I found an elicit two hours to go shopping on Friday and first of all I SAW ANGELA MERKEL, doing, I don’t know, her Christmas shopping? I was riding the escalator in a big department store looking around, and there she was riding alone on the escalator apparently lost in thoughts. Not to get political one way or the other, but I was dazzled. She really has a presence. I spotted one security guy behind her, but besides that I didn’t notice anything special. Wow, can you imagine that in the U.S.? Anyway.

To the task at hand. I bought these black dressy shorts and want to turn them into one or two dressy outfits for holiday parties. I would really appreciate your input on what works and what doesn’t. My hair/face is not done here, so please ignore that.

Possible toppers and shoes:

1.) Fluid lacey wool tank topped by a black blazer. Did not love this. Worn with heeled black oxfords.

2.) Old lightweight cream sweater from Vince with elasticised neck, cuffs, and waistband. I see I rather inelegantly shoved the arm up for the photo, but I thought this topper could work, especially with a pretty up-do and earrings. It’s wrinkled because I just took it out of storage. Worn with pointy-toe black booties that have patent leather tips.

3.) Cabled sweater and pointy toe boots. I think this sweater is probably too casual.

4.) Chanel-esque navy tweed jacket with slight twinkle, navy turtleneck and OTK studded boots

5.) Non-ironed plaid with pointy toe tall boots. Included don’t know why. I might explore this for a casual outfit.

6.) DVF houndstooth blouse. I thought this might be dynamite, but in reality I think this blouse has gotten too small for me. Sniff.

7.) Same under jacket

8.) Cream jacket included as a joker. I love this jacket but have worn it about three times in ten years.

9.) Dotted blouse and tall heeled boots. Only disadvantage here is the lack of breathability of the polyester of the blouse. Otherwise I liked this a lot.

10.) Plum short sleeved sweater with pointy toe pumps

11.) Black cardigan with gold thread detail. Sparkle says holiday, but it’s also very plain.

12.) Sparkles and studs just because.

13.) My new blue and black leopard sweater.

Any suggestions are most welcome and I am so grateful if you were able to get through this and form an opinion to share with me Also, I would like to try more sheer tights but didn’t have any on hand. I have lots of grey and/or black patterned tights to try too.