This Week, Try Red & Gray

Like most New Yorkers, my weekday wardrobe is geared for efficiency. The palette can veer dangerously close to the non-dangerous: Black. Gray. More Black.

Then I saw this photo on Barneys’ The Window blog:

My inspiration came from Barneys' blog, The Window.
My inspiration came from Barneys’ blog, The Window.

So simple, but so ingenious. The gray jacket is an office staple, but the cherry-red button-up and floating skirt add a vivid edge that perks up the palette and keeps things exciting. It’s a subtle nod to the wackiness of Working Girl, epitomizing the tension between work and werk.

Here’s my version of the look:

Gray Blazer: Christian Dior (Consignment) | Red Blouse: Rachel Roy | Red Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Saks) | Handbag: Alexander Wang (nordstrom)
Gray Blazer: Christian Dior (Consignment) | Red Blouse: Rachel Roy | Red Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Saks) | Handbag: Alexander Wang (Nordstrom) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

I’ve worn most of this outfit in other combinations elsewhere on the blog. The blazer was last seen here (with a Walmart vest), the skirt was last seen here (with a vintage Mickey Mouse sweatshirt) and the shoes were last seen here (with a camel cape).

 

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This look reminds me why it’s important to invest in hearty, basic separates. A few years ago, I mostly invested in dresses. The trouble is, dresses tend to be single-serving entities, like Splenda packets — almost like disposable commodities. If you’ve ever looked at a dresses-stuffed closet and thought you had nothing to wear?

But it’s worth remembering that a few well-chosen separates — which can often be procured at bargain prices, thanks to brands like ASOS — create more freedom to replicate your favorite looks at a fraction of the cost.

You tell me: Have you successfully copied any higher-end looks with bargain finds? I’d love to hear about it!

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