Black and white: when isn’t it cool? Maybe you style yourself as smart, rocking a grid pattern or a mishmash of stripes and spots, or perhaps you prefer leggings hugged by a slogan tee. You might be more into houndstooth or plaid, but whatever it is, never did two colours produce as much choice and variety as these.
For 2015, monochrome chic is a long white sleeveless blazer over black skinnies and stilettos, or a strappy two-tone bodycon dress. It’s a check crop over matching cigarette trousers, both seemingly held together by dark panels. Alternatively, it could be a grid knit worked as a mini dress, or paired with a skirt in a reverse colourway.
Let’s take Kate Moss, who can play anybody, including vamp. So naturally, that’s what she did, in a black lace dress and a vintage white cropped jacket. French actor Lea Seydoux, on the other hand, kept her pale lacy outfit casual with dark beach sandals.
Step out in something a little more street-wise with T-shirt, black jeans and a fedora. Add a leather bomber to tartan trousers and ankle boots, or go asymetric in a wrap-around skirt. Get that sixties vibe in overalls or monochrome blocks, or anchor a thin gingham maxi with chunky footwear. Be demure in a white dress embellished with soft feathers, but style it edgy by pulling on a moto jacket.
Expand your palette with grey layers, or add a pop of brightness, with a red clunky necklace or a yellow bag. Let orange, purple or indigo jump out, or grab yourself a piece of gold statement jewellery. Confound expectations with a white coat covering charcoal, or venture out in an all-black outfit with ivory accessories (or vice versa, as in Emma Watson’s skater dress, the colour of snow with dark zipper-detail Chelsea boots).
Break up any tendency to severity with a pattern, be it flora, fauna or geometric – Florence Welch’s jumpsuit leads the way here – and mix print sizes. Beyoncé had other ideas, and teamed black leather shorts with a white blazer to devastating effect. You could follow with a clingy ivory mini dress, sequin-enlivened bomber, and killer heels.
Hold up slouchy white trousers or a boho maxi with a wide smoky belt, and check out Cate Blanchett’s snowy vest and jacket, turned into a three-piece suit, courtesy of black trousers. And remember, life isn’t black and white – but your clothes can be.
Black And White Outfits: The featured photo is of Carmen Hamilton wearing a white coat and black jeans from Asos, black camisole from J Brand, black sneakers from Nike and the black clutch is from Saint Laurent
Is there ever a better combination than black and white? Jill Wallace is rocking this totally classic style, pairing a bright white sweater with leather leggings for the ultimate striking contrast. We adore the simplicity of this winter look!
Sweater: Planet Blue, Trousers: Zara , Shoes: Tony Bianco.
Olivia Palermo is strikingly contrasting in this monochrome outfit consisting of a white bell sleeved blouse, black culottes and a pair of asymmetrical patent black heels. Throw on some shades to get all the glamour Olivia has achieved!
Heels: Gianvito Rossi.
Alexandra Pereira has created the ultimate contrast in this bold black and white outfit, consisting of semi-flared cropped trousers and a bell sleeved white blouse. A look like this needs no dressing up, so pair it with sandals and a simplistic handbag!
Top: Chicwish, Trousers: Zara, Sandals: Tony Bianco.
Victoria Tornegren is looking ultra sleek in this black and white outfit consisting of a bow front skirt with metallic detailing and a bell sleeved white blouse. This style is sophisticated yet playful; perfect for sprucing up your work wardrobe!
Bag: Chanel, Shirt: Front Row Shop, Loafers: Henry Kole, Skirt: Zara.
Katarina Vidic is utterly iconic in this starkly contrasting monochrome outfit consisting of gorgeous high-waisted trousers, an off the shoulder blouse, and striking black stilettos. Channelling a look such as this will always make you a winner!
Trousers: ASOS, Shirt: Zaful, Heels: Rosegal.
Zina Charkoplia looks utterly elegant in this gorgeous black and white combo, consisting of an off the shoulder bell sleeved blouse and a simple pleated midi skirt. Try wearing this look with a pair of statement heels to steal Zina’s aesthetic!
Trousers/Top: Zara, Sandals: Smiling Shoes, Bag: Saint Laurent.
Jacey Duprie is looking striking and stylish in this block print black poncho with white stripe detailing. We love the simplicity of this look, as it creates an easily achievable but no less gorgeous spring style!
Poncho: St John, Jeans: James Jean.
