A milliner once told me that black is her least favorite color because it´s boring. In fact, according to her, her photographer would agree, black is the most difficult color to photograph. It gets drowned in the shadow. But what if you team black with white, does the combination at least float out?
Black and white, or as we have trendily called it, monochrome, has an elegance appeal which is undeniably gorgeous. But let´s admit it, if you put black and white side by side with vivid colors, the colors surely will steal the show.
So how are you going to wear black and white and still stand out? Alice + Olivia, in its spring 2014 ready to wear collection, proved that this is attainable.
See: 6 Cute Updates for Your Last Season´s Monochrome Pieces
1. Sprinkle a solid piece with black and white finishing
Do you have a white dress? It could be off-white, stone, very light pink, or anything that resembles white, that´s good enough. Add a black and white cardigan. Your options include black daisy print, stripes, or polka dots.
Clash your topper with a pair of black and white print pumps. Their print need not match. It´s more interesting if they are different. The black and white color combination will pull everything together.
See: Perfect White Outfits Inspired from the Runway
2. Try layering unexpected black and white pieces
Would your friends expect you to layer a black tutu skirt with other monochrome pieces? If you´re answer is “No”, then it´s time to surprise them.
“Whoa! Tutu? Are you kidding me? I´m 40 and there´s no way this look is going to suit me! I hear you say …
Well, how old is Sarah Jessica Parker? She´s in her late forties and she made the tutu skirt famous, if you don´t remember.
Get a knee-length tutu skirt. Then bring out that good, old white button shirt which needs a makeover. Layer your shirt with a black and white print vest. Then polish up with a white blazer. If you have a white blazer with black edging, the better. I strongly suggest you finish the look with pointed toe pumps, they always keep things elegant.
3. Work with feminine textures
What do you think of black tops with contrast collars? Do you like the idea of wearing a black top with peter pan collars?
I remember some of you told me in a survey I did that you want outfits for women, not for girls. Well, then, if you´d rather make your outfit look matured, I recommend a black silk top to pair with lace trousers or a lace skirt. White heels would make you look leggy.
See: Transition to Spring with Lace
4. The head to toe black and white print
Floor length full skirts are least of my favorites. Why? Because I have to act and move like a real lady. I don´t know, but I’m just more comfortable with shorter skirts for casual events.
But then again, this look is nothing casual. The next time you plan for evening attire, take the road not taken. And this look is.
Vertical stripe/zigzag crop cardigan over a see-through sequined designed top is perfect to complete this leaf-print full skirt.
If there´s one important take away from this daring combination, it´s that the print of each separate is light. That´s why even if you go head to toe black and white, the result is still light and inviting.
See: How to Look Romantic in Full Skirts
5. Colored shoes to the rescue
Taking a head to toe black and white monochrome set is easy, it´s already ready to wear. But in case you feel like breaking the monochrome? You simply have to slip into a pair of bright colored pumps.
And to make things even more interesting, grab a colored clutch. Make sure your clutch doesn´t match your shoes. Effortless trendy, right?
So what do think of these five tips on rocking black and white? Is any of these looks inspire you top amp up an overdone monochrome? Let me know in the comments below.