Two Ways: Black and White Peplum Top

Top: Mossimo Women’s Sleeveless Top ($23)

From Left, Bracelets: Kate Spade Idiom Bangle ($48) and Chloe Bangle ($332) Belt: Marni Skinny Belt ($180) Bag: Coach Legacy Candace Tote ($398) Shoes: Ivanka Trump Natalie ($130) Sweater: Stick With It Sweater ($28) Pants: Modern Cotton Sateen Pants ($88)

From Right, Earrings: Arena CPH Onyx Drops ($120) Bracelet:  Mango Metal Cuff ($25) Bag: Forever21 Foldover Clutch ($20) Skirt: J.Crew Super 120s Skirt ($118) Shoes: Becka Mary Jane ($120)

For the Office.  The perfect white pants are nearly impossible to find.  Mostly because there are a number of retailers who think white pants don’t need a liner.  (They absolutely need a liner.)  These straight leg pants from Ann Taylor are a great choice, and if you’re curvier (read: pear-shaped), try their curvy sateen pair instead.

Petite? Try this straight leg pair from LOFT.  Plus size? Try this wide leg pair from Anne Klein.

Can you wear a cardigan with a peplum top?  If it’s a cropped cardigan you can.  You could also try a peplum jacket if you’re not crazy about the cropped look.

And how does one belt this look?  If you’re wearing the cropped sweater the belt goes underneath the sweater.  If you’re wearing the complementary peplum jacket, belt over the jacket at the waist line.  I chose a black belt, but you could add color.  Aqua would be lovely or raspberry.

For the accessories, I chose blush as an accent color.   It’s a color but it lets the neutral color palette shine.  I like the simple bangles worn together and the classic shape of the purse.

And if you’re wearing trousers, pointed toe shoes will lengthen the line of your legs.  Need a less expensive shoe? This Vince Camuto pump is $89. 

For the hair, I would wear it down in a half-up style.  For the makeup, I would choose a berry-colored gloss and a black liner.

For Cocktail Hour.  I think cobalt blue is my favorite color to wear with black and white.  It provides a vibrant punch of color and has the substance to stand up to the stark palette.  This J.Crew skirt is a good choice, but if you want something shorter and funkier, this Asos skirt fits the bill.

These shoes are so cute, but at 4.5″ high, wear them to work with caution.  But for going out to cocktails or another after hours event, they’re a great choice.  They also come in a fun hibiscus red.  Want more of a sandal style for summer? I like these inexpensive t-strap sandals.

For the jewelry, I wanted simple shapes.  I like this simple metal cuff and these drop onyx earrings.  Want the earrings for less? Try these $18 round drops from Anne Klein.

This bag is a total Sophie Hulme knock off, but at that price, it’s a steal.  I also like this minaudiere with inlaid black crystals.

For this look, I would wear my hair off my shoulders, unless I was going on a date, then I’d wear it down.  For the makeup, I would wear MAC Ruby Woo lipstick and Essie Lollipop on my fingertips.