Black and white is a stark contrast. It shows up every now and then as a big trend, but it’s always also a classic when in the right cuts. This post covers how to create interesting looks that turn heads. Read how to wear the black and white trend.
- When in doubt wear black and white
- Invest in black and white basics
- Update white on a regular basis
- Black-and-white is a trend for minimalists
- Go beyond the solid basics with BW
- A pop of color adds fun to the look
- Mix black and white prints and pattern
- More black and white outfit ideas
- How to keep an all black and white OOTD interesting
- Try the look at the gym
- Wrapping up how you can wear the black and white trend
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
When in doubt wear black and white
A black-white fashion trend, is not really a trend. On the contrary, this combination is an eternal classic! Despite I am a fan of a pop of color, when it comes to black and white, I like it the Ying Yang way, just these colors side-by-side.
BW is associated with sophistication and elegance. There is a long history of wearing black and white in Europe.
Invest in black and white basics
Black and white is a classic combination that perennially pops up as a trend. Thus, stocking up on pieces in this “color” combination when it has a moment is a good idea. Go with a classic cut or a classic with a twist. Look for blazers, skirts and pants as well as shoes and bags. You get a trendy piece that you can wear for years. All you have to do is to search for a classic cut with a twist in good quality. Don’t fall for a trendy cut or low quality; you save more when the item will be part of your wardrobe for more than one season. For more tips on how to know when to splurge and when to bargain see the post at the link.
Update white on a regular basis
Of course, in case of white T-shirts and button-down shirts, you have to be prepared to buy them new every year. They tend to “yellow” under the arms or totally or get grayish over time. Here you can go for a trendy cut to look up-to-date and not Old Lady or old-fashioned/too conservative.
Black-and-white Is a Trend for Minimalists
Think a white button-down shirt with black skirt or dress pants and pumps. It’s a crisp look perfect for the office. Swap the button-down shirt with a silk camisole and the pumps with strappy sandals and you have a date night outfit.
BW also makes a great workout combination with black leggings and a white tank top. You can’t go wrong with a LBD and white pearls.
Pearls are always appropriate. - Jackie Kennedy #fashionquote Click To TweetMore on being more minimalist on a budget.
Go beyond the solid basics with BW
Other classic pieces in this classic color combination are the buffalo plaid shirt, the hounds tooth blazer, sheath/dress or skirt, herring bone sheath, blazer, pants or skirt, a Chanel jacket in white with black trim, gingham summer dresses and blouses, two-tone pumps or slingbacks as well as snowleopard, dalmatiner and zebra print.
When wearing these classic pieces you can keep the look in just two tones by adding BW solids. However, you also can create a nice desaturated look of all neutrals by adding gray or blush (for examples see also the slideshow later in this post).
A Pop of Color Adds Fun to the Look
A bold crayon color like pink (see inspirations below), Royal blue, green or yellow add fun to the look. Think of a Mondrian painting. Be careful with adding red. You don’t want to look like Mrs. Santa Claus.
Mix Black and White Prints and Pattern
When you are daring you may try to pair zebra and hounds tooth in one outfit or a hounds tooth skirt or blazer with a striped top. Other possible “wild” combinations are polka dots with stripes or BW prints of different scale. For instance, wear a buffalo plaid shirt with a hounds tooth skirt. Just apply the same rules like for mixing color prints and/or patterns.
How to Keep an All Black and White OOTD Interesting
To keep this desaturated neutral color look interesting I play with structure (the boucle of the thrifted blazer) , pattern (the polka dot blouse), and material (the leather skirt). I closed the blazer with a gold brooch that is from the estate of my late grandma Hannah. To lengthen the legs I wore nude sling backs. To stay warm on the commute to work I pulled my Burberry Prorsum trench coat over.
To keep a black white fashion look interesting play with structure. #agelessstyle Click To Tweet
Try the Look at the Gym
The trend looks also great at the gym like is illustrated below with black leggings and a zebra top.
Solid Pieces as Color Block
The following photos show the look using solid pieces in the colors. It is best to use a solid piece that is a statement like this wrap top. To create interest add another neutral with the shoes, belt, bag and accessories.
Wrapping up how You Can wear the black and white trend
Try a look great in a white blazer with black pants. Black and white is a classic combination that can be worn year round. Check, for example, how you can wear black and white in spring. The look is sophisticated and work appropriate. It also makes mixing prints and pattern easy. In solid colors, the Ying-Yang look is very elegant. An easy way to start with mixing prints and pattern is pairing zebra and hounds tooth.
Learn How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy my book now.
Do you already get my Newsletter? If not, you can sign up for free information on new posts, how-tos and special style subjects. I’d also highly appreciate when you recommend my blog to your friends and family! Thank you.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
© 2013-2021 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
You are right, black and white always looks appropriate.
Thanks you
I love black and white together: so many options and always so classy!
I love wearing B&W outfits. Great Poat.
I always love this combination because every other color goes so well with it.
XOXO
Jodie
Black and white together, and as monochrome outfits, are incredible. I can’t believe I’m only learning this in my 50’s xoxo