How to Dress Up Basic Black - Look #3

Look #3 Girl About Town (Black & Tan)

featuring.

H&M Leather Cut-out Leggings + Black Skirt Worn as a Tunic + Tan Swing Coat + Mossimo Black Suede "Karensa" Pumps ($29.99) + Dots Tassle Necklace

It's funny, I can clearly remember when leggings came back on the scene back around 2006, and I remember thinking to myself... Seriously? Stretch pants are back? NO THANKS!  Of course, I should have known better because sure enough, they have become an absolute essential for my wardrobe all year long! Of course, I started out with plain black leggings, but nowadays there are plethora of fabulous legging options out there...one of which is the leather legging! Last fall American Apparel's Liquid Leggings hit the scene and we all went wild.  This season, we are revisiting the leather legging trend in a whole new way... with leather cutouts! These leather cut-out leggings from H&M were only $19.95, and they are a GREAT way to 1) jazz up your black legging based ensembles and 2) add leather pants to your wardrobe this fall without breaking the bank! and the best part is you still get the comfort and versatility of your good old faithful leggings. Can't beat that!

Now, In addition to swapping out my regular black leggings for the leather cut-out version, I also topped off my all black ensemble with a tan-ish swing style coat. and viola! I am ready to hit the town.  Investing in  a few statement jackets/coats in neutral colors is definitely a sure fire way to maximize your wardrobe. I went the fancy route with the leather leggings and flowy tunic, but this jacket would have looked pretty jazzy over plain black leggings and black t-shirt, too.

 So, to recap the key elements of this look:

1. Choose statement black pieces.  All black ensembles are almost always chic by default (I said almost), so have fun with it!  Play with shapes, and textures... mix and match....go crazy!
2. Top off basic black pieces with a statement jacket/coat in another neutral but contrasting color.

So, I have to apologize in advance for the picture overload today, but I finally feel like I got my picture taking mojo back.  Thank the LORD!!! I have been hating my pictures lately... partially because they have all been taken in doors at night but I got my lazy buns up at lunch and got dressed....and I am VERY happy with the results! :)

I am absolutely in LOVE with all the gorgeous greenery here in ATL...

Thanks for stopping by!!!