This is the fifth time in twelve months that I’m travelling to the Netherlands to see my 85-year old Dad. I’ve got the packing and commuting thing down across four seasons and in all sorts of weather. The trips have become a way of life and are part of our quarterly routine. 

I’ll be heading out tomorrow morning while Greg and Sam hold the fort at the Cox Castle. Including travel, it’s an eight-day trip, and this is what I’ve packed.

A few things upfront before I delve into the details:

• I’ll be visiting family, seeing dear friend Inge, doing errands, eating out, and going to a few appointments. I’ll be hanging out with my Dad in his home town of Velp, with daily trips to nearby Arnhem (a 15 minute bus ride). These very quaint towns are on the east side of the Netherlands and close to the German border. They are about an hour and a half away from Amsterdam.
• I keep my outfits casual, although my outfits are on the dressier side of casual.
• Autumn in the Netherlands is very similar to Seattle. Chilly, grey, dark, quite windy, and somewhat wet. Hopefully we’ll have some sunny intervals. Daytime high temperatures of about 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) will be the norm, but colder in the morning and at night. Hopefully temperatures will stay just above freezing. I do a LOT of walking and take public transport when I visit my Dad, which means wearing the right footwear, cosy socks, woolly scarves, and an assortment of toppers so that I stay warm, comfortable and dry.
• I’ll be putting a suitcase in the hold because I like to have more dressing options than a carry-on can accommodate. I’ll also be bringing presents for family, and doing some Christmas shopping which requires extra space.
• I will not be doing laundry on the trip.
• I can magically keep white and cream wardrobe items clean, and have been travelling with them for years. It’s a complete non-issue.
• The capsule also includes the outfit that I will wear on both non-stop ten-hour flights. It’s the same outfit, and I’ve shown the components at the end of this post.

The Palette

Burgundy, tomato red, ink blue and blue denim with a touch of cream and a smattering of pearl grey. No black! Tomato red adds life to the burgundy. The cream brightens and lightens the look. The dark blues ground the palette. My Dad likes bright colours so I like to incorporate them for him too.

To create a satisfying mix that is true to my style, I created a capsule that combines classics with trendy items, wardrobe essentials with statement pieces, solids with patterns, knits with wovens, neutrals with colours, and old items with newbies. Plenty of variety but with a good amount of discipline. The silhouettes are generally quite simple. It’s the colour of the item, the bold combination of the colours, the accessories, and the mix of patterns that give the outfits their kick. I can create tonal looks with burgundy and tomato red. Wear a column of colour with burgundy and navy. Throw in high contrast with cream, and pattern mix with ease because the patterns are in the same colour spectrum.

Here’s more detail on each part of the capsule. Note that wardrobe basics like undies, camisoles, sleepwear, loungewear and knee-highs are not represented here. For the rest, these are the exact wardrobe items that I packed and will be wearing en route.

Footwear

I build a travel capsule around my shoes because it’s extremely important to have happy feet when you’re walking around a city and using public transport. Once I knew which shoes I was taking, I planned the rest of the outfits to work with them. (NEVER take new shoes on a trip. Take tried-and-tested styles that you know go the distance).

I chose booties because those are right for the weather and extremely comfortable. They have been weatherproofed with spray, and the grey booties are weatherproof already. I almost brought my tall riding boots but booties are easier to pack. I would have been fine bringing two pairs of booties, but packed a third in case my feet need a change, or I feel like a change. All three pairs work with all four bottoms. I suspect I’ll wear the burgundy and grey most of the time, and leave the dressier cream pair for appointments.

Custom Findby Angie

Bottoms

I chose four bottoms, but actually it’s only three bottoms because I’ll wear the blue boyfriend jeans on the flights ONLY. That means I’ll wear the full-length dark wash denim straights, cropped straights and burgundy velveteen crops twice. I’ll wear them with navy knee-highs or socks. That’s plenty of variety so I don’t feel bored.

