Black and White - by Donna

Black

 and

White

     

I think everyone's wardrobe should have at least one black and one white outfit.   Regardless if you are dressing for a  formal event or casual party,  black and white will always work.   And you can use accessories to dress the outfit up or down.   It goes without saying that black has always been a popular colour.  But it used to be an unwritten fashion rule that white could only be worn in summer months.   Thankfully that concept is long gone,  and white is now accepted in any season.    Although I have always realized how popular white and black are,  I was quite surprised while researching for this article just to what extent all the top designers incorporate both black and white into their collections.   Black and white will always be in style,  which makes investing in a good quality piece of clothing in both colours well worth it.   

All the above fashions are by Yves Saint Laurent.  

The above fashions by Oscar de la Renta are examples of a more casual use of black and white.   You can see the way jackets,  shoes,  belts and other accessories can influence the outcome of the look.   And the other great benefit is you can mix and match pretty much any black or white jacket with slacks,  skirts and even dresses.

                                                            

The above styles are all from different Chanel fashion shows.    Actually there are not many Chanel collections that do not use black and white to some degree.   And some of my favorite Chanel shows are shows that have a focus on white  and to some extent black,  like their spring 2009 couture line. Notice how the use of the black stockings dress up the traditional (or as traditional as a  Chanel design can be) suit.   The white winter coat  paired with the short white dress makes a polished outfit,  and picture the same coat over a black dress and it would totally turn it into an elegant outfit.   Although some of the above looks are over the top,  you can take  inspirations from specific elements that appeal to you and incorporate them into your own wardrobe.

Black dress with white coat: Christian Dior


There are a number of ways you can add black and white to your own collection,  using designer's fashions to inspire.   If you like the look of a certain designer piece and don't want to spend a huge amount of money,  there are a number of options.    You can have a seamstress or tailor make something similar.    Or you can buy an inexpensive basic item such as black slacks or a black skirt and spend more on a good quality white blouse or sweater.   A few years ago I purchased a white and a black cardigan,  and when I travel I always bring both with me.   They are the best investments I have ever made for so many reasons.    To start with either sweater can be worn with any colour you are wearing.    The sweater can be worn with a dress,  with a skirt and top,  with  slacks or jeans that are worn with a blouse or top.    You can also pair the sweater with a skirt or slacks and wear a camisole under,  then do all the buttons up so the sweater is your top.    I noticed this year when I was shopping for a bathing suit that you can now even purchase sweaters to go over swimwear.   The uses really are endless, and when you are going out you can always throw one over your shoulders and then put it on if it gets cool.

*All photographs on this page from www.style.com