Black and white is a timeless color combination that will never run out of style. There is just something so classic about black and white outfits that make you look more put-together.
That’s why men who show up in black and white suit combinations always come off as striking!
Taking inspiration from men’s wear, we’ll share tips to wear this most versatile and timeless color combination, including the best black and white outfits to try!
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Black and White Styling Rules to Follow for a Stylish Look
Black and white, either in separates or as a full look go with everything. These colors are a surefire way to looking sophisticatedly chic.
But before we get into styling your black and white outfits beautifully, it would be wise to abide by the following rules and tips:
1. Buy High Quality!
Do you love black and white outfits and it is not really your favorite thing to shop around for such outfits? We’ve got you!
Black and while are amazing colors but only look great when the cloth itself is of high quality. Otherwise, it will look all-beat and sloppy.
First off, invest in separates, for instance, a pair of black pants and a white shirt, or vice versa. In fact, every woman should have a pair of black jeans and a white shirt in her closet as these will help build your capsule wardrobe.
Once you’ve got a good number of black and white separates, add a basic black or white anchor fashion piece to your wardrobe. This can either be a dress, handbag, a pair of shoes, or outerwear(think a jacket, long coat, or blazer)
When choosing these items, please prioritize quality. While quality is usually determined by the price, to us, quality means the best fabric and excellent construction of an item so it can last so long, and still look in shape.
A fabric of great construction should ideally bounce back to its original shape. If it doesn’t, it won’t when you wear it either.
Also, a great garment will be silky smooth and nearly buttery soft to the touch. There won’t be any scratchy nicks or snags to take you off guard.
Also, check for the richness in the color. A good quality black or white fashion item will look uniform in color.
It will also not fade after a few washes and its color will withstand even the heat of summer unlike poor quality ones which tend to look patchy on hot summer days and the color looks so dry and disheveled.
Wardrobe Tips…
The simplest way to recognize quality clothes is to experience them firsthand.
Go feel the garments in a high-end store like Nordstrom, taking note of how heavy and sturdy the fabrics are, as well as how the fabric drapes (flows or clings onto your body). You should try on a few of them.
Afterward, visit a lower-cost store and compare similar items, noticing the differences. The more you get used to handling high-quality clothes and other fashion items, the easier it will be for you to spot such in the future.
Because it is comprised of natural fibres, metals, and embellishments, high-quality clothing is often heavier. A fabric, on the other hand, does not have to be heavy to be good. The textile can nevertheless be lightweight if the yarns are closely packed but thin. Density is what you’re looking for in high-quality fabric.
Also, inspect the seams. Stitches on the garment should be even, closely spaced, and lay flat. This also applies to the inside of the garment.
Look inside to see if the seams are sloppy or if there are locations where they appear to be loose or stitched over several times; these are clear indicators that the item isn’t well-made.
2. Go For The Details!
The best way to make a black and white look work is to choose interesting silhouettes and textures.
These details will elevate your look because if your pieces are too basic you’ll end up looking like a waiter (Ooops!)
Try a high-low black dress or skirt for your white top, wear a sequined dress and finish with dainty silver-white sandals, or try a white off-shoulder top or bell sleeves for your black jeans.
This ensures there’s something more interesting to admire in your look.
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Also, do not be afraid of experimenting with the fit. Try oversized shirts or blazers, flowy dresses, bodycon dresses, or well-fitting pencil skirts.
With such, it will easily make the black and white color combination appear cultivated instead of appearing lazy.
3. Play with Proportions
Playing with proportions helps to add some visual interest to your black and white color scheme.
Achieve this by mixing up different shapes and cuts like wearing a black short leather skirt with a white oversized button-down shirt or a voluminous chiffon shirt over skinny black jeans.
4. Add Contrast & Texture to an All-Black Outfit
An all-black outfit can look sharp and slick. It can also look blantly boring if worn poorly.
Start by contrasting your all-black outfit by pairing it with white and mixing the textures between individual pieces to create depth and spiking definition. For example, a black power suit and silk top.
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5. Wear Leather!
To create an edgy look, switch your black cotton outfit with a leather one! This polished fabric will make the statement you need and elevates your normal black and white look.