Sale

Tops

I’ve packed five tops, but actually it’s only four because the oversized ink pullover is for plane travel only. I’ve stuck to fine gauge woolly knitwear because that’s dead right for the weather. Fits are fluid and tailored with varying necklines. I went with two neutrals (one light and one dark), and two non-neutrals to create variety. That way I can remix looks depending on my mood – like high contrast, tonal, or a column of colour. All tops work with all bottoms so I can mix and match as I please.

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Toppers

I’d get bored wearing one topper for eight days, which is why I chose to bring two with different vibes. One long, dressy, classic, solid and very warm. The other short, trendy, patterned, casual and not quite as warm. I can wear either topper with any top or bottom.

Custom Findby Angie

Accessories

I packed many accessories because they change up my look, and don’t take up space. I chose two scarves that work perfectly with the palette. The burgundy scarf creates an effective complement with the burgundy bag, boots, belt and specs. The red scarf is a good match with the red coat and pullover, creating a tonal twinset effect. It also pattern mixes well wth the plaid jacket. The burgundy scarf looks as fab over the red coat. The orange pom-pom hooks onto my bag and makes me smile. I chose a crossbody because it’s easy for travel, and a dressy Furla because casual bags are not my thing. Cream beret and gloves are essential for walking in the cold morning and night. I’ll wear the pile of pearls over my cream and red pullovers. And the patterned socks are fun to make a casual statement with the palette when I feel like it.

I will also be travelling with an umbrella and a cashmere wrap. I’ve left the wrap out of the capsule because it will NOT be styled into these outfits. It’s loungewear and a cosy blanket for plane travel only.

Custom Findby Angie

Custom Findby Angie

Custom Findby Angie

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Travel Outfit

This is the exact outfit that I will wear tomorrow on the flight out to Amsterdam, and the flight back to Seattle eight days later. It follows my strategy for what to wear on long flights. Layers, fabrics with stretch, fluid fits, and soft fabrics are cosy, comfortable and insulating for plane travel. A jacket, scarf and dressy bag also make my casual outfit look pulled together and polished. Comfortable shoes are essential for comfort when traipsing through airports and catching public transport with luggage. I’ll pack my jacket into my hand luggage during the flight and while I’m at the airport, but will need it on the other side when when I take organized transport through to my Dad’s apartment.

Custom Findby Angie

I tried on lots of outfit combinations using the items to make sure I liked them BEFORE I made my final decision on what to pack. You can visit the collection page to see my travel capsule in its entirety. The picture below shows the items just before I started packing.

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Congratulations! You’re graduating!

Now… you’re stuck with deciding what to wear.

It’s a big day and you don’t know what to wear.

You want to look good yet stay within the rules of graduation wear.

Here are 30 graduation outfits for guys you can wear underneath your robe…

**PLEASE NOTE: Most of these outfits have guys wearing their sleeves rolled up. In a graduation ceremony, it is recommended to wear your sleeves down and unrolled underneath your robe.**

30 Graduation Outfit Ideas to Wear (for Guys)

1. The new graduate looks lovely in this blue outfit. A plaid dress shirt, grey shoes, and black belt. The wrist-watch, textured skinny tie, and socks complete the look. A silver tie pin holds the tie in place. Graduates wear a robe over their outfits, so unrolling the sleeves on this outfit will make it perfect for a graduation outfit.

 

2. A clean, classy and formal look. A dark grey Satin tie with matching trouser and purple shirt. Complete with a tie pin and a black belt. The sleeves are rolled up for an informal look. Roll down the sleeve to wear underneath your graduation robe.

 

3. Another excellent outfit idea for the new graduate. The floral tie and rolled up sleeves makes the appearance semi-formal.

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4. The rugged graduate in maroon bow-tie, polka dotted shirt, and matching belt. The shirt is simple, creating the perfect balance.

 

5. A simple white cotton shirt and gray cotton trousers with black shoes. The new graduate can look good without a belt as well. Super stylish.

 

6. The classy university look. That’s a simple, formal graduation dress. You can never go wrong with this one. A red polka-dotted tie, pink dress shirt, blue trousers, belt, and brown cap-toe style Oxford shoes.

 

7. More hip, more stylish! The blue band in the shoe goes well with the trouser and adds spark to the outfit. A yellow tie pin, light brown belt, and light blue tie.

