Ladies, if you were asked what is the primary color in your closet- what are the chances it’s black? Perhaps, with white coming in second? I’d say a good majority of women would attest to this. If you happen to be mouthing yes or nodding your head in accordance to this, you should be elated that you are currently in vogue with one of the hottest trends of the new year – black and white monochrome! I love this trend because it truly is effortless, simply chic, yet is capable of being exquisitely bold with just the right key pieces and adornment – via statement jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. The contrast of opposite hues is the ultimate elegant style. Truly, Ms. Coco Chanel is who we should give acclaim to for the amaranthine chic style. "Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony," said by the queen of black and white. Abso-Chanel-lutely it is! A LBD (little black dress) adorned with a string of pearls is an immortal style staple. The ying and yang of the color world is forever emblazoning its timeless mainstay dominance in fashion.
For decades, the fashion world has advocated that every woman needs a staple LBD – appropriate for any occasion (work, black tie, semi-formal and casual). How many times have you heard that black is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe? I do believe we have a color conundrum; black and white pieces everywhere, but no clue on how or which way to wear! Not to worry because there are a multitude of ways to matriculate the magic of black and white monochrome into your daily wardrobe. For work, why not swap out your black suit coat and substitute a white blazer to your traditional all black suiting? It will add a breath of freshness and chicness to your work wear, plus it's an impeccable transition piece for after work cocktails or a night out on the town. The suit jacket has been given a modern twist via a pop of peplum and a sleek tuxedo shape. There is something superbly sexy and sublime about a fitted white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers, skinny leg pants/denim or a pencil skirt. I think the hottest look isn't the LBD, but the WTJ (white tuxedo jacket). Or you could sport a white sheath dress, or skirt, with black side panel detail – vice/versa. The side color block panels add an instant slimming and contour effect… and who doesn't like a svelte boost?
If you feel you want to take the monochrome trend to the max, wearing white, head-to-toe, with black as an accent color, would be remarkably elegant and brazen. I highly advocate this look. A major bonus, if the suiting has black piping or trim… tres chic. But, if the aforementioned looks might be too audacious, you would very well be able to mimic this look via graphic prints – boucle, tweed, houndstooth, check.
Or perhaps simply via accessory and have it be the accent color combo to your outfit. Spruce up your outfit with a black and white print skinny belt or add a little bounce to your outfit with a calf-hair black and white bootie. Consider making B&M the accent color to your Emerald Green frock – the numero uno color of the year! Not to sound cliche, but the options are endless – the best part it's timeless! Don't fret about the archaic fashion rule that white is a style sin after Labor Day! In fact-in my eyes- it's simply a cardinal style sin to NOT incorporate Winter White into your wardrobe. Most importantly, pair it with black and voila! Monochrome magic, mademoiselles!
Merona Boucle Jacket – $34.99 (Target)
J. Crew Collection School Boy Blazer – $350 (J. Crew)
Checkered Sadie – $298 (Kate Spade)
Check Bangle – $148 (Kate Spade)
Post Street Little Nadine – $458 (Kate Spade)
Two Tone Peplum Top – $198 (Intermix)
Colorblock Sheath – $160 (White House|Black Market)
Yosi Samra Ballet Flat – $70 (Intermix)
Belted Graphic Pencil Skirt – $89.50 (Banana Republic)
