SILK & KIMONO: HOW TO MAKE A BLACK TIE OUTFIT WEARABLE BY DAY
Did you ever have to wear a black tie outfit by day because you don't have time to change? If your answer is yes, this one is for you!
I am sure it happened to almost everyone. And that everyone made the choice either to be too casual for the evening event or to be overdressed by day. Whatever you chose you ended up feeling uncomfortable. Am I right?
So I decided to work on an outfit that would be the solution to this issue. Obviously, I ask myself what would it be the worst: to be too casual or overdressed? It is totally subjective, but to me the worst is to be too casual. I have the impression that it is disrespectful of the people inviting you. That's my point of view and maybe you would agree or disagree with it - and I would be glad to know your opinion on this matter.
Based on my impression, I created a silhouette based on a black tie outfit twisted with some more casual and colorful elements. I selected a black silk jumpsuit as the core component of this look. Only after I picked a kimono, accessories and shoes to match with it.
The black tie component should be comfortable to be worn all day before your event. So maybe don't go for a dress or a skirt if you're not used to it. Try to think out of the box and wear great tailored pants or a jumpsuit, which are easier to wear by day, especially if you move a lot!
Here is my way to style a black tie outfit wearable by day!
#DETAILSMATTER
If this style inspires you and you want to reproduce it or part of it, here are some tricks and tips.
Do not be afraid of the color: There is no better way to twist a black tie outfit than adding colorful elements. To do so, I selected blue shades that you can find in the beauty look, the kimono and the bag. The idea is to brighten the silhouette and make it less serious. If you have to remember just one thing will creating your own look is that you have to break the seriousness of the black tie element! On the other hand, do not use to much color - you do not want to look like a rainbow unicorn, darling! Hell no! Choose wisely the colors and you'll look great!
Play with the textures: The idea of a black tie outfit is to look elegant, even precious. And we want to keep that on even by day! So what do we do? We choose wisely the textures of the other elements of the silhouette. For example, the jumpsuit I chose is made of silk and leather, so I picked velvet shoes, a leather belt and bag, a braided kimono and gold jewels. Those textures are either precious, soft or attract the light. Keep in mind that some elements should balance each other to be harmonious. If you have the feeling you tone down too much your outfit or that it is still too overdressed, it means that it is not well balanced and you need take something off.
Know your skin tone: The question is: does black suits you? It might seems dumb but black may make you look tired, more serious or stern. If this is your case, there are two solutions. The first one consists in making sure the black-colored elements are not close to you face. The second idea is to find another color such as dark blue, grey or white. Find the right color that suits your skin tone - no one wants to be asked by everyone if she is sick!
Do not neglect the accessories: As you might know by now, the accessories are the key to twist an outfit and to make it look even more awesome than it already is. Just remember that the accessories should be elegant and make a statement. Do you know how it is called? Structure!
What about the makeup?: Alright guys, this is the tricky part. Remember when i said you don't want to look vulgar. Makeup is usually the guilty one, when creating a vamp style. You have liner, red lipstick, eye shadows, and so on. What is my recommendation? Use everything... but with moderation - exactly like wine from monday to thursday, come on we all know that moderation is not applicable on friday and weekends! Whatever. To go back to makeup, first do a clear and flawless stain. Orange is clearly not a option! Then use a purple or dark red lipstick. Just take care that you do not put to much of it. Apply it in small touches - you can use your index or a brush if it is easier - to create a "bitten lips" effect. If you want to put more of it, wait to do the eyes. I recommend you use an nude or light gold eye shadow to give texture to your pupils, then apply the mascara. The proportion mascara you apply will define if you should apply more lipstick or not. If you decide to accentuate the eyes, instead of the lips, you can add a little touch of khôl pencil.
OUTFIT
Kimono - Iro Paris
Jumpsuit - The Kooples
Shoes - Public Desire x Hailey Baldwin
Bracelets - Maje
Ring - & Other Stories
Belt - B-Low The Belt
Bag - Louis Vuitton
Hat - Amenapih
iPhone Case - The Kase
Ceramic Skull - Urban Outfitters
(Photo credit: 0kmidnight Photographies)