 

8. Super preppy! A smart blue check shirt, but what stands out is the watch and matching shoes. A different look, one that makes him stand out easily. Wear with a black tie or any colored tie to complete the look.

9. Ready to go to work. The straight lines add to his personality. A striped club-collar dress shirt, blue trousers, blue tie to match the pants, and a brown belt.

 

10. Black full-sleeve shirt, matching black and white plaid tie, and gray cotton pants. It’s a regular formal outfit but one that always looks good.

 

 

11. When you wear brown shoes, make sure that it goes well with the color of your shirt. The brown shade is always trickier. This purple dress shirt and blue trousers also work well together. If you’re going to wear brown shoes, make sure to match it with a brown belt.

 

12. Classy nerd style graduation outfit. Perfect if you’re graduating in the winter. A simple light grey colored cardigan, buttoned-up, with black pants and white shirt. This graduation outfit will help keep you warm when walking across the stage. You can try a different color for the tie. Complete the look with a brown watch.

 

13. This could be the perfect outfit if you are graduating in the winter. No one can complain about this outfit. Brown cap-toe boots, brown belt, a dress watch, brown sweater vest, collared dress shirt, and a blue tie to match the trousers.

 

14. Another brilliant winter graduation outfit idea. The canvas shoe can be perfect for semi-formal gatherings. Navy blue trousers to match with the navy blue blazer jacket, light gray sweater vest, collared dress shirt, and tie to complete the graduation outfit.

 

15. A new graduation outfit – complete with black suspenders, and bow-tie. You can change the strap and go for a different color, but match it with the tie. Brown oxford shoes, black watch, and short sleeved white collared dress shirt. Wear this in the summer if you’re going to be graduating outside in hot weather.

 

16. Check gray plaid shirt, black trousers, black belt, and a gray polka dotted tie. The man looks smart, trendy and handsome. Roll down the sleeves for a complete formal look at graduation day.

 

17. Another nerdy graduation outfit to wear in the winter for guys. Full-sleeved black sweater with jeans that look good on most guys. A collared dress shirt and dark tie.

 

18. Wear it, or take off the coat, you are going to look good in this outfit idea. The gray tie is simple, but it goes well. White dress shirt, dark trousers, a dress watch, and black belt. Roll down the sleeves and you’ll look very classy. Roll up the sleeves after graduation for a cool, rugged but classy outfit.

 

19. Colors of the tie matched with the shoe. Brown band of the watch and belt complements the look. A pair of brown wingtip boots, brown trousers, brown plaid tie, blue v-neck sweater vest, and white collared dress shirt.

 

20. A blue shirt for an outdoor event. The light brown cotton trouser for a sunny day. Wear a tie pin and watch to look even classier. Bring some sunglasses with you to look even cooler.

 

21. Small checks look best on tall men. The blue tie and a deeper shade of blue for the pant will work with this. Add a brown belt and silver tie pin to finish the graduation outfit.

 

22. Another floral tie for the graduation day with formal, black cotton pant and brown shoe. Add a brown belt to match the oxford shoes, a watch and some bracelets if you prefer.

 

23. A buttoned collared shirt in blue with dark blue pants. Dress watch and brown belt to match. The accessory that really finishes this graduation outfit is the tie pin. Don’t forget to buy yourself one.

 

24. In this picture, the man is wearing blue polka socks and a matching blue polka dotted tie. The shirt goes well with the tie too. Brown shoes, brown belt, and a sports watch. Don’t forget the tie pin!

 

25. A conservative, “smart” looking outfit for graduation. White works well both for women and men. The sweater and cotton shirt is in white (or a very light shade of gray), while the trouser is a darker shade. Wear a maroon or red tie for accentuation. Wear this outfit with or without the sweater vest.

 

26. Another graduation look in black suspender and coat. (Click here for suspender outfits for men!) Contrasting color of the tie makes it come out well. Gold tie, watch and bracelets, collared white dress shirt, and black trouser pants.

