not too matte. It feels good on the lips, lasts, and wears well through the day. To make it last longer and not feather or bleed, I use a clear lip liner like Dior's. It really makes a difference, especially with a high pigment lipstick like this one. For the rest of the face I kept it simple since the lip is such a bold statement. For the eyes, on the lids all I have it MAC's Paint Pot in Camel Coat. I curled my lashed with the Kevyn Aucoin lash curler, two coats of DiorShow, and I did a fine line of brownish-black liquid liner right on the lash line to give the effect of thicker lashes without it being too strong of a look for daytime. To make this look holiday glam, switch the liner to one that is black, make a slightly thicker line, and replace the wine colored lip with a festive bright red (my favorite is Lancome's 'L'Absolu Rouge Définition' in Le Carmin). Add a bit of highlighter to your cheekbones (I'm a fan of MAC's Strobe Cream) will make your skin look dewy and catch the light beautifully at an evening affair.