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6. Keep the Accessories Simply Edgy For A Classic Look
Black and white are already classic colors, so if you are to wear them for a formal look, for instance, when going to work, then you need to consider going for minimal yet edgy accessories.
Polished metals and luxurious pearls for jewelry and watches will enhance your looks without being too overpowering so that you don’t feel boring dressed up in just a neutral color.
Ladies, skip the normal boring earrings for pearl studs or silvery-white metallic studs and put away your bracelets for a classic metallic watch. Also, pack away your tote bag for a leather handbag.
All these accessories are basic but their luxurious vibe will add an instant edge to your look so you don’t look boring even at work! And a black luxurious leather handbag or silver-white metallic clutch will never disappoint!
In fact, this look is sharp enough for the office and can transition well for an after-work date since it is eye-catching enough!
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7. Or Use a Contrasting Accessory!
Accessoriing minimally using polished metals and studs is perfect for a high-end vibe. However, you can also go for colorful accessories to bring more attention to your outfit.
Add some style magic to your black and white outfit by incorporating an accessory with a completely contrasting color will take it to the nect level. Bold colors like yellow and red always make a statement!
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8. Go Playful In Prints & Patterns!
For you to appear classic in black and white, you don’t necessarily need to wear a formal coat, a structured top or gorgeous heels which are mostly associated with formal looks.
You can still look classic yet playful and casually chic in black and white when you incorporate prints, florals, and patterns into your look.
In fact, feel free to mix up different prints but just make sure to scale the print to your frame (smaller prints for smaller frames, and larger prints for larger frames).
It is easy to pull off a Bohemian look if you have a printed off-the-shoulder shirtdress. A pair of black and white graphic pants are also great for streetstyle while stripes are a great addition to break up any tendency to severity with a pattern.
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Black and white stripes for sure create a bold and unmissable outfit feature with such blazers creating a statement! For the most flattering look, choose verticle stripes that’ll lengthen your body.
Also, be aware that different thicknesses of stripes can affect the boldness of the overall look.
8. Don’t be Afraid to Show a bit of Skin
An effective tip for breaking up all the black and white going on is by showing a little bit of skin.
For example, you can opt for a black and white shirt dress, or off-shoulder dress, or a white top paired with a pair of black distressed jeans with two cuts in the knee region.
In essence, you can subtly use the skin as a contrast if you don’t want to use any other accessory to create the contrast.
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9. Minimal Makeup
For a classic look such as black and white, minimal makeup that looks so natural will perfectly finish your look.
You can wear such natural-looking makeup to work and if attending an event, highlight your eyes with deeper eye makeup so your eyes can pop, then switch your nude lip for a bold red lip!
Black and White Outfit Ideas To Try
1. Try a black and white printed blazer to upgrade your look. Whether you layer over a black or white outfit –think a dress–or over a bold one, you will come off as super flattering!
2. A black and white (or a black or white) blazer is another sharp, sophisticated, and stylish layer, ideal for elevating any outfit from casual to chic.
Whether you wear your blazer with jeans, pants, or skirts or pair it with a dress, you can easily create a modern appearance.
3. White pants also make a fantastic outfit option. They are undeniably chic and carry a sense of luxury and style. Rock a chic black well-fitting top like a stunning bralette with white wide-leg pants!
4. Create a clean, contemporary appearance by wearing a head-to-toe black and white outfit using a pair of black jeans or pants and a white blouse. Give your look a chic upgrade by wearing black boots or heels for an elegant coat.
5. Rock a black and white printed suit or a formal dress for a modern chic formal look. You can go for plaid, gingham, or choose your favorite print!
6. A black or white skirt is another wardrobe must-have, be they minis, midis, pencils, or maxis.! It pairs well with most colors so rock it!
7. A black and white dress will create a good feature for your outfit so layer subtly and accessorize delicately.
8. You can also add a modern touch to your black and white look with strong, geometric graphics by wearing a bold-lined black and white dress.
9. A pair of black or white boots, especially a\knee-highs or long boots can instantly elevate any outfit, whether you will casually wear long boots with jeans, or shirt dresses.
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10. A black and white jumpsuit is a true winner! A snakeskin print version precisely will dress up your evening look.
Ladies, how do you wear your black and white outfits?