 

27. More formal appearance with blue check shirt and gray cotton trouser. Add some drama with a different colored tie. A black tie, silver tie pin, brown wingtip oxford shoes, grey trousers, and a brown belt.

 

28. Linen is a great choice. It is comfortable, looks chic, and is perfect for the big day. Dark navy blue trousers, light brown camel colored boots, and stripped tie.

 

29. The man in black, looking smart and handsome. The red satin tie is the perfect contrast. Black waistcoat vest, black dress shirt, and bright red tie.

 

30. Is blue the most formal color? Could be! Go for this outfit with brown shoes and a black or deep blue tie. Wear with a dress watch and black tie to complete the graduation look.

And there ya have it! 30 of the best graduation outfits for guys to wear on the big day!

If you’re still having trouble here are essentials to wear even if you don’t like any of these outfit ideas…

Graduation Outfit Essentials for Guys

When you graduate, you will be walking the stage with your robe and cap on. Since it’s a formal and special occasion, you will need something formal to wear.

But what type of formalwear?

If you’re graduating in the summer, you will need something light, since you will be putting the robe over your outfit.

Wear a dress shirt and a tie (skinny or regular)
Wear a bowtie if you want to look fancy (Read: 6 Men’s Bowtie Outfits)
A belt or suspenders (but never both!)
Fitted, slim, or straight dress pants/trousers
Pair of loafers or dress shoes
Wear socks that match the color of your pants or shoes

If you’re graduating in the winter and if you’ll be outdoors, you will need something more heavier.

A sweater vest over a dress shirt and tie (or bow tie)
A jacket or wool cardigan

If you want to be extra fancy, here are some accessories to wear:

Watch
Tie clip/tie bar/tie pin

Pencil skirts can be formal, strict, classic, professional, ultra feminine and bombshell, which is fabulous if that’s how you want to wear them. They can also be playful, casual and relaxed with the right support act. These outfits showcase ways of doing just that. Mix things up by creating tension and interesting juxtapositions. Feel free to change up the colours and patterns so that they’re more to your taste.

IMPORTANT:

• The strength of the pencil skirt is its structured slim silhouette, which makes wearing just about any silhouette of top or topper a flattering and streamlined-enough option.
• Pencil skirts vary from straight to very tapered on the side seams creating a tube-skirt effect. Take your pick.

1. Playfully Heeled

I like the tension between the severity of the pointy-toed, glossy, dressy, heeled boots and the relaxed and gentle vibe of the roomy cardigan. The flowered pattern and billowing sleeves add a dash of romance. The knit top adds a little more softness, which in turn complements the hard-edged shaved head of the model. The tucked top adds polish and lengthens the leg line from the thighs upward.

2. The Comfy Touch

The pattern on this pencil skirt is playful in itself, and accentuated with the addition of the comfy sweatshirt. The layered white shirt is an interesting detail, but not essential. The flat high-shaft haute hiking boots throw in a ‘90s integrity, and the white laces magically pick up the white in the rest of the outfit. You could wear a less oversized sweatshirt, leave off the white shirt, and semi-tuck into the pencil skirt instead. Throw in a dressy shoe and Bob’s your uncle.

3. Haute Hiking in a Bomber

The tension between the tight tube skirt and relaxed bomber is interesting. Sporty Bombshell. The layering top is a simple long-sleeved tee or pullover worn over the skirt. Feel free to leave off the belt bag. The haute hiking boots add back a ‘90s touch, and the scrunched shuffle socks above the boots bring back the ‘80s. I’d have preferred to see a beret or beanie for a hat, but the felt fedora is unique.

4. Relaxed Elegance

This pencil skirt here is less tapered and dressier than the first three looks. The roomier pencil skirt complements the oversized pullover thereby matching the relaxed effect. Semi-tucking the front adds some structure, as does scrunching the sleeves of the pullover. The black-on-black creates an elongated column of colour. The naked silver sandals look seasonally confused with the pullover to my eye – cold feet! But I love the way the silver magically bookends the model’s silver hair. Silver pumps, Mary Janes, pointy-toe ballet flats, or booties would have been my choice of shoe. Gorgeous look.

