Elie Tahari’s sheer black and cobalt velvet blouse adds a little romance to a pair of basic black trousers. It’s on sale (reduced from $348 to $208.80) at saksfifthavenue.com.
Wear By Malene Birger’s gold lamé blouse tucked in or out and leave the bow insouciantly untied. $495, netaporter.com.
Rixo London’s night-sky print crepe de chine top checks the on-trend boxes for its pussy bowtie and full sleeves. For a more casual gathering, wear it with black jeans and high heels. $235, netaporter.com.
Go for the contrast in a shocking-pink, floral-print satin blouse and wide-leg black pants. $328, dvf.com.
Velvet and holidays go together. We like this burnout velvet one from Diane von Furstenberg because of the color and the festive sash at the waist. $348, neimanmarcus.com.
A cropped sequined sweater is party-ready. Pair it with wide-leg pants or a midi-skirt. $49.99, zara.com.
Lafayette 148 New York’s velvet and gold top features a knit banding at the hem for an easy, blousier fit. A great match with silky ebony pants. $498, nordstrom.com.
With sleeves like this, how could you not be in a party frame of mind? Oxblood satin blouse, $68, needsupply.com.
Danish label Ganni’s shimmery top with sequins and golden beads can be worn with the matching pants for high glamour or with black trousers for a more subdued party look. $475, mytheresa.com.
PARTY SEASON is in full swing, which means it’s that time of year when I stand in my closet and use lots of four-letter words as I try to find something to wear to the next cocktail party/get-together/happy hour/tree lighting.
As with so many things, I tend to overthink. I was definitely making holiday attire too big an issue. Thankfully, one of my fashion-savvy associates provided me with the ultimate solution with these four words: “Black pants, holiday top.”
Wait. It cannot be that simple. Oh, but it can.
What could be easier and more flattering holiday attire? Black pants—which everyone has in their closet— and a colorful or sparkly top. Pick up several options and you can go anywhere in style.
Although I had several pairs of black pants, I couldn’t pass up some beautiful Ming Wang Wide Leg Pantsin wrinkle-resistant knit. What I really love about them is the waist: Elastic. Since the blouse covers the waistline, I can be comfortable AND stylish. And they’re so . . . FLOWY. The only danger now is that I’ll be so comfortable I will park myself at the catering table at the parties and never leave. So, if you see me doing that, please shove me aside or I will have to wear elastic waists indefinitely.
There you have it. Put an end to the “I don’t have anything to wear” holiday-attire stress with this simple combination. Black pants, holiday top. Rotate blouse colors and pant-leg style and you have as many choices as you could wish.
—Ann Franks Ann Franks is editor-in-chief of PrimeWomen.com.
For more suggestions on how to make black pants say “holiday,” see our slide show of festive tops above.
PERFECT ADVICE! I have used this twice already this year AND received several compliments!