Red Lip Classic

Pants:  Club Monaco (25% off for Black Friday/Cyber Monday); Shirt:  Splendid (ALSO 25% off); Shoes: Sam Edelman (on sale AND 30% off!);  Bag:  Kate Spade; Sunglasses:  Warby Parker (sold out, similar here and here); Lipstick:  Smashbox Bing Matte 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Notice the super-slimming choice of a black fitted turtleneck and high-waisted, waist-cinching pants for the first day back in the office...  Almost everything in this look is on sale today, so if you like any of these items, now is the time to buy! 

You all know by now I'm a huge sucker for a classic black and white color combo, but I've recently started pairing it with a bright red lip (groundbreaking, I know...) and I just LOVE the pop of color that this adds to a super sleek ensemble.  I used to be a bit too timid to wear bright lipstick to work, but now that I'm doing it more, I love it!  Wearing a red lip will give you a little kick of confidence and is a very glamorous way to show that you are a force to be reckoned with (it takes dedication and attention to detail to get the lip line right and cool confidence to wear the bright shade all day... all key qualities of a #girlboss).  If you're still a bit nervous about wearing a bright lip to work, try a very classic red (nothing too pink, purple or orange) in a matte finish. 

Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks a red lip is a great choice for work; the (rather unscientific) survey described in this article shows that most professional women believe that red lipstick boosts confidence and is totally work appropriate.  

There is one problem with wearing a bright red lip to work.  If you're at a lunch meeting and wipe your mouth, the lipstick will get all over the napkin!  Now I understand why you always see the dainty napkin blot technique in old movies... I need to master it.  Looks like this woman could give me some pointers! 

I'd love to hear whether you feel comfortable wearing bright lipstick to work (whether red or otherwise), and whether it makes any difference in your attitude.