Styling tips for special events: Trousers

Trousers can be as dressy as gowns.

Fabrics

Obviously, cotton, canvas, and thick wools have to be discarded for special occasions. Go instead for elegant, expensive-looking fabrics, preferably in one of the following materials.

• Velvet.
• Silk
• Fine wool crepe.
• Brocade or jacquard.

Styling tips for formal trousers: Cut

Sleek, flat-front trousers, in the fabrics above. The top you choose should be special, either in the material or in the cut, in balance with the trousers: ie. pair shiny with matte, printed with a solid colour ... The shoes should be also special: they can be satin or velvet pumps, or a metallic leather.

Special events: Flat-front trousers by Caroline Grant. [Background image: Tiffany & Co. Diamond gold Palm Tree from 1stdibs.com]. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Lindex Trousers / Raoul Open-back Belted Top / Diane von Furstenberg Loretta Coat / Manolo Blahnik Satin BB Shoes / MG Collection Rose Pattern Beaded Baguette / Dannijo Omala Necklace / Kenneth Jay Lane Citrine Rings / Dents Ladies Satin Gloves / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid/ Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid. 

Trouser suit. The trousers should be slim and form-fitting, in one of the fabrics above, hemmed to be 1/2" from the floor when you are wearing your shoes. This is an investment, so don't waste your money in something you won't be able to use for a decade, go instead for a well-cut, classic silhouette from a brand that you trust. It is preferable that the jacket has one (for Body type Bs) or two buttons maximun (Body type As and Cs), possibly embellished (or mother of pearl), or in the same material as the jacket, it looks more special occasion than three.
Choose classic black or white, or a rich colour (a jewel tone), depending of what looks good on you.
High-heels will look more feminine than flat shoes with a suit, but that depends on your height and frame.  But if menswear style is what you are looking for, by all means go for it.

Special events: Trouser suits by Caroline Grant. I do like the material and cut of this suit, but I would eliminate de cuffs if I were to buy it: they shorten the leg and are not adequate for a special occasion. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist]

Ted Baker Feather Jacquard Suit / Michael by Michael Kors Twinkle Jersey Cowlneck Top / Lulu Guiness Print Haircalf Clutch Handbag / Badgley Mischka Monica Satin Pumps / Ted Baker Sequin Cape / Katherine Alexander Amber Quatro Cuff Bracelet / Mawi Scarab Brooch / International Concepts  Golden Earrings / NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave / NARS Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

Wide-leg trousers. Choose a fabric that drapes, because stiff fabrics in wide cuts are very tricky to wear and have plenty of tent-like potential.
The top you wear needs to be fitted, to counterbalance the volumen at the bottom, and should bare some skin (one or two shoulders, your back...) for the same reason.

Special events: Wide-legged trousers by Caroline Grant. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist and Modern Classic].

Donna Karan Pull-on Trousers / Hoss Intropia Beige Beaded Blouse / Kotur Lace Clutch / Badgley Mischka Monika Satin Shoes / Glamorous Allover Sequin Jacket / Swarovski Black Crystal Earrings / Amrita Singh Heidi Bracelet / Iman Lipstick in Iman Red / NARS Nail Lacquer in Chinatown.

Alternatives to black

Remember that black for night may not be your best option. Check the season palette pages at the top of the blog to see which are your best options.