Ladies are ladies, and they all like to dress well. However there is no denying the fact that the First Ladies are some of the most charming and best dressed people. The current fashionista and First Lady Michelle Obama, wife of President Barack Obama, isn’t the first First Lady to rock the nation and fashion lovers in an inaugural gown.

This privilege has been worn by many ladies, proof of which you will find at the Smithsonian Museum of American History that showcases the Inaugural Gowns worn by ladies for more than 100 years. Take for instance, Jackie Kennedy who was the most fashionable lady in the political arena, considering her daring gown and cape.

Here are some of the best Inaugural Gowns worn by First Ladies. You can call it the Inaugural Ball fashion, which has virtually given a new meaning to the Presidency, the First Lady, and the nation.

Michelle Obama

This inaugural sleeveless ball gown in red designed by Jason Wu was made of soft, flowy custom chiffon and velvet. It was not only romantic and optimistic, it was a fashion statement in itself.

Laura Bush

Wife of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, Laura Bush looked amazing in a crystal-embellished gown in ruby red designed by Michael Faircloth. President Bush looked at wife Laura and said “And my Laura always looks so beautiful.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton

For the 1993 inaugural ball, the First Lady Mrs. Clinton wore a violet lace gown designed by the New York based Sarah Phillips.

Barbara Bush

In her 1989 inaugural gown outing, Mrs. Bush selected a sapphire velvet and satin gown designed by Arnold Scaasi. She was so fond of the gown that Barbara was unwilling to donate it to the Smithsonian Institution as a customary donation.

Nancy Reagan

Mrs. Reagan chose a single-shoulder white gown designed by American designer James Galanos for her husband Ronald Reagan’s inaugural ball in 1981.

Rosalynn Carter

This gown was really sophisticated. First Lady Rosalynn Carter stunned everyone with her gold-embroidered sleeveless coat over a gold-trimmed blue chiffon gown, designed by Mary Matise.

Pat Nixon

In 1969, Nixon selected a yellow gown designed by Karen Stark. It was so beautiful that the First Lady wore the Swarovski crystal-studded satin dress and matching bolero jacket to two more public events.

Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson graced the 1963 event dressed in canary-yellow bateau-neck gown designed by John Moore (who had also dressed Marilyn Monroe) teamed up with a pearl necklace and a pair of white gloves. She told Time magazine, “I like clothes. I like them pretty, but I want them to serve me, not for me to serve them.”

Jacqueline Kennedy

Jackie’s grace and style has always reflected her wonderful fashion choices. She loved to wear bright colors like pink, yellow, red and ivory. Audrey Hepburn was her personal fashion icon and throughout her life, Jackie followed Hepburn’s old Hollywood glamour in her dresses.

For the 1961 celebration, Jackie wore an ivory column with silver embellished bodice, veiled with a sheer overblouse along with a matching cape to bring in a touch of royalty. Jackie herself designed the gown with Bergdorf Goodman’s Ethan Frankau.

I’m doing a Fab Finds post and roundup post in one week because there are lots of winners to share this season. These particular items were client favourites recently, and we’ve actually had some Spring weather to do them justice. Be sure to browse all the colour options and read the rave reviews.