Amy Spencer looks utterly striking in this contrasting outfit consisting of a white slit front skirt and a black crop top. This skirt is sexy yet sophisticated, and when worn with an entirely black and white style is ideal for a summer look!
Skirt: River Island, Jumper: Zara, Jacket: H&M, Boots: Asos.
Wear the black and white trend like Johanna Olsson, and pair a simple white tee with leather trousers and monochrome sneakers. This casual style is perfect for any outing!
Trousers: Designers Remix, Tee: ATM, Sneakers/Bag: Chanel.
Christine R. is showing us how to wear the black and white trend, creating an ultra sophisticated look by pairing a white shirt with navy knitwear and a smart matching overcoat.
Coat/Shirt: H&M, Sweater: Ganni, Jeans: BDG, Shoes: Tamara Mellon.
Wondering how to style the black and white trend? Try this classic style, which consists of a cute white knit top, black jeans, and a leather jacket. Lucy Williams has even got a pair of monochrome checked heels to add an extra touch of glam to the look!
Top: Asos, Jeans: Old MIH, Jacket: Belstaff, Shoes: LK Bennet.
Lydia Lise Millen is making a fashion statement in black and white in this daring block monochrome outfit! Wear a pristine white coat such as this one from Jigsaw with black jeans to recreate this look.
Jacket: Jigsaw, Cashmere Knit: John Lewis, Bag: Chloe, Jeans: Paige Denim, Shooes: Valentino.
If you’re looking for a slick and stylish way to wear the black and white trend, try copying Jacqueline Mikuta and opting for a monochrome check sweater and distressed black jeans!
Sweater: Second Female, Jeans: Zara, Hat: Goorin Bros, Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman, Bag: Ganni.
The black and white revolution is here! Wear an oversized black waistcoat over a cute white turtleneck sweater to recreate Victoria Tornegren’s edgy and unique look!
Shoes: Topshop, Trousers: Monki, Vest: New Look, Jumper: Gina Tricot, Bag: Chloé.
Kenza Zouiten looks ultra sleek in skinny jeans, a striped black and white sweater, and a stylish leather jacket.
Sweater: Anine Bing, Jeans: Serious Sally, Boots: Jennie-Ellen, Bag: Balenciaga.
Josefin Ekström rocks monochrome in a white knit sweater with tight black trousers and Chelsea boots.
Knit Sweater: Gina Tricot, Trousers: OOTD Store.
Josefin Dahlberg wears a statement patterned skirt with a plain black roll neck top and heels.
Skirt/Shoes: Topshop, Top H&M, Bag: Mango, Sunglasses: Åhlens.
Sara Escudero looks super cute in this smart casual black and white classic.
Shirt: Diesel, Skirt: Diesel, Sandals: Uterqüe.
Nette Nestea is looking fierce in a white button front skirt paired with knee high boots and a contrasting black top and cardigan.
Vest: Here, Crop top: Topshop, Skirt: Topshop, Heels: ASOS
Turtlenecks are great – especially when they’re paired with a pair of wide legged pants. Via Petra Karisson
Top: H&M, Pants: & other stories, Shoes: Zara
Nette Nestea’s white shirt over a leather jacket and black jeans produce a thoroughly eye catching outfit!
Vest: H&M, Leather Jacket: The Kooples, Bralet: NLY, Bag: Chanel, Pants: American Apparel, Shoes: Alexander Wang x H&M
This black and white ruffle dress really works with a pair of studded sandals or a matching bag. Via Julie Sarinana
Dress: Storets, Bag: Pierre Hardy, Sandals: Chanel
Wear your black shoes and bag with a simple white short dress. Sophisticated. Via Helena Glazer
Dress: Loves & Friends, Shoes: Jimmy Choo
We love this classy high slit black dress paired with a contrasting white leather jacket. Via tsangtastic
Jacket: Anine Bing, Dress: Jay Godfrey, Heels: Sam Edelman
White open backed shirts look great with high waisted black trousers. Via Beatrice Gutu
Top: Misguided, Trousers: Zara, Shoes: Mango
One idea that always works is a white shirt under a black sleeveless dress. Via Annette Haga
Dress: NLY, Shirt: Gina Tricot, Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Aquazzura.
Beatrice Gutu is showing off two trends with this black and white outfit: Bell sleeves and the slit trend
Go back to basics with Victoria Törnegren in this gorgeous outfit of black trousers a white tee!
Shoes: ASOS, Trousers: ASOS, Tee: Acne
Look super chic just like Steph Kramer in this contrasting black and white dress!
