STYLE GURU STYLE: Back in Black

I don’t normally go for monochromatic looks. I give props to anyone that rocks them because they look amazing. For some reason I never have the courage to stick to one color. However, when I saw the Givenchy pre-fall 2015 collection, full of black-and-white but mostly black outfits, I saw how chic and sophisticated they looked. I decided to try it out. I have enough black in my closet; I figured I might as well wear as much of it at once as possible.

I started with a beautiful Free People pencil skirt. It is made of a soft, thick and stretchy fabric that makes it incredibly comfortable. It has an intricate lace hem and a subtle slit in the front. I paired this with a black Free People blouse that has a ’60s mod influence in the delicate, beige lace collar and sleeves. The pairing looked feminine and modest. I continued with the ’60s influence with a pair of Chelsea boots. To keep me warm in the blowing snow, I added some black, opaque tights. For accessories, I chose ones with a bohemian influence, like a thrifted western-style belt and a bunch of silver rings.

The key to doing a monochromatic look is to switch up the textures. The fabric of my blouse was loose and cottony, while my skirt had a geometric pattern in the fabric that added subtle texture. A belt helped to break up the top and bottom part of the outfit and added interest. Try to add color in your jewelry or with a bright lipstick. Or, add a fun pair of socks for a quirky touch.

The best part of a monochromatic look? You never have to worry if you match.

Get My Look: 1. A black skirt. 2. A black blouse. 3. Black boots.

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