• Vineet Bahl | Anthropologie Giovanna Silk Blouse: A romantic blouse with beautiful blouson sleeves that are cuffed so that they don’t drive you batty. A warm earthy colour. Great semi-tucked. Best suited to a smaller bust.
• Wilt | Anthropologie WHIT Gingham Wrapped Blouse: A structured wrap top with architectural ruching. Tailored and forgiving on the midsection. Great over high-rise pants and skirts. Olive gingham is unusual. Best suited to those who can fill out the bust and/or shoulder line.
• Eri + Ali | Anthropologie Audrina Lace Top: Pretty lace top that works on a range of body types. Fluid yet streamlined. Not see-through. Shorter bell sleeves are the way to go so that they don’t annoy you.
• One September | Anthropologie Sydney Floral Top: A knitted boho-lite blouse with excellent drape. Casually pretty.
• Club Monaco Weylyn Shirt: Best hectic architectural shirt I’ve seen to date. Gorgeous shade of blue. Beats most of the designer styles to my eye, and much more affordable. Oversized, yet tapered in all the right places which adds just enough structure. It’s not overwhelming, even on my slight frame. It earned a place in my wardrobe despite the wide neck because the cut is BRILLIANT. The collar that drapes down the back is cleverly positioned, and my chunky pearls fill in the gap on my neck. I like it best semi-tucked for structure. I wear it with Summer skirts and white jeans. I LOVE this shirt. My wild card for the season. Party at the back, and good with short hair to showcase the back detailing.
• Madewell Central Ruffle Sleeve Shirt: The ruffle sleeve shirt has more structure around the neck and shoulders than a wrap top and looked much better on my body type despite the oversized fit. The flutter sleeves also broaden my frame, and I like the effect. The fabric is GORGEOUS and drapes very well, and it followed me home. Size down a size.
• Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Shine V-Neck Long-SleeveTee: Fab V-neck tee that works on a curvier figure. Does not cling. Substantial fabric. Flattering and versatile. Streamlined. The XS/S will fit US0 to 4. The M/L will fit US6 to 10.
• City Chic Classic Trench Coat: Gorgeous trench coat for Team Tall with a regular or long waist. Best on a curvy body type with a defined midsection. STUNNING length. Elegant.
• LEVI’S MADE & CRAFTED Embellished Boyfriend Trucker Jacket: A statement denim jacket if ever there was one. The embellishment is quite the work of art. It straddles the line of Tomboy and Girly and creates a fab juxtaposition. It’s NOT a tailored fit. Looks like a designer piece.
• Loft Elbow Patch Knit Blazer: I couldn’t believe my eyes. A Summer equestrian tweed blazer that is 100% COTTON, fully lined, and machine washable. Gorgeously soft and comfy. Tailored, and works on a range of body types. The pearl grey is lovelier in person. Size down.
• Loft Swingy Raincoat: Super cute Modern Retro raincoat. It’s supposed to be trapeze-shaped and roomy. Size down.
• Anthropologie | Anthropologie Easy Moto Jacket: Best knitted moto jacket of the season. Extremely comfy, tailored, relaxed and distressed, yet quite polished. It suits a range of body types because the fabric and cut mould to the body. Also available in a warm earthy apricot.
• Banana Republic Collarless Peplum Denim Jacket: If you don’t like stiff Tomboy denim jackets – TRY THIS ONE. It’s extremely soft, comfortable, and has a lot of stretch. Very tailored and quite sharp in silhouette. FLATTERING. The fit is fabulously streamlined despite the subtle peplum. It’s longer in person than on the model, so don’t worry about that too much. Every client who has tried it on so far has liked it. It works on a range of body types because it’s tailored and moulds to the body. It can absolutely pass for business casual because you have to look very closely to notice that it’s denim. Plus, you can dress it up. Fab with pants, jeans, skirts and dresses. It’s uniqueness and my love for denim jackets gave it a spot in my wardrobe.
• Loft Peplum Utility Jacket: This utility jacket looks better in person and is available in olive. It’s soft, pretty, trendy, and excellent layered over bell sleeves. Size down a size. The sleeves look even better folded over once to create a cuff.
• FRAME Stripe Blazer: Gorgeous blazer made of luxurious fabric that is non-crease and drapes like a dream. Soft, pretty, sharp and professional. Size down, and best on a straighter body type. A quality item. It took my breath away when I saw it modelled by a forum member in person.
• Halogen Tweed Open Front Jacket: It’s unusual to see a Spring tweed jacket with a revere collar that creates a flattering V-neck, AND is in jewel tones. Best on those who can fill it out. Suited to a larger bust, apple-shaped body type, and short waist.
• Rebecca Taylor Ava Peplum Jacket: Stunning business formal jacket that layers over pencil skirts and sheath dresses with the best of them. The peplum is subtle and architectural. A quality item. Black, not navy.
• Boden Long Sleeve Wrap Top: A form-fitting faux wrap made of substantial fabric. Does not cling despite the close fit. Excellent layered under jackets and blazers. Comes in colours and patterns. Nice quality.
• Boden Sylvia Jacket: A playful Modern Retro jacket that’s extremely well made. Stunning fabric and workmanship. A-line in silhouette and works on a range of body types. The yellow is more mustard than citron in person. Works really well over skirts and dresses too.
• Boden Claremont Blazer: An impeccable Modern Classic blazer that looks chic. The finish inside is beautiful, and the lining might make you smile. Works on a range of body types because of the superb cut and quality fabric.
• Loft Striped Stitchy Boatneck Sweater: Best classic striped Spring pullover I’ve seen all season. The inset side colour blocking is genius, creating a vertical streamlined effect that offsets the horizontal stripes. The neckline works on a range of body types. Nice fabric and good length. Size down.
• Loft Dotted Lantern Sleeve Shirred Blouse: Pretty lantern sleeve blouse that layers quite well under a blazer because the exuberant sleeves are soft and slippery allowing them to comfortably collapse and hold their shape when the layer is removed. Size down.
• Loft Brushed Dot Cutout Mixed Media Shell: A simple and effective shell top to wear under a cardigan or jacket. Comes in plus sizes. Size down.
• Marrakech | Anthropologie Magnolia Zip Jacket: I haven’t seen this jacket in person yet, but it looks interesting, and has super cute back detailing.
• Nordstrom Signature Waffle Stitch Cashmere Sweater: A warm pullover in a Spring colour ticks off the boxes when Spring feels like Winter. A quality piece that comes in turquoise. Sleeves are long but can be cuffed. Works on a range of body types. Fluid yet streamlined fit.
• Banana Republic Double Breasted-Fit Seersucker Blazer: A pinstripe seersucker blazer that looks better in person. It can hang open so don’t worry about buttoning the front. Crisp, fresh and on trend. Works really well on petites. My 5ft client wore it over a sheath dress and looked stunning.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

