hello, monday! it’s the last week of january, ladies (can you believe it?!), and we are kicking this week off in easy black and white style. all this month we’ve been talking about the basics, in weekly installments of back to the basics on the sunday brief. you can check out yesterday’s post on outerwear. and catch up on the rest of the series: tops and bottoms.
another topic this month has been new beginnings: refreshing and rejuvenating our lives for the new decade. we have talked about the many ways to do this, from diet and exercise to a closet cleanse. and i have shared tours of my home – hopefully, to inspire you to look at ways to change up the decor in your home to reflect your personality and create a comfortable place for you and your family. in case you missed any of my home tours you can find them here: living room, home office, home gym, and my custom closet.
pants | blouse | similar shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
outfit of the day: classic black and white
today’s outfit is tried and true: always in style and always classic. the top was last seen tucked underneath a gorgeous houndstooth coatigan. but it’s a star in its own right. and we all know that black pants are a wardrobe staple. having a classic straight-cut black pant means you can mix it with a white top that is as timeless as a classic button-up, or you can try an on-trend style that incorporates something unique. this not only keeps your black and white ensemble current, but it is a fun way to add some pizazz.
my white top today has details that are easily classic as well as on-trend. the sleeve has a running stripe for contrast, which circles the wrist and creates a beautiful, light ruffle at the wrist of the sleeve. throw a blazer or a coat over this top and the wrist ruffle would be a beautiful accent to the end of the blazer sleeve.
and of course, a black and white outfit is the perfect canvas for animal print. i opted for leopard print loafer flats (old, similar here) – perfect for the office. i love the contrast of color and texture when i wear animal print with a straight forward color palette like black and white.
reach for the basics
when monday rolls around, the last thing you want to do is wonder what to wear. starting your week off with a chic black and white outfit will take the guesswork out of what to wear. and when you have the right basics in your closet, putting your outfit together only gets easier. and who doesn’t want that on a monday? start your week on a high note, think black and white!
pants | blouse | similar shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
as we say goodbye to january, we will finish strong with more about the fashion basics, with more tips and tricks to energize our healthy lifestyles, and a great recipe to end the week on fridays with oscar. stay tuned to the blog in february – we have so many fun and exciting things coming up! have a great start to your week, ladies!
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Hi Beth,
Love this simply classic OOTD. I have enjoyed the January posts, as I do all of the posts. You have allowed us a peek inside your closet, gym, living room, screened porch … would you consider giving us a peek into your daily schedule? You are so busy with blogging, photo shoots, book clubs – how do you get it all done? Thanks for all the inspiration and encouragement!
Hi Beth, I love black and white, like navy and white it always looks smart. I think sometimes those colours especially navy used be associated years ago when I was a teenager with older ladies but that’s all changed thankfully, there a lot of good styles around today as you have shown us many many times in your blog. You always give everyone inspiration xoxo
Really like this classic style and have thoroughly enjoyed your posts. You’re fun, engaging and definitely stylish! I will comment, however, that I am not a fan of the neckline on the blouse. Not that the neckline styling isn’t good, but rather the neckline shape is unflattering. To me it’s a difficult “line” for most women’s necks. But otherwise love the look!
Beth the fit on the pants is divine! Knoxville no longer has an Ann Taylor, but either I’ll order or try on next time I’m in Nashville. Some pants for our age have giant thighs and these do not, they are trim and feminine without being skinny jeans!! Yay!
Many, many blessings, Karen
Hello Beth,
I so enjoy your blog. Your style motivates me to be better, inside and out. And, just the other day I was shopping and found myself thinking, “what would Beth chose to go with this?”. I do have a question as you are sharing your lifestyle, how do you manage your time? That is an issue I struggle with often and wondered if I could borrow any of your suggestions.
Kindly, Laurie
Lovely look but then I only wear monochrome but in columns……
There’s that top again–it is a lovely look. Your shoes add some print and are elegant with this. Happy Monday. Here we go again!