How to Wear the Black and White Trend

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3.1 Philip Lim tote, silk neckerchief, Hermes collier de chien bangle, statement necklace, Winkwood wooden sunglasses, amethyst barrette, Daily Schoes sneakers (all own), leggings and top both c/o Coolibar

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.

 

Contents
  1. When in Doubt Wear Black and White
  2. Invest in Black and White basics
  3. Why to Update Whites on a Regular Basis
  4. Black-and-White Is a Trend for Minimalists
  5. Go Beyond the Solid Basics with BW
  6. A Pop of Color Adds Fun to the Look
  7. How to Mix Black and White Prints and Pattern
  8. More Black and White Outfit Ideas to Try
  9. How to Keep an All black and White Outfit Interesting
  10. Try the Trend at the Gym
  11. 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. Therefore, stock up on these pieces when they have a moment for a large choice. Go with a classic cut or a classic with a twist. Look for blazers, skirts, pants, shoes and bags that you can wear for years. All you have to do is to search for a classic cut with a twist in good quality.

Know when to splurge and when to bargain. Don’t fall for a trendy cut and/or low quality; you save more when you can don the item for more than one season.

 

How to wear the black and white trend post flyer

 

Why to Update Whites 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

Be more minimalist on a budget. Think of 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. You can’t go wrong with a LBD and white pearls.

Pearls are always appropriate. – Jackie Kennedy

 

Alaskan fashion blogger in pleated leather skirt, zebra top and shearling hoodie in the fog

Nicole in leather skirt, shearling cropped coat, pantyhose and heels

over 50 years old style blogger in zebra top, pleated skirt and cropped jacket
Christian Louboutin heels, DIY shearling hoodie made from Vittari coat, pantyhose, gemstone necklace, Oliveo pleated leather skirt, quartz earrings, and zebra top c/o Covered Perfectly.

 

Go beyond the Solid Basics with BW

Other classic pieces in this 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 sling backs as well as snow leopard, Dalmatiner and zebra print.

 

fashion blogger in black dress with white leaf print and green accessories

fashion blogger in BW dress with pops of color

over 50 years old woman in a black-white minimalist dress with belt
Sak hobo bag, Hermes collier de chien belt and bangle, Medor watch, pantyhose, peridot beads with pearls necklace, Nine West pumps, sunglasses c/o Eagle Eyes, best girl friend bracelet c/o Chicos, bracelet c/o Lizzie and James and dress c/o Coolibar.

 

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.

 

blogger Nicole in an edgy fall look with aviator jacket, pleated skirt, graphic Tee and statement boots
Try black and white with boots and slogan Tee.
mature blogger in edgy street style for fall sitting on a bug
H&M tired skirt, Gucci belt, graphic T-shirt, statement necklace, Moda International bomber jacket, Camel messenger, and Max Mara black and white boots .

 

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.

 

fashion blogger wearing a striped trendy black and white top with leggings and pink accessories

over 50 years old street style blogger in Coolibar casual weekend outfit

Alaskan blogger walking down the street in striped hoodie with cropped leggings

Nicole in pants, beach coverup, sunnies with pink sneakers and tote

woman in sunprotective Coolibar hoodie plus pants

midlife stylist showing how to wear the black and white trend with a dress and leggings outfit and pop of pink
3.1 Philip Lim tote, silk neckerchief, Hermes collier de chien bangle, statement necklace, Winkwood wooden sunglasses, amethyst barrette, rutile quartz necklace, Daily Shoes sneakers, leggings and top both c/o Coolibar.

 

black polka dots on white with orange belt

stylist in black and white trend with leather pants and layered cardigans
White INC leather pants with GNW polka dot cardigan as top, Moda International black cardigan for warmth, Paloma Picasso xo belt, and studded pumps.

 

 

How to 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.

 

over 50 years old woman in black leather skirt and pepper and salt blazer

style book author in leather skirt, tweed jacket, trench coat
Outfit details: Burberry trench coat, GNW polka dot cardigan worn as top with Oliveo pleated leather skirt, collier de chien belt, Gap pepper-and-salt blazer, structured bag, and Apostrophe Mary Janes (all own)

 

How to Keep an All Black and White OOTD Interesting

To keep a desaturated BW color look interesting play with structure (boucle fabric) , pattern (polka dot print), and material (leather); closed the blazer with a gold brooch. To lengthen your legs try nude heels.

 

black and white outfit
Black and white Chanel type Anne Klein jacket, Oliveo full leather skirt, Apostrophe Mary Janes.

 

Tip: To keep a black white fashion look interesting play with structure.

 

mature woman in black leather skirt and pepper and salt blazer

style book author in leather skirt, tweed jacket, trench coat
Burberry trench coat, Anne Taylor pepper-and-salt blazer closed with a brooch, Oliveo leather skirt polka dot Jones New York shirt, unbranded structured bag, pearl necklaces, unbranded pantyhose and Anne Klein sling backs.

 

Try the Look at the Gym

The trend looks also great at the gym like is illustrated below.

 

style blogger Nicole working out at the gym in a zebra top

Nicole styled for the gym in long shirt and leggings
Very Fine Dance shoes, Coolibar leggings and Covered Perfectly top.

 

Try Solid Black or White Pieces as Color Block

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.

 

over 50 years old woman in black and white work outfit

influencer in draped top and BF jeans

draping details

style blogger over 50 ying and yang look with top

midlife blogger in posh black top and white pants

over 50 years old stylist in jeans and lump and bump hiding top
London Jean boyfriend jeans, Michael Kors plateau sandals, Dior neckerchief, Paloma Picasso sunglasses, statement necklace, DIY ear studs, lace camisole, Hermes collier de chien cuff, and Sylvia draped front top c/o Covered Perfectly.

 

Tip: Try a white blazer with black pants.

 

 

Wrapping Up How You Can Wear the Black and White Trend

Black and white is a classic combination you can wear year round.

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 mixing prints and pattern is pairing zebra and hounds tooth.

 

#fashionover40 spring black and white trend winterized as a work outfit
Hounds-tooth blazer with white Newport News leather pants, Kieselstein Cord belt and three horses buckle, Clarks booties, layering top c/o Adea, upper pearl necklace c/o The Pearl Source, and own pearl necklace.

 

Photos of me: G. Kramm

© 2013-2024 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved

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This Post Has 6 Comments

  3. mireilleftm

    I love black and white together: so many options and always so classy!

  4. Angie H.

    I love wearing B&W outfits. Great Poat.

  5. Jodie

    I always love this combination because every other color goes so well with it.
    XOXO
    Jodie

  6. My Style Journey

    Black and white together, and as monochrome outfits, are incredible. I can’t believe I’m only learning this in my 50’s xoxo