Black pantyhose are already sexy so that means you shouldn’t wear it with a combination of sexy clothes and accessories. They match with absolutely anything but many are very particular about it.

What’s great about the black pantyhose is that it is very cheap that you can literally buy so many of them. You can also wear them with pieces you already own and style them with accessories that are very trendy these days.

Here are some outfit ideas on how to wear your black pantyhose.

Plaid skirt, high heels, sheer pantyhose

Allow the sheer black pantyhose to subtly create character to your look by pairing it to a plaid skirt and black top. This look creates a professional yet fashionable vibe perfect for the office.

Pencil skirt, thigh high boots

One simple way of adding black pantyhose to your outfit is by wearing it under your thigh high boots. It creates a subtle effect as well as added warmth for colder months.

Black dress, boots, beanie cap

You can never go wrong with styling your black pantyhose with a black dress. Complete the accessories to make a more pulled together ensemble.

Coat

Wear your hosiery with your coat then finish it off with high heels. A perfect getup for weekdays at work and the weather’s all gloomy.

Tee, denim shorts, high heel booties

Create a casual getup with black pantyhose by wearing it with your favorite pair of denim jacket.

Chunky weater, blazer, scarf, leather skirt

A chunky-knit sweater takes a mostly-black look to elegant territory.

Little black dress, cardigan, high heels

Wear this outfit to any party you’re going to this year. It’s classy and pretty simple.

A-line skirt

Black pantyhose will look good with any kind of skirt just like an a-line skirt.

High waist shorts, denim jacket

Elevate a casual denim shorts with a tee, sheer pantyhose and socks with your favorite sneakers.

Trench coat, dress, beanie cap, Dr. Martens

Layer up your trench coat and shirt dress for an edgy, casual look, then add Dr. Martens boots with your black pantyhose if you’re feeling extra daring

Scarf, coat, beanie cap

Gray and black looks marvelous together because it gives an elegant vibe to any getup.

Cardigan, hat, platform shoes

When it’s chilly outside, just add a cardigan and a pantyhose to your outfit protect you from the cold.

Printed dress, blazer

A black and white ensemble looks really flattering especially when paired with black pantyhose and high heels.