Dress: Hunt No More, Heels: Witchery
Liz Cherkasova is looking gorgeous in monochrome with this black skirt and white top!
Skirt: Reformation, Top: Red 23, Shoes: Alexander Wang
We love how striking Kayla Seah looks in this sheer black skirt and contrasting white tank!
Top: s.OLIVER, Skirt: s.OLIVER, Sandals: ASOS
Krystal Bick in a black and white striped silk top, black ballgown skirt and a black leather jacket
Top, skirt and jacket: St. John; Shoes: Saint Laurent; Clutch: Charlotte Olympia
Felicia Akerstrom is wearing a black and white skirt from Zara, black sweater from Uniqlo, bag from Chanel, and the shoes from Ash
Effortlessly chic. Black blazer and shoes and a white shift dress. Via Jacey Duprie
Dress: ATM Monte Carlo, Blazer: Helmut Lang, Sandals: Manolo Blahnik
Amber Fillerup Clark is wearing a black top from Splendid, black and white skirt from Issa and the sunglasses are from from Karen Walker
Chriselle Lim is wearing a black and white long sleeved top and printed skirt from Trouve with a pair of French Connection heels
Jean Wang is wearing a white shirt with black dots from from Ann Taylor and a black and white striped skirt from Chicwish
Lisa Hamilton is wearing a pair of Forever New skinny jeans, a biker jacket from Jessie and black ankle boots
Jessica Stein is wearing a pair of checked trousers with a plain white top and black heels
Mary is wearing a white Alexander Wang crop top with Alexander McQueen trousers
Black and white maxi dress, black leather jacket and pure white sneakers. Via Carmen Hamilton
Jacket: Dion Lee, Dress: Toni Maticevski, Sneakers: Adidas
Monochrome has never looked better than on Lydia Millen, with her black shirt and matching bag with a white shirt!
Shops: not specified
Black vest, white shirt dress and black heels. Via Thao Nhi Le
Vest: Floral Punk, Blouse: UrbanOutfitters, Shoes: Zara, Hat: H&M, Bag: Brandy Melville
Victoria Tornegren in a black and white outfit, white shirt, black pants and a leather handbag
Shirt: Rut&Circle, Pants: Gina Tricot, Bag: Asos
Kayla Seah in a black and white casual outfit, wearing a black and white printed top, white skinny jeans and a handbag
Top: Rebecca Minkoff, Jeans: Rag & Bone, Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff
Sara Donaldson in a simple black skirt and shoes and a white top
Skirt: Josh Goot, Top: Country Road, Shoes: Balmain
Mary is wearing a Free People patterned dress with a pair of black Rag & Bone heels
Ms Trienta is wearing an off the shoulder H&M crop top, black lace up Zara heels and a Dresslux skirt
Lisa Hamilton is wearing a white Kardashian Kollection jacket with a Helmut Lang tee and an Aje Sorian mini skirt
Chloé wears a long white T-shirt from H&M, black skirt from American Apparel and the black sandals are from Topshop
Annette Haga is wearing a black faux fur vest from Asos, white shirt from Cameo, black leather pants from H&M Trend, black and white sneakers from Adidas and the black bag is from Céline
Lian Galliard is wearing a white Bastyan dress with a pair of Elizabeth Stuart heels and a Miss Guided clutch
Blair Eadie is wearing a black AYR cape with Joe Fresh shirt and a pair of Stuart Weitzman heels
Nicoletta Reggio is wearing a white Zara shirt and black Jennifer jeans
Annemiek Kessels is wearing a white maxi dress and heels from Zara
Anette Haga is wearing a leather jacket from The Kooples with a Zara maxi skirt
Lovely by Lucy is wearing a collared Weekday white shirt with black Asos trousers and Adidas sneakers
Sendi Skopljak is wearing white Gina Tricot t shirt with Persunmall trousers, a black clutch bag and animal print heels
Johanna Olsson is wearing a white River Island tee pair with black leather Designers Remix trousers, DVF heels and a 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch bag
Caroline Louis is wearing a white dress with a black leather jacket and black shoes from Alaia, Acne and Isabel Marant respectively
Barbora Ondrackova is wearing a white Zara blazer over an Acne top with a pair of Zara leather leggings and black lace up Choies heels
Daniela Ramirez is wearing a Shoppiin midi skirt with a black Daily Look crop top and a Zinc blue handbag
Mandy Shadforth is wearing a creme jacket with black leather pants and ankle boots
Figtny is wearing a black and white outfit, with the trench coat from Topshop and an asos maxi slit skirt
