This holiday season I set my sights on improving my “evening” wear. My goal was to create a capsule of separates in a limited palette (navy, black, metallics) that could be mixed to create looks that were definitively “evening” rather than “office appropriate” (my pitfall in the past).

You all have guided me a lot with this project! I also bought a lot of stuff, which helped too. I bought a lot rather than just a few pieces for 2 reasons: 1, I prefer layered looks, which require more pieces. And 2, I wanted to add some stuff that many would deem silly or over the top: very sparkly, very sheer, very statement...and therefore very recognizable. I figured it would help to have a number of things to choose from, so my companions wouldn’t think “dear lord, there’s that bright blue sequin top AGAIN.”

One good thing about having these new pieces- it’s a good motivator to go out at night despite the cold! Tonight, going to see the opera singer Joyce DiDonato sing near Tiananmen Square.

WIW: sparkly navy COS culottes, pointy patent leather boots with colorful glitter socks, sparkly sheer sweater, fun purple and silver manicure. With the coat layered on top, culottes proportions look a bit strange, but otherwise this outfit is a 10 for me- I just love this kind of pant and can easily see wearing these for years and years.

Thanks for looking!