Two Ways: Lela Rose Lace Top

Top: Lela Rose Lace Blouse ($21)

From Left, Tights: Spanx Tight End Tights ($28) Shoes: Vince Camuto Jensen Pumps ($75) Earrings: Julie Vos Mimi Earrings ($70) Ring: Majorca Anastasia Ring ($87) Purse: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Satchel ($495) Jacket: Iro Black and Lurex Jacket ($529) Skirt: Smooth Ruth Slim Pencil ($88)

From Right, Ring: Baroni Ruby Jade Ring ($132) Purse: C. Wonder Foldover Clutch ($95) Shoes: Strappy Satin Sandals ($178) Coat: Coccoon Coat ($325) Earrings: Marrakech Earrings ($32) Pants: Minnie Slim Pants ($118)

For the Office.  I wear a lot of black during the cold weather months, and I usually pair it with white, ivory, blush or tan.  It’s a simple look, but it’s chic too.  But how do you make black interesting?  Mix textures and shapes.  This outfit mixes a chunky tweed with smooth wool and delicate lace to make all black just a little bit better.

The lace trim on this top makes it difficult to tuck in, so leave it out and pair it with a sleek tweed jacket.  $529 is out of the price range of most young professionals, but this Pim + Larkin tweed jacket is under-$100 with a classic, simple shape.  If black isn’t what you want, this ivory tweed jacket is only $30.

The skirt hits below the knee.  This isn’t a good look for everyone.  I have short legs in comparison to my body length, so I look better in a knee length skirt.  This Kenneth Cole slim pencil should do the trick.

You’ll notice that these tights are not Commandos, the brand I have been promoting non-stop for a year-plus.  Why aren’t these Commandos?  Because over the past three months, I have ruined four pairs of Commando tights.  No, I haven’t been climbing mountains in them or been attacked repeatedly by rabid cats, and I’m starting to believe that the quality isn’t as good as I thought.  So I’m back in my former favorite, Spanx.

I like suede pumps in the winter, and these Vince Camuto’s look like a good buy.  They can be a little bit wide for some people though, so these Ivanka Trump pumps might be a good option for the narrow footed ladies out there.  

As for the jewelry, I absolutely.adore these pearl cluster earrings.  They are just lovely.  I added a pearl ring and a smart satchel to finish out the look.  Like the satchel but not the price? Try this $98 number.

For the hair, I would wear it down with a bit of curl or wave and some teasing at the crown.  Maybe a slight bouffant.  For the hair, black eyeliner with a bit of Black Honey lipstick.

For Cocktail Hour. This is a pretty and simple look: slim pants, a strappy heel and a pop of color in the accessories.  I chose the Minni pants because I didn’t want a cotton trouse like the Cafe Capri.  The smooth, richness of wool or jersey is what is needed to match the delicate lushness of the top.  If you want something with a slim fit that’s a bit more forgiving, try these Banana Republic tuxedo trousers.

I chose the sandals because I think seeing a little foot when you’re wearing ankle length pants makes a difference.  If you prefer a closed toe, try these t-strap pumps from Macy’s (also good for the office).

I chose the open metal work earrings to pair with the open lace work on the top.  The magenta ring and magenta foldover clutch give a burst of life to the black separates.  And the tan-colored coat adds a bit of volume and swing to the outfit.  If you like the shape but not the price, this French Connection coat is pretty close and under-$200.

For the makeup, I would wear a berry-colored gloss and a pop of pale pink Bobbi Brown blush.  For the hair, I would wear it braided and pinned up.