Embrace the Classic Contrast of Black and White in Your Wardrobe and Home

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Black and white is classic, versatile timeless, and adds a bit of sophistication.. It is easy to incorporate black and white into your home and your wardrobe. I am joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. How do you feel about black and white? Do you love it or loathe it? In this blog post let’s chat about how to embrace the classic contrast of black and white in your wardrobe and home, and much more.

Sean Anderson Interiors

I know I have featured Sean Anderson’s work before, but his ability to layer rich textures, timeless pieces and modern elements into uniquely curated spaces that stand the test of time. You can follow Sean on Instagram here. The beautiful photos are from Haris Kenjar. You can follow Haris on Instagram as well here.

Sean Anderson designed Dining Room Haris Kenjar photo

This dining room is so dreamy. I love the pop of black combined with the wood and burlap texture of the elegant dining chairs. I love the juxtaposition of the raw and a bit of luxury.

This room is primarily white but the texture and tones of chairs and barstools add depth and character to the room.

Outfit of the Week

Black and white transcends fashion trends. Do you embrace black and white in your wardrobe? We spoke about all white outfits a couple weeks ago. Do you find a classic high-quality black blazer, a black cashmere sweater, a black maxi skirt, an lbd, a great pair of black trousers or black jeans, or a perfect white blouse adds just the right amount of polish and versatility to your look?

In the words of Coco Chanel “black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means.” Last week I didn’t share an outfit of the week and many of you were distressed. This week I visited a couple of retailers that I often overlook (not for any reason in particular) Chicos and Talbots. We do not have either store nearby so I have to rely on whatever I see online. Jennifer from A Well Styled Life shared this fabulous linen dress. Unfortunately, it is only available in sizes 10-16. If that’s your size, you are in luck!

Chicos white pants and black cutout top, J Crew Machete & Olukai accessories

Nearly everything in both of these looks is on sale. I love this black blouse and pant combo from Chicos, and the price is great. You could add a black t-shirt and white sneakers for a more casual look. You could reverse the look with black pants and a white shirt. The black handbag and hat are from J Crew and on sale. The accessories are from Machete including the sunglasses. I have been coveting the black sandals with tortoise detail from Olukai.

Talbots eyelet midi dress with raffia accessories

This pretty cotton dress from Talbots is on sale, I own the raffia sandals and love them, The bag and hat are both on sale at J Crew, and the earrings are from J Crew factory. I think this neckline often looks best without a necklace. Add some if you wish. You could switch out the fabric self belt for a raffia Love this whole ensemble.

Shop Outfits of the Week

The Adventures of Scouty

Scouty is fashionably white with black accents. We met his trainer at the beach on Friday. He did really well off leash for a pup. Steve works with him constantly. He is getting better everyday. I will be glad when the puppy teeth are gone and he resists the temptation to jump on people.

yellow lab puppy scout at the beach

Scouty’s trainer @7dogtraining met us at the beach today. Scout has gotten so much better but he still needs work (aka jumping on people). Liz worked with him today off leash. He did really well. It is amazing what a good trainer can do! He loved meeting all the people and dogs. He doesn’t know a stranger.

Grilled Romaine Salad

It has been hotter than blazes here, so we have been cooking everything on the grill. This salad is a summer favorite at our house. You can find the recipe and several others here in my post Meal on the Grill When it is too Hot too Cook.

grilled romaine salad

Five Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon

We are enjoying the fruits of summer here. I thought you might enjoy this article from AARP Five Surprising Benefits of Watermelon.

That’s it from. my desk this week. Thank you for reading Embrace the Classic Contrast of Black and White in Your Wardrobe and Home. I don’t think I could ever do an all black look in my home but I sure appreciate it in others. I do love black and white in my wardrobe. How do you feel about black and white in your home and or wardrobe? Do you love the clean lines, the elegance and sophistication sophistication it lends, or is it not for you? Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie. I think Mary Ann has some big news to share.

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53 Comments

  2. Hi Cindy: I love black and white outfits. I have to agree with Coco! Although I have no black and white per se in my home, I do appreciate it when I see it elsewhere. We are cooking here in Tennessee too. And NO RAIN! I’m a newbie to your blog but really enjoying it., I also appreciated learning about the doc on service dogs. I volunteer for a service dog organization and they are amazing little beings! Barbara

    1. Hi Barbara

      Welcome by the way! My brother in law and fiance live in Knoxville and we visited for the first time this past Spring. We really enjoyed our visit.

  4. Hi Cindy, Scout is lovely. with such good training, he will get there very quickly. You might be interested in a doco on Britbox where Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) took over a retired guide dog. The doco covers the breeding, fostering and active training (for dog and prospective owner) will need to be a fully functioning guide dog. It was fascinating and emotional all in one.
    As to black and white? Not for me. I always feel like a waitress in said colours.
    That said, that top and trousers and the white dress are lovely. If the top was in white I would wear it with denims, white pants and jeans and with my shorts.
    As for black and white interiors – probably not. I love natural neutrals and/or navy/any blue.
    Thank you for a good post.

  5. Cindy! Scout is so adorable! And sounds like a fast learner! I love black and white to wear and at home, but at home mixed with warm woods, creams, browns….love both of your outfits of the week! I can see you wearing both looks.

  6. Scout is adorable! I love seeing him on Instagram.
    I agree, black and white is classic and never goes out of style. Both outfits looks beautiful.
    I do not like watermelon but have made a similar grilled salad many times. It is delicious.
    I hope that you have a wonderful week Cindy, stay cool!