Peplum top, printed skirt

Here’s another great office outfit that you can sport so easily. Everybody owns a girly peplum dress because it adds a sophisticated vibe. Finish off the look with high heels.

Maroon dress

A maroon dress is definitely a bold piece that you can easily sport without looking too over the top.

Green dress, dotted pantyhose

Don’t be afraid of trying out patterned pantyhose and incorporating them to your many outfit ideas.

Tennis skirt

The pantyhose will look great even when worn with a tennis skirt.

Pencil skirt, long-sleeved top

Not sure what to wear for the day? Just grab your go-to top and pair it with a pencil skirt and black pantyhose.

Patterned sweater, printed skirt

Mix and match different patterns, prints and colors to create a unique ensemble.

Converse

Slip into your favorite sneakers upon wearing your hosiery to create an easy everyday look.

Ankle boots

Create stunning outfit ideas with your black pantyhose by mixing and matching pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

Thigh high boots, leather jacket

Add a statement outerwear to your number of outfit ideas. A leather jacket is the perfect piece that gives a tough and edgy vibe. Just balance it out with a girly dress.

Brown ankle boots, little black dress

Brown and black is a good combination. Try pairing your little black dress with your favorite brown ankle boots. You’ll surely enjoy this new way of styling your LBD.

Pencil skirt, sweater

Complete any outfit by adding a scarf and pantyhose.

Platform high heels

Make your platform high heels stand out by wearing it with your pantyhose.

LBD, black ankle boots

An all-black outfit gives a perfect mix of edge and sophistication.

Plaid shirt, parka

A plaid shirt with your parka and opaque pantyhose lend warmth to a lightweight dress.

Now you have some new ideas on how to wear a black pantyhose, find more creative ways to style them because the possibilities are endless. Let us know what’s your combinations are.

 

Other posts you might like:

Styling Black Leggings with Pieces You Have Inside Your Wardrobe
Styles and Models of Coats
Outfit Ideas with Hosiery

It’s taken twelve years for chocolate brown to return as a trendy neutral, and it’s about time. Strangely, it didn’t even feature as a fringe trend. Why the perfectly lovely neutral was banished from fashionable existence makes little sense. Let’s hope those days are over. 

Chocolate brown is the last dark neutral to join the party since navy and ink blue became fashionable constants alongside black and grey. I think shades of dark brown should be a neutral we see every season, because it’s another way of celebrating variety.

Chocolate brown comes in warm and cool variations, so there’s a shade for every complexion. Cool shades are laced with grey and blue, and warm shades with yellow and orange. It’s represented in most wardrobe items this season, as seen in the collection of items.

Chocolate brown is a magical dark neutral that can create an assortment of personas. It is richer than black and warmer than grey. It can be as cool and military as dark blue. It can be as hard-edged as black and as preppy as navy.

Like all neutrals, shades of chocolate brown look splendid with other light and dark neutrals. Gone are the days that wearing black with brown is a faux pas. In fact, I can scarcely believe it was a faux pas since it’s always looked fab to me. It also looks fab with lighter shades of brown and white, and shades of dark blue.

You can wear chocolate brown with most other non-neutrals, depending on your affinity for colour-mixing, and your preferences. It looks amazing with other earth tones, sour brights, pastels, muddy colours and jewel tones. It’s not a neutral that requires much thought on how it will remix with the rest of your wardrobe, especially if you’ve built a complement or capsule with it.

Most of my clients like some shade of chocolate brown and will be happy to see it return to their wardrobes. For some, it’s their “black” and a favourite dark neutral. For some it’s brown in the form of patterns only, especially in leopard and snakeskin. For others it’s good in footwear, belts and bags.

It took a while, but I’m back to wearing chocolate brown. I’ve been building a complement with light blue and shades of white, and enjoying the fresh-for-me combination. I will also wear it with citron, chartreuse, tomato red, turquoise, shocking pink, toffee, cinnamon, blush, navy, ink blue and black. Not sure whether I will wear it with olive and burgundy, but maybe. The colour is VERSATILE.

Over to you. Do you like chocolate brown, and have you missed it? Will you wear it and in which wardrobe items?