STYLE GURU STYLE: Black To Basics

Last fall I began hearing about new fashion labels like Thakoon, Proenza Schouler and Public School. Lately I have really begun to pay attention to these labels and one trend I noticed across the spring ready-to-wear shows was a return to black and white. From Balenciaga, Alexander Wang to Givenchy, these luxury brands featured all-black and white looks in their shows. However I noticed that one of the newer labels, Public School really highlighted the black and white trend as well as used geometric shapes. When perusing street style photographs and blogs it is clear that people are going back to more basic and draped shapes.

I loved the print in Look 33, which looks like a flurry of black brush strokes. The print appears to be a modern take on classic formal tweeds and weaves. My skirt has a similarly complex print, and is also reminiscent of traditional European fabrics. I paired the skirt with a black tank top, like the first nine looks of the collection. I love that the top is pleated because it gives it more design. The top also appears quite boxy, again playing to the clean minimalist look of the collection.

To accessorize this look I added a handmade necklace, a sparkly clutch and some basic flats. The necklace is something I have wanted for some time and it is by a local company called Surface whose jewelry can be found in the Carytown area of Richmond. I was hesitant to buy it because it felt so modern and minimalistic. However its simplicity adds sophistication to the ensemble, and now it is one of my best jewelry purchases.

I first fell in love with the black and white trend when I was designing three clothing pieces for my senior project class. One of the major trends in 2013 had been black and white ensembles. I loved how clean and artistic it looked, and since then I have begun to build a wardrobe dominated by black and white. However, I have begun to realize that black and white is not just a trend, it is a classic that will never go out of style.

Get My Look: 1. basic black top. 2. Checkered skirt. 3. A similar necklace.

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