Wearing black can do many things for you. It can be slimming, dressy, sleek. The color can serve as a blank canvas for showcasing an eye-popping necklace or shoe. Oftimes you can work the system by aimlessly buying bargain-priced black items versus splurging on them. However, there are a few items that are too easily distinguishable and require more thought upon purchase: black purses, black pumps, and black trenches. This doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money. It just means you need to have a more prudent eye when shopping.
Ask anyone who has searched earnestly for any of the above… It’s not easy!!! Many black purses–even the expensive ones–can look boring or cheap. Try to look for some with someunique hardware or a clever design. Black pumps can look bad if they’re made of matte leather. Look for a classic pump with a twist (i.e. platform, rounded toe, or something equally distinctive) or patent pair for some oomph.
And lastly, we have black trenches. Construction, buttons, and material are what will set yours apart from the gazillions of other bland ones that exist in the world. The smallest details can take you from blah to fashionista. Look for collars that are wide enough to pop. Look for metal, leather, or wooden buttons versus plain-ol’ plastic ones. (Or change them out yourself.) Look for fun little accents–like back vents, epaulets, storm panels, buckles, baubles, etc!
Some of my faves du jour:
- TopShop Trench Belted Coat ($160)
- Hayden Harnett Garcon Turnlock Trench ($550) pictured
- Burberry Prorsum Sateen Trench ($1795).
