Fashion Forward: My Little Black Number

Every woman knows what a little black number is and most have one as part of their wardrobe.

I am going to give this name a little twist and declare that not only must you have a little black number, as in a dress, but a jacket too.

This jacket would be used in many different ways and for every occasion.

You will probably think that I am a bit conservative or maybe old fashioned in the way I did my wardrobe building.

Needless to say, my plan by using one jacket in many ways, works well.

I like a classic and sophisticated look, whether it is formal or casual. These looks are timeless and in some instances, make their reappearance a couple of times in the fashion trends.

So, getting back to my ‘black number’.... I chose a panelled, wide collared, fitted jacket with a peplum (this is the part that is flared from the waistline.) This is a good shape as it has structure on the shoulder line, tapering in at the waist and flaring at the hemline, thus giving you that hour glass shape that all women want. The hemline of this jacket is longer at the back, giving fullness to the butt, especially if you are flat bottomed. The flare in front also hides unwanted bulges.

I chose black and white because I wanted to keep it very simple, however, I added a splash of colour with accessories. I also kept the garments very simple without too many details, which makes it also more versatile.

These garments and accessories can be adapted to what you currently have in your wardrobe.

front

back

OFFICE WEAR

This is for the professional who want to look good and give a good impression.

I combined the jacket with a stone coloured cowl neck top, adding softness to the top and 3/4 pin striped trousers.

I added a fabric rose on the collar of the jacket for a feminine touch.

The shoes are patent, two toned sling back with a matching medium sized bag.

On the outfit to the right, I combined the jacket with a fitted dress. I added a bulky neck piece in white beaded flower design.

The shoes I chose are patent wedges with a black and white medium sized structured bag.

FORMAL WEAR

Here you can see how I combined the same jacket in four ways, using different styles and lengths in skirts.

I added a bit of glamour with accessories in gold, silver and diamanté.

I used thin belts in two garments just to brake the solidity of the black.

Clutch bags would be more appropriate for these looks.

I chose high heeled, formal shoes, which gives a more sophisticated look.

These looks can be worn to many special functions.

SMART CASUAL

This look is for the younger woman who likes to dress more casual, but still keeping it sophisticated.

Again, combining the same jacket, but this time, a more casual approach.

The first outfit is for someone with great legs and who can wear flat shoes.

It is playful and almost girlie like with frills, tucks and a bow around the waist band.

I call the second outfit, chic rock! You can attach a fake studded collar to your jacket to give that punk rocker feel. A corset is worn under the jacket for that added feminine touch.

Faded skinny denims make the look more casual and sexy.

Add a bit of glamour with lots of chains, beads and metal pieces around the neck.

On the third outfit I used a horizontal striped top and followed the stripes to the high heeled sandals.

The thin, white belt, breaks the colour and accentuates the waist. The shorts makes this outfit ideal to wear during hot summer months.

The jacket in the fourth outfit was paired with a long, sequinned top and black shimmery tights. This could be worn to a night with the girls. It is sexy, shows all the curves and comfortable to wear. The jacket makes it more sophisticated. Wear this with high pumps to make your legs look longer and give a better shape.