Every Fall, women reach into their closets and pull out their basic black trousers.  And then, they start wearing them…with everything.

While the black pant is a wardrobe staple, I know women, on and off the Hill, who wear them four days per week (or more).  Women who throw a sweater over a black pant and call it work attire.  Women who wear them so frequently that you begin to wonder how many pairs they own, and then, pray that they own more than one pair.  Women who don’t know how to make an outfit without black pants, who wouldn’t even know where to begin.  Women who believe that professional outfits begin and end with black trousers.

I guess what I’m saying is that while black pants are a fashion do, wearing them more than twice per week is a fashion don’t.  And, if I might have a follow up, wearing black pants with a crewneck sweater and flats is like throwing up the white fashion flag of surrender and saying, “I am going to put as little thought into this as I possibly can.”

Moving on.  Here are Three Ways to wear black trousers the right way.

Polyvore Set Here.

Boarding a plane before dawn and exiting in the mid-afternoon to head straight to a meeting is a daunting prospect.  How do you arrive without looking rumpled and haggard?  How do you make it look like it was all so easy and you could do this every day without batting an eyelash?

Under eye concealer, perfume and a good outfit.  

Wear a pair of good black trousers, a pale blue Oxford, a chic but cozy poncho.  Add some pyramid studs, cool sunglasses and a fierce bag.  Apply a bit more blush in the restroom before heading to the taxi stand.  Grab another coffee.  And pretend that you’re not exhausted and that everything is just peachy.

Polyvore Set Here.

Is guava a Fall color?  Not really, but we have a few days until the Autumnal equinox when it’s officially Fall, so I’ll continue to post brights until then.  And probably after, I’ve never been very good at following the rules.

Despite the bright, the principle remains the same: black trousers, a silk tank and a collarless jacket is a good, pain-free work ensemble.  Toss on some wedges and a cool, drop earring.  Grab a structured bag for your essentials and head to the office.  If you want to go out after work, bring a white tuxedo jacket, some stilettos and a black, sequin clutch for a quick change.  Oh, and eyeliner, you can always use more eye makeup when you’re going out.

Polyvore Set Here.

A long time ago, I featured a similar look to this one.  I like the striped sweater over the Oxford shirt with trousers because it’s monochromatic and effortless but looks like you tried.  And when you add a chunky necklace, a cool purse in a contrasting color, a simple kitten heel and a cape, you go from a B to an A+.  Standing on the corner downtown wearing your aviators, sipping a latte, you’ll look like one of those girls that we hate and admire.  The two things are not mutually exclusive.