Fall Lookbook - Outfit 1 - Night Out

Hi Girls,

(All from previous seasons):
Point Zero Jacket,
Laura top, Belt unknown,
Gap Black Capris,
Naturalizer
knee high boots,
Joe Fresh earrings,
Fab red necklace (www.fabgirlboutique.com)

Today I'm focusing on three things:
1. What makes a clothing item a "foundational" or staple item
2. Why black capris can be classified as a "foundational" item
3. Components of this first outfit featuring the black capris; this outfit is classified as a "night out" outfit


1. A FOUNDATIONAL ITEM TYPICALLY:
a. Can be worn for a variety of occasions: You can create an outfit deemed either: casual (weekend wear), smart casual (night out) or work wear... but not necessarily appropriate for very dressy wear e.g. black tie/gown.
b. Pairs well with multiple styles: You can pair it with a myriad of tops despite the style/mood of the top, with the assumption that the colours match.
c. Is a Bottom piece: e.g. pants or skirt/dress
d. Is solid/plain, not patterned: the item works like a blackground or an blank canvas to showcase a more elaborate, patterned item.
e. Has straight lines versus fluffy, poofy, rounded contours.
f. Consists of fine knit material:  Instead of loose knit material.





2. WHY THE BLACK CAPRIS WORK AS A FOUNDATIONAL ITEM - THEY ARE/HAVE:
a. Solid neutral colour: They contain only 1 colour of thread (black). Multiple coloured threads although they don't have a pattern they tend to distract from a distinctly patterned item. (The neutral colours are: white, black, brown, and grey).
b. Fine knit material: Fine also lends itself to creating a dressier look but not limited to a more casual look.
c. Small pockets: Small pockets on the hips tend to be more dressier while keeping bulk in the hips to a minimum.
d.  No pockets on the remainder of the pants: Pockets further down on the pants tend create a casual look e.g. cargo pants, which prevents one from pairing dressier items, thus only being limited to create a casual outfit.
e. Cuffs: Cuffs tend to create a dressier effect but can also extend to a more casual look.
f. Straight lines e.g. versus balloon pants (in the 80's that had a more rounded bottom).



3.  OUTFIT #1: NIGHT OUT PAIRING WITH BLACK CAPRIS
This is the first of three night out outfits, and I intentionally made this one more casual than the others. But it's still dressy enough to go out for a date night with my hubby or out with the girls. The sheer top sets the stage for evening wear (although you could certainly pair it with a jean jacket to obtain more of a chic day look).

Stylin' Guidelines that make this outfit work:

a. Maximum of 4 Outfit Colours: I've kept this outfit to 2 colours. Restricting an outfit's colours to 2-3    

colours tends to create a dressier, striking and put

together look. As an example red carpet outfits tend to be restricted to two or three colours at the most.

b. One pattern: Only one patterned or multi-coloured threaded item in the outfit

c. Sleek/Items that create a distinctive dressier look: black sheer top and sleek black boots (versus chunky or clunky).