Today, my daughter has a concert at school. It is one of the last ones we’ll see as she will be graduating in just a few months. To keep the kids looking classy and not out-of-sorts, the school has always required a dress code for concerts: black bottoms and white classy top. I reinforce the term classy because you’d be surprised what teens think is appropriate for a concert for all ages. Geesh.
My closet is a rectangular example of a black and white movie set. I love the colors, I love the colors together and I love to accessorize a black and white outfit with a pop of color or some bold accents to take the mind off the fact that in all honesty, I’m dressed like a waiter. So what look will I suggest to my daughter tonight to wear to her concert? What I suggest and what she chooses will be two different things, but maybe this will give her some ideas to step out of her box:
CLASSIC: A “can’t go wrong” outfit. A good pair of black pants is a necessity in EVERYONE’s closet. No funky cuts, no obscure patterns. Just straight-up black comfy pants. Add a nice white top with a little bit of eye-catching embellishments and you’ve got an outfit for any occasion. Jazz it up with jewelry and shoes, but let the outfit speak for itself. Sassy’s Pick: Candies Flare Pants, $27.99; LC Lauren Conrad Asymmetrical Ruffle Top, $21.99; New York Transit Great Answer Wedge Dress Sandals, $55.00; Jennifer Lopez Silver Tone Collar Pendant, $16.00. All items available at Kohl’s and Kohls.com
ROCKER EDGE: Oh my favorite look, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. A hard edgy style with tight fits, loud accessories, and bold looks doesn’t have to look like you just fell off the Motley Crue tour bus. You can look totally chic with a hard side with the right pieces. Plus the options really are endless! Sassy’s Pick: GUESS? Brittney Skinny Leg Jeans, Silicone Black Wash, $89.00; BCX Sweater, Short Sleeve Belted Striped Cardigan, $28.99; INC International Concepts Top, Sleeveless Lace Front Rhinestone Tank, $29.50; Steve Madden Belt, Center Hook Stretch Belt, $27.99; G by GUESS Shoes, Cabelle Platform Pumps, $59.00; GUESS Logo Heart Hoop Earrings, $20.00. All available at Macy’s & Macys.com
ECLECTIC: Being basic doesn’t mean you have to be boring. You can still express your unique side with fashions that will still work at your event without making you look like odd man out. Be cool, be funky, but be tasteful. You certainly can stand out, but you really don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. This is an event about a group–not just you. But any other time, I say hey…go for it. Be you and then some! Sassy’s Pick: Crochet Tiered Belted Skirt in black, $24.50; Ankle Length Leggings in black, $6.50; Solid Knit Shrug in black, $19.50; Woven Bow Front Tank, $19.50; Macy Faux Suede Wedge in black, $19.99; Epoxy Disc Chandelier Earring, $7.50. All available at Wet Seal and Wetseal.com
It doesn’t matter what your sense of style is, or what you like to wear to reflect your personality, even when the dress code is as simple as “black and white,” there are lots of ways to turn you ensemble into something that just screams YOU! Don’t settle for just being a part of the majority—be classy but be yourself. Make that black and white outfit reflect the colorful personality you have and stand out amongst the crowd!
