Suit Up Like Taylor Schilling In 4 Easy Steps

When it comes to red carpet dressing, Taylor Schilling has proven she knows what's up. The actress never misses a chance to wear a bold, daring ensemble, or to show off her remarkable ability to take ensembles fresh off the runway and making them work in real life. And the actress has yet to meet a cut, color, or pattern she isn't fond of, challenging critics to find fault with outfits that would probably look like a couture mess on anyone else. Who could forget the multicolored Peter Pilotto cap sleeved dress that Schilling rocked on the red carpet for the European premiere of The Lucky One? Or the rich burgundy Roksanda Ilincic frock the actress trotted out for the Annual Reel Stories, Real Lives charity event?

Schilling clearly can't make a wrong move on the red carpet, as evidenced by the modernized short suit she wore to the recent New York Times: TimesTalks event. Instead of settling for a traditional ensemble of pants, crisp button down, and blazer, the actress played with proportion and style by choosing tailored black suiting shorts, an oversized blazer, and silky white tee with a swipe of crimson lipstick to complete the look. If you're craving a suiting refresh, read on for Schilling's summer suit essentials.

1. WHITE BLAZER

Schilling anchors her ensemble with a slightly oversized white blazer. Achieve a similar look with Y.A.S's Waze Blazer, which can be worn open with its sleeves rolled up for a more casual look, or buttoned for a formal occasion.

2. SILK TOP

Try layering a white silk tee underneath your blazer for a polished but laid back look. Nanette Lepore's Poetry Top features sweetly layered ruffles and a flattering fit.

3. TAILORED BLACK SHORTS

A pair of well-tailored black suiting shorts will keep your ensemble modern and urbane but utterly chic. Helmut Lang's Black Cove Suiting High Waist Shorts are playfully folded for an avant-garde update on the basic black pant.

4. THE PERFECT MATTE CRIMSON LIPSTICK

For a statement crimson pout like Schilling's, use a matte lipstick or crayon like Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Matte Lip Gel in Scandal. Make sure to blot between layers of lipstick to ensure lasting color.

Images: Y.A.S Waze Blazer, $133.38, us.asos.com; Nanette Lepore Poetry Top, $228, revolveclothing.com; Helmut Lang Black Cove Suiting High Waist Shorts, $310, lyst.com; Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Matte Lip Gel in Scandal, $30, sephora.com