Plaids & Windowpane: Stylish Pattern for an Elegant Evening

Lafayette 148 New York has found a gorgeously unique way to do plaid, with this painterly finish. It’s just striking and beautifully flattering in it’s easy fit and clean lines. This is a perfect choice for a business dinner or dressier night out with a simple black or ivory blouse, and black or nude pumps.

A more contemporary option, with a little edge, this Nanette Lepore plaid skirt has a leather waistband – no belt needed. And don’t feel like you have to tuck in to show off this detail. Sure, a simple black blouse and heels are a beautiful option for a cocktail party or dinner, but you can just easily wear a tailored black blazer with a black layering piece, for a business function – you’ll see just a bit of the waistband. And, if you are really dressing it up, check out the corset top (scroll down through the “shop it” button), which creates a dress-like look.

Elegant and feminine in an easy silhouette that loosely skims the body. Make sure you don’t wear the length too long to balance the easy fit of the shift style. As the weather begins to change, clothes always get darker, but it’s so sophisticated to bring in some light color.

Shoshanna designs for a woman – she knows we have curves, and believes in creating contemporary styles to accentuate them. The almost girlish fit-and-flare silhouette with a pleated skirt gets toughened up when done in this graphic houndstooth. Add a wide belt to accentuate your waist. It helps conceal any little bumps around the hip and tummy area, too. This dress can certainly be worn in most offices, and we think it’s effortless for a night out.

You’ll need to click through the “shop it” button to really appreciate the detail of these easy, contemporary fitting pants from Equipment. The houndstooth pattern is created from a deep navy and rusty red color combination on a pale tan ground that is so subtle, but has completely drawn us in. It has a masculine edge that is effortlessly offset by the silk fabric and drapey styling, with an elastic waist and pleats. These are just perfect for an evening out for drinks or dinner, with a soft silk blouse or tailored navy sweater. If the pants are not your style (but really, we think they’re everyone’s style), try the boyfriend style shirt  this print comes in. It’s just as amazing, and will look great with a pair of navy, charcoal, or camel pants (as well as a classic denim), so you won’t go wrong.

Looking for something to add some interest to your favorite black pants for an easy night out? Nic+ Zoe’s silk blouse will do just that. They cleverly dress up this top by making the sleeves sheer – but not the body, so you don’t need to worry about adding a cami underneath.

Joie dresses up a shirt dress, by adding a ruffle along the button placket, and using a beautiful navy plaid that works with black (or saddle brown, by changing out the belt it comes with). We have not found this dress to be as short as it is on the model. But if it is shorter on you, this easy dress will look great with a pair of leggings (even leather leggings) and high boots for a casual night out.

This nubby fabric accentuates the menswear inspired fabric, but the shorter shift style and patch pocket give it a playful edge. It's a great option to wear now with a loafer. Once the weather gets cooler, add a simple black turtleneck underneath, black tights and your favorite boots.

The mixing of different size houndstooth prints on this oversized cashmere/silk scarf is just what any simple outfit needs to dress it up and give it a little style. This scarf is perfect to wear now, with a simple white or black top and jeans, wrapped around your neck or shoulders. And you will get endless use out of dressing up any solid outfit as the weather dips into fall.