WEARING BLACK AND WHITE ;

HOW TO DESIGN A WARDROBE AROUND A CHIC CLASSIC

The combination of black and white is a true classic. While I may risk being called the waiter, I wear black and white a lot. Coco Chanel once said that black and white’s beauty was “the perfect harmony,” that women "think of all colors except the absence of color," and that wearing black and white had it all. The striking contrast of pairing these two absences of color is perhaps the most powerful of all combinations. Think of the checkerboard or the contrasting squares of b&w tiled floor. The strong contrast creates a sense of the dramatic. If you hope to make a statement, this monochrome combo will draw the same attention as that waving checkered flag.

As Karl Lagerfeld once said, "black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means." The perfection of a high contrast look is hard to put into words, but we know chic when we see it. Wearing black and white head-to-toe has become a chic classic. Whether it's a white dress with black accessories or a white blouse paired with this season's must-have noir trouser or graphic stripes, it's hard to mess up this timeless color combination. You don't have to worry about what accessories will coordinate since black and white goes with everything from crimson lipstick to a leopard-print sandal.

This monochromatic wardrobe can also include include all white outfits and all black outfits. Therefore it still includes your favorite little black dress or that head to toe white ensemble perfect for a summer event.

One great thing about having a wardrobe that is  predominately black and white is it opens countless options to mix and match. Monochromatic dressing is always in fashion and may help in the quest to not follow every trend. Whether straight leg or wide , full skirt or pencil the fact they are black or white makes them classics. I have come up with some classic ways to wear b&w that will give you endless combinations .

wearing BLACK AND WHITE.

THE STATEMENT WHITE TOP

Whether ivory, cream or stark white the statement white top is a classic. Certainly, one of the main pieces to comprise a black and white wardrobe is the white top. Wearing black and white is your opportunity to make a bold fashion statement. The white top is an essential item in every stylish women's wardrobe. However not just any white top will do.  It’s all in the details – ruffles, cold-shoulders, interesting necklines, exaggerated sleeves and the like. The versatility of a white top is endless, match it with countless black skirts, trousers or jeans.  Here are some that will serve as the chic classic your wardrobe needs.

Jacquemus

Etoile Isabel Marant

Palmer Harding

Alice + Olivia

Aje

Christopher John Rogers

wearing BLACK AND WHITE.

BLACK AND WHITE STRIPES

Perhaps there is no bolder visual than black and white stripes. Certainly, a b&w striped top whether vertical or horizontal is a fashion classic . Usually horizontal stripes with be on knit like a classic tee with a Bardot neckline, while vertical stripes are common on a shirt, blazer, pants or skirt. Also remember, vertical stripes help you look slimmer, and horizontal stripes make you look a little bit wider, which makes them a perfect choice for petite figures.

Wearing b&w striped pants can still be a little tricky. When choosing a striped pant choose one that has a wider leg allowing the stripes to hang straight. Remember one of the joys of  wearing black and white is that you can accessorize with any other color. Therefore you can get several looks from the same outfit by using bright colors to give a different look.

Black and white stripes never seem to go out of style because designers are continually reinventing them.  There seem to be endless ways that simple straight lines can be combined to create new and exciting designs. I have chosen a selection of black and white stripes that you can add style to your wardrobe.

Kobi Halperin

Frame

Halpern

Stella Jean

The Drop

wearing BLACK AND WHITE.

BLACK AND WHITE GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Many are struck with fear when it comes to mixing prints and patterns. I can agree that it can be overwhelming. However, the easiest and most effective use of prints and patterns comes when you are wearing black and white. When dealing with black and white, those bold geometric patterns seem easier to wear. Whether you choose b&w checks or other geometric shapes, they are classic patterns that are striking. Geometric patterns cut across both fashion and style to enhance visual interest. Here are some geometric patterned clothes that will add interest and variety to your wardrobe.

Ganni

MSGM

Haculla

Colville

Isabel Marant

The Line By K

P.A.R.O.S.H.

wearing BLACK AND WHITE.

BLACK AND WHITE POLKA DOTS

The mother of all prints is the black & white polka dot. I love polka dots, especially b&w ones. There is no other print that says fun as polka dots do. Some prints come and go, but this one is here to stay. Every season some designer will incorporate this perfect print. Depending on the garment, wearing black and white polka dots has a retro vibe. You can boost this nod to old Hollywood style by pairing your dotty outfit with red accessories. To quote designer Marc Jacobs, "there is never a wrong time for a polka dot" I agree. Here are the best of this season's black and white polka dots.

Carolina Herrera

Rodarte

Michael Kors Collection

Chico's

3.1 Phillip Lim

Faithfull The Brand

WEARING BLACK AND WHITE

IN CONCLUSION

Wearing black and white is not only one of the most stylish choices you can make, it is also economical and soul-saving. I say soul-saving because of the angst that often comes when making wardrobe choices. Remember the times you opened the closet and were overwhelmed by color, pattern, and style, now think of limiting those choices. Therefore, with a defined color palette, you can concentrate on the endless combinations you can make. Think of adding brightly colored beads, scarves, belts, and shoes. It is economical to narrow your choices, thinking about how new garments will fit into your wardrobe. When wearing black and white, you have endless combinations from a simple theme that is classic and chic. Think about limiting your wardrobe (or at least a portion of your wardrobe) to black and white and relish the results.

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW