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When keeping lines clean and silhouettes body-skimming (never too tight or revealing), bodices and simple necklines keep things interesting in relation to what is layered over. The piece de resistance in this case is a coat with luxe details, whether it’s suede, faux fur, or has a notched velvet collar. The layering of hemlines? Also key. Finish with a not-too-high-but-not-too-modest heel.
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne 90
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Veronica Beard Freya Embroidered Grosgrain-Trimmed Silk-Satin Coat
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In 1999 Carolyn Bessette’s championing of the white button down blouse helped ensure it became a borrowed-from-the-boys- formal wear essential. The key? Don’t style your blouse in an overly buttoned-up manner, make sure your top of choice is slim-cut and not oversized, and preferably without pockets, which can dress things down. Also, keep the fabric of your skirt or accompanying bottom contrasting for a bit of drama (silk works great for this), and keep the accessories minimal but feminine. The recipe for a standard-setting elegance-avec-negligence ensemble.
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Christian Louboutin Loubigirl 85MM Leather Sandals
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Somewhere along the line we have all been brainwashed into thinking that we can’t wear black and brown together. This is not so; this look by CBK from 1996 is proof. Layer neutral colors with differing textures (peep the shine on her brown square toe boots) and clean lines (the camel skirt topped with a black sweater.) There is quite simply nothing simple about this look.
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Wardrobe.NYC Long Drill Column Skirt
Falconeri Ultrafine Cashmere Crewneck-Sweater
Neil J. Rodgers Meg Knee Boot
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If there was an area that CBK particularly excelled, it was with her use of texture. Here, a simple black coat over a white tee is elevated with a pair of sleek Selima Optique frames, the warmth of her tortoiseshell headband (from C.O. Bigelow!), and her fuzzy scarf. With a few additions of accessories, an outfit that would not have been noteworthy is made special.
France Luxe 1/2″ Ultracomfort Headband – Tokyo
Surrell Faux Fur Pull Through Scarf
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Selima Optique Tokyo Tortoise
Mulberry Darley Wallet Black Small Classic Grain
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In lieu of embellishments and over-the-top details CBK used tailoring and decisive necklines (and of course, luxe fabrics) to give any black outfit oomph. See here a classic tailored black jacket that nips at the waist and emphasizes her shape. Finished with classic pearls and a brick red lip, this is a recipe for an evening outfit that suits any occasion.
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Bobbi Brown Mini Crushed Lip Color
As the deputy digital lifestyle director at Town & Country, Roxanne Adamiyatt covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel.
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