Black trousers earn their hanger space when they can leave the office and go to dinner without looking like a uniform.

Day

Tucked cotton shirt, loafers or sandals, a watch. Keep jewellery small. This is the desk look.

Evening

Swap the shirt for a silk or satin camisole, or a fitted knit. Add hoops and a sharper sandal. The trouser stays. The top does the work.

What to avoid

Overly shiny black fabric under office tube lights. Matte cotton photographs better and feels like you, not a costume.

Shop the idea: browse Veljia palazzos and trousers, then filter by colour to build the outfit from the bottom up.