MCLV’s Style File – Emma Roberts

If you’re looking for a chic holiday outfit take some inspiration from this Victorian style black and white look that Emma Roberts graced us with a few nights ago.

Source

In case you want to check out the original pairings and runway styling these separates are from the Temperly London Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection.

This look is a great alternative to a traditional cocktail dress for your holiday parties this season. The black and white color scheme keeps it chic and simplistic, the velvet skirt and embellishments on the top add some much-needed flare and the bright bag takes it up a notch and makes it festive.

There are a couple of ways to go with the top of this look, you can try a simple white lace shirt, a high-neck sleeveless top like Emma wore or keep the Victorian theme going with a cold-weather approved long-sleeved embellished top.

Top Left: Shell Top With Floret Embellishment - $61 (sale price) @ Asos.com, Top Right: Hanky Panky Ariel Lace Turtleneck - $65 @ Nordstrom, Center: Zebra Lace Embellished Top - $75 @ Topshop, Bottom Left: INC Sleeveless Mock Turtleneck Halter Top - $30 (sale price) @ Macys & Bottom Right: Disk Sequin Mesh Top - $65 @ Asos.com

A slinky black velvet maxi skirt is perfect for this winter and a great way to spice up what could otherwise be a lackluster black & white look.

Top Left: T by Alexander Wang Panne Velvet Long Skirt - $315 @ Shopbop.com, Top Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $130 @ J Jill, Bottom Left: Maxi Skirt - $50 @ Victoria's Secret & Bottom Right: Velvet Maxi Skirt - $60 @ Soma Intimates

Emma really emphasised the gothic romance of this outfit with her gorgeous drop earrings, which complement the intricacy of the look without taking it over the top.

Top Left: Eliot Danori Autumn Array Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings - $70 @ Macys, Top Right: Badgley Mischka Multi-shaped Stone Crystal Chandeliers - $170 @ Charm & Chain, Center: Dana Kellin Silver Quartz Faceted Pear Shaped Drop Earrings - $225 @ Endless.com, Bottom Left: 2028 Aurora Borealis Bead Drop Earrings - $25 @ Macys & Bottom Right: Badgley Mischka Jet Crystal Cluster Earrings - $95 @ Charm & Chain

And a festive clutch in a bright holiday color is the perfect final touch to finish off this look. Whether you choose red, green, gold or silver, be sure to pick something that catches the eye and doesn’t blend in with the black and white of the outfit.

Top Left: Tusk Women's Donington Bag - $110 @ Endless.com, Top Right: Embossed Telegram Clutch - $60 @ Madewell, Center: BCBGeneration Bella Foldover Clutch - $70 @ Macys, Bottom Left: Kate Spade Portola Valley Fae - $75 @ Zappos Couture & Bottom Right: Suede Envelope Clutch - $30 @ American Apparel

While you can’t see Emma’s shoes in these pictures I would go with a pair of black peep toes or a simple strappy sandal in black or a dark metallic shade (think about matching the earrings or a piece of clothing, not the clutch). And be sure to check the shoes with the skirt before you step outside, straps and buckles may catch on the velvet and cause issues later in the night if you’re not careful.

Now slap on some red lipstick and head out the door!

And in case you’re curious how the designer herself might mix-n-match the black & white pieces of her collection check this out. Seeing Alice Temperly here is a really great example of how you can take the basic idea for a look and make it your own or – as is the case here – make it more mature and more appropriate for a certain setting. By wearing long sleeves and cinching her waist with a jeweled belt she makes the look as elegant and sophisticated as Emma makes it youthful.