Back to Black.

Amidst all the bright summer-y looks I’ve been drooling over, sometimes it feels good to just slip into the sophistication of a crisp look with lots of black.  For me, that means this dark-wash denim top with amazing eye-catching origami pleats ($300) with my favorite distressed J. Brands ($180), some gorgeous drops (Lizzie Fortunato, $238), and some slightly edgy Balenciaga sandals ($585):

I love it finished with this simple white tote ($178), which you can have monogrammed in gold foil lettering!  How chic?!

Or, this dark-wash denim dress (Victoria Beckham, $595 — get the look for less with this strapless style from Ann Taylor, this style from British line TOAST, or this much lighter wash style from Mango) with these Oscar earrings ($225 — L.O.V.E.):

I dream of finishing this look with the Valentino Aphrodite sandal ($1,345), but these more modestly-priced (and styled) variations are probably more within the realm of possibility.  I’d love to finish with this petite YSL crossbody ($995), though this Gigi New York style ($198) caught my eye and achieves the same look.  Love the brand-less-ness of it — so chic and “where’d you get that?”

And, finally, this simple denim shift ($70 — for the edgier gals out there, there’s also a version with fremmed hem here) with a fab collar necklace (Holst + Lee, $285):

Finish with Valentino rockstud sandals ($975) and a little studded clutch (Henri Bendel, $250):

Other dark denim must-haves: this indigo popover; this denim bomber; chambray baseball cap (I wear mine frequently); denim shirtdress; denim wedges; denim espadrilles (or go high end with this similar pair from Jimmy Choo).