Kaitlyn Ham is wearing an Asos white loose shirt with Helmut Lang leather pants and black chunky sandals
Mandy Shadforth is wearing a black and white knee length skirt with a leather jacket all from Camille & Marc
Sheryl Luke is wearing a black leather jacket from Zara and the black and white striped dress is from Shop Akira
Kenza Zouiten is wearing black leather trousers from Jofama by Kenza, white sweater from Forever 21, the bag is from Miu Miu bag, and the black ankle boots and the white coat is from Notion 1.3
Victoria Tornegren is wearing black and white shoes from Jennie-Ellen, black leather trousers from Choies, white coat from Issue 1.3 and the black bag is from Zara
Olivia Palermo is wearing a black shearling sweater from Vince, black and white floral dress from Carolina Herrera, black turtleneck from Tibi and the boots are from Christian Louboutin
Alexandra Pereira is wearing an all black and white outfit, check skirt from Chicwish, shoes from Yves Saint Laurent, white coat from Zara, white jumper from Monki and the bag is from Fendi
Helena Glazer is wearing a white trench coat and black trousers from DKNY with a pair of Jimmy Choo heels
Hailey Middleton is wearing a black long sleeved Rag & Bone sweater with a plaid mid length skirt
How To Style A Black And White Outfit: Fanny Lyckman is wearing a Minusey leather jacket, a long sleeved Zara shirt with a pair of Gina Tricot trousers
Silvia Garcia is wearing a leather jacket from Mango with a pair of Sarenza boots
Black and White Outfit Ideas: Caroline Louis is wearing a Pearl and Rubies cape with a pair of leather trousers and ankle boots from Zara and an Equipment shirt
Black and White Outfit Ideas: Silvia Garcia is wearing a white Zara skirt with a black Givenchy handbag and heels
Sometimes you just need to keep it simple. Black And White Via Sandra Buisan, all clothing from 080 Chic
Megan Anderson is wearing all black and white, leather skirt from Zara, leather jacket from Iro, bag from Proenza Schouler and the shoes are from MB
Black White Outfits this one via Atusa Jafari
Black and white outfit Via The Trend Spotter
Black and White Outfit: Bo Mulder is wearing a black leather jacket and turtleneck with a pair of white knitted trousers
Black and White Outfit Ideas: Johanna Olsson is wearing a white leather jacket with black trousers ankle boots
Black and White Outfit Ideas: Sarah Butler is wearing a Missguided snake print maxi dress with a black Elizabeth and James fur coat
Vanja Milicevic is wearing black and white sneakers from Adidas, white jeans and black coat and bag from Zara, black and white scarf from Acne Studios
Sheryl Luke is wearing all black and white, jacket from Nines Brand, shirt from Maison De Papillon, jeans from Black Orchid, bag from Sophie Hulme and the shoes are from Vince
Black And White Dress And Shoes: Sylvia Haghjoo is wearing a black and white kimono and dress from Gia Ventola and the black shoes are from Acne Studios
Black White Outfit: Sarah Butler is wearing black over the knee boots from Seychelles, leather mini skirt from Sam Edelman, knit black jumper from Vince, and the white shirt is from Alexander Wang
Mary Volkova is wearing a black and white outfit, the skirt is from Chicwish and the to top is from Tbdress
Audrey Leighton Rogers is wearing a black and white Mod outfit, collar dress from Asos and the bag is from Dior
As simple as it gets. A white dress paired up with a black bag and black shoes Via Natalia Cabezas
Dress: Zara, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: Michael Kors, Sunglasses: Prada
Lorna Luxe shows off the black and white trend with this smart spring outfit. An elegant cropped white top, leather maxi skirt and black heels
Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: RMK Shoes
Josefin Ekstrom in a black and white outfit, black sweater, heels and flared white trousers
Sweater: Gina Tricot, Trousers: Mango, Shoes: Zara
Victoria Tornegren in a white shirt, black shorts, flat sandals and a clutch bag
Shirt: Monki, Shorts: Selected Femme, Shoes: ATP, Bag: Channel
Frida Grahn is wearing a white T-shirt dress, black leather jacket, sandals and bag
Sandals: Din Sko, Bag: Chanel, Leather Jacket: Chiquelle, T-shirt dress: H&M
Jolie Janine in an all black and white outfit, leather biker jacket, skater skirt, white tee, ankle boots and a black handbag
Jacket: Zara, Skirt: New Look, Top: River Island, Bag: Michael Kors, Shoes: Zara