Two Ways: Burgundy Trousers

Pants: The trousers in the photo are from The Row ($790), the cheaper version from this morning, that I actually like better, are Express ($79).

From Left, Bracelet: Blu Bijoux Art Deco Cuff ($28) Bag: Kooba Pearl ($299) Shirt: Limi Feu Tie Collar Blouse ($590) Belt: Lauren Western Plaque Belt ($78) Shoe: Audrey Brooke Cataline Pump ($60) Sweater: Drape Neck Pocket Cardigan ($445)

From Right, Earrings: Marc Jacobs Flower Studs ($58) Bag: Modalu Pippa Grab (195 pounds) Shoes: Madewell Leopard Skimmer ($135) Scarf: Shelli Segal Infinity Scarf ($48) Sweater: Club Monaco Jackie Sweater ($119)

For the Office. I loathe black and burgundy together. I think one of the most hideous looks in men’s suiting is when they wear a black suit with a burgundy shirt. I always looks cheap to me.  The look isn’t quite as bad on women, but I’m so programmed to dislike the combination that I never wear it.  So this season, I’ll be mixing the color of the moment (oxblood/burgundy/maroon/chianti) with tan, grey, ivory, teal and navy.

The pants in the set and the pants from this morning are both straight leg.  If you would prefer a slightly wider bootcut style, Express makes the same color in their Editor cut ($79).  A wider leg is a little more forgiving on those of us with wider hips.

An ivory tie-neck blouse is a solid wardrobe staple, especially if, like me, you don’t care for button up shirts.  The shirt in the set is beautiful, but that price makes my heart melt, and not in a good way.  Luckily, Kasper has a similar blouse for $69.

I chose a grey cardigan with a drape neck and loose fit, so that I could belt it to give it structure.  The price is a little out of control though, so I’d recommend this Robert Rodriquez charcoal cardigan from 6pm ($89) instead. If you’d like a monotone combination, this oversized ivory sweater from Quiksilver ($54) would work as well.

The shoe has a pointed toe in the same color as the pants to make the leg look longer.  The bag is a cool, slightly industrial style in a selection of greys.  And the cuff is a brushed silver-tone with an interesting shape and not-so-pretty crystal accents.

For the hair, I’d wear it half-up/half-down.  For the makeup, I would choose a medium grey shadow, black eyeliner and a sheer wine lipstick like Shiseido Perfect rouge in Tender Sheer ($25).  I’d also paint my fingernails grey in a shade like Essie Chinchilly.

For Casual Monday.  This look is relaxed office attire, for those days when you don’t have meetings but can’t wear jeans.  I think the burgundy trousers are a slightly unexpected look in a city filled with basic black and British tan.

I mixed the burgundy trousers with a camel sweater and coordinating scarf.  If $120 for a sweater is a little outside you price range, I like this dolman sleeve camel sweater from Lord & Taylor priced at $70.  But I think the brown tones really warm up the pants, and they would even look nice with a chocolate brown sweater. 

I chose a selection of brown shades for the accessories–a toffee-colored bag, a leopard flat.  I love this Pippa bag, my Mom has the black and it is a dream.  The divided pockets will change your life.  I have the J.Crew Biennial Satchel, which is similar, but I still like hers better.

Also, on the subject of the shoes, I chose a leopard because I didn’t want to do burgundy again.  You could do dark brown or cognac.  However, do not wear nude flats with pants that aren’t jeans.  It’s like shining a spotlight on your feet, and it only makes you look shorter.

For th hair, I would wear it up in a Gibson roll.  For the makeup, I would choose a sable eyeshadow and brown liner.  I’d also wear a dusty rose gloss like Benefit Dallas and burgundy nail polish like SpaRitual Solitude.