Emma Stone in Gucci
The only thing I love more than a fabulous gown on the red carpet is a fabulous tuxedo on the red carpet. It's chic, modern, and no one loves pulling off a legit pant for a black tie more than me. So please imagine what jumped through my head when I saw the brilliant Ms. Emma Stone rocking (and I do mean rocking) this ridiculously perfect Gucci number a few weeks back at the People's Choice Awards. That kelly green jacket with her flame red hair? Perfection. The slightly un-done-without-being-sloppy blouse? Beyond. The slim leg pant that lead down to the most gorgeous shewelry* I've ever witnessed? My brain is on fire. Please, take a closer look:
Are you ordering this whole look from the Gucci website right now? Don't worry--I don't judge.
So after calming down a bit and wiping up the drool from my chin, I realized that, especially with all this wacky weather we've been experiencing, there is no better outfit to inspire an outing quite like the modified tuxedo. And the good news is that you can replicate this dashing look at every price point, from bargain basement to savings-account-emptying. Let's DIY this black tie tux, shall we?!
This look is essentially 4 pieces: A louche-but-luxe blouse in a neutral tone, an undyingly chic jacket, preferably not-at-all in a neutral tone, a great-fitting pant (also neutral, please!) and a pair of shoes that have the ability to knock people on their chic rears with just one glance.
When it comes to the blouse, it should be a little looser in terms of fit with an airy, soft fabric so it can move with you, you can tuck it in or leave it out (or maybe a little of both?!), but also fit comfortably under your jacket. Also, I like to keep the color neutral in tone. Extra points for a little flair (A ruffle? A neck tie? A spectacular collar detail?) that pops through the blazer.
Clockwise from the top: Haute Hippie Collared Blouse $285, 3.1 Phillip Lim Navy Embellished blouse $395, Chloe Ruffled Silk Mousseline Blouse $1080, ASOS Cami With Ruffle $45, Diane von Furstenburg Tammi Silk Blouse $265, H&M Dame Blouse $47
The jacket is a little trickier, as different blazers suit different shapes, but this style is best when paired with proportion in mind. If you're going loose and drapey on top, go skinny and slim on the bottom, and vice-versa. Also, try to keep it slim through the center to accentuate the waist. Although I'm fairly certain no one is going to be mistaken for a man, it never hurts to flaunt it if you've got it....
Clockwise from the top: Balmain Tuxedo Jacket $3540, Haider Ackermann Turquoise $1995, Topshop Seam Front Waterfall $93, Current Elliot The Diner Jacket $310, Topshop Crop Back Collarless Jacket $130, Rag & Bone Canary Yellow $495
I love a slim pant, and DIY-ing a tuxedo is a really good place to work that. With a silky drape and a skinnier ankle, the right pant can make-or-break this look. Pare it down in terms of color, adornment (zippers, flashy belts and their brethren all distract the eye in this particular get-up..) and let the blazer and the shoes have most of the fun, please!
Clockwise from top: J.Crew Barton Trouser $168, Dolce & Gabbana Stretch Wool Twill Skinnies $645, Maje Slouchy Satin Pants $310, Miu Miu Crepe De Chine $580.
And for la piece de resistance, we have our fancy feet. Never underestimate the power of a good shoe, as lord knows I haven't. You want to play with the big girls in this look--pump up those feet and extend your leg like you're Cindy, dammit! There is no better look to indulge your uber-femme than these shoes in this outfit. Caution: Excessive flirting and a complete loss of muscular structure just south of the ankles may occur. Do not fear, just take a seat, cross your legs, and explain to those around you that you're currently donning "sitting" shoes, and that if they have any issues with this, they may carry you around for the rest of the evening.
If you choose to directly copy any one part of Ms. Stone's Gucci look, do it with the shoes. You need not bother with bracelets, necklaces, and cocktail rings when you're rocking these.
Gucci Olphelie Chain Peep-Toe, $1195. I literally cannot stop staring at these gems. These go above and beyond the call of sartorial duty.
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For more style musings from Liz Shields, check out her fashion blog, I Have a Walk-in Closet, but it's in New Jersey.