  7. I love black and white in my wardrobe. It is perfect with my salt and pepper hair and winter coloring. Only season that it’s a challenge is Autumn. Then I substitute icy grey for some of the white. I prefer other colors for my home.

  8. Scouty is the bestest boy! Glad his teeth are in and you can leave the sharking stage behind. I fondly remember our Labrador Sasha’s puppyhood, although I’m not sure I found the humor in it at the time. She learned to throw a tennis ball back to us which was all well and good until she ran up to a stranger (she knew no stranger either), who was wearing pressed kahkis, and tossed her wet ball at him. Not expecting this, he didn’t reach out to catch it, but his pants did. He gave us a good telling off and we still remember the shame. Of course, once out of his eyesite we laughed and laughed … and still laugh. Who can be mad at a happy lab?! xo

  9. Love black & white in my wardrobe & decorating my home. Red & green are my accent colors at home.
    Scout is a beautiful pup.

  10. Hi Cindy,
    Just returned last evening from hot hot Winters, CA where we attended a grandson’s wedding. It was heartening to experience the care provided for all the guests in the 111 degree weather.

    Scout will be so loved for his manners. And, hats off to Steve for daily training.

    Wearing black and white with my silver hair and winter skin is my go to color palette. However, for the wedding events in the heat, I ventured outside my normal which made it fun.

    Stay cool and safe,
    Diney on Mercer Island

    1. Hi Diney

      We are in for another few days of this heat!! My plants are suffering!

  11. Honestly I am sick to death of black and white, especially in home decor. I think it is SO overdone by every “Influencer”. If its not boring neutrals it’s black and white. Is everyone afraid of color these days?

    1. Hi Christine

      I could never do only black and white in my interiors. I love neutral back drops and pops of color. I do like to wear black and white in the summer however!

  12. I enjoyed the post and love black and white on others, but it and my warm coloring are just not a match. I wish there were as classic a combination for us Springs and Autumns!

    1. Hi Marcie

      I never could wear black and white until my hair went white. I completely understand!

  13. Black and white is striking but not for me. My contrast level, low to medium does not make high contrast my best look.
    I love watermelon but haven’t been able to find delicious ones yet!

  14. I am happy to see the health benefits of watermelon since that has been my staple diet since getting lovely COVID on June 25. My first bout, and just had the latest vaccine. I should not be surprised as 11 of us contracted it in Dominica Republic at our son’s wedding. Note to all: Stay clear of the DR. That is a location that I will never travel to again. There is nothing positive that I can say (except that the staff at the resort were very kind)
    I have never been so sick-and it was scary. After 14 days I am still testing positive and still feel as I have a cold, very weak and no stamina. This is not like me-I am normally a whirling dervish of energy.
    But- I am well enough to “Surf shop” and have enjoyed that for sure. Always love your outfits of the day, and your style.
    Thank you for making my Covid jail isolation a bit more tolerable, Stay safe and well all.

    1. Hi Sandy

      Yikes that sounds miserable. Our good friend is currently having a bout with covid as well. Somehow it has alluded Steve and me. I am sure we will have our turn at some point.

  16. My LR furniture has black cotton upholstery framed by light colored bamboo collected years ago. I never tire of it. Certain complexions such as mine look great with black and white clothing .
    Our dinner party last week was switched from hosting a several course meal to a mixed green salad, guest brought internationally themed appetizers including watery cool watermelon. No one went home hungry.

  17. I love black and white in clothing but find it to be mostly stark and modern in decor. I always have several white shirts in my wardrobe, plus black jeans, chinos and dress pants. It’s my go to no matter the season. Today, I am wearing black cropped with white embroidery on the bottom and a white eyelet top.
    Hiring a trainer for Scout will pay off with a well behaved dog that everyone will enjoy.

  18. Hi Cindy,
    Love black and white in clothing. I side your home is a contemporary look. I would think over time you may tire of it.
    Your Scouty has a face that can melt your heart. I’m happy the trainer is working out for you. Having a puppy is not easy is an understatement. I’m sure it will get easier over time. It sounds like you have patience.
    I have to say your fur baby Scouty is blessed to have you both as parents.

    1. Hi Katherine

      My home is not contemporary at all, and I agree with you. I would personally tire of it, but I love the look in the homes of those that do it well like Sean Anderson. Thank you for the kind words about Scouty!

  19. Love the black and white outfit. I think I bought those pants at Chico’s last week. But I feel so fat in them if I don’t wear a longer top! I am not used to these wide leg linen pants!
    Love Scouty! They grow so fast! I always had luck lifting my knee up several inches when a puppy jumped on me. After a few times , they got discouraged.
    I looked up Jennifer’s IG and I think I saw the dress, I have dresses I have never worn. Perhaps I should stick with jeans.
    Stay cool! It is over a 100 here in DFW.

    1. Hi Marcia

      I find I wear pants much more often than dresses as well.

  20. Darn…we are out of watermelon. Need to add it to our/Howard’s grocery list. I love black and white everywhere!!!
    Scout is so handsome.

  21. Hello Cindy,
    I love the black and white in my wardrobe. I find that even less expensive items look ‘ upscale’ in black. I have a collection of black cashmere sweaters, my first purchase was a black cashmere turtleneck and I love it.
    About jumping pups…when we first got our puppy ( a lab mix) jumping was something we worried about. My parents were elderly and I did not want to risk one of them being knocked down by a potentially 70 lb dog. I consulted the famous dog trainer Cesar Milan. He stated that jumping is a show of dominance by the dog and it was important to let the dog know we weren’t interested in that type of greeting and we were BOSS. So when we walked in the door ( when jumping usually occurred) we were told to ignore the dog and when he jumped to turn our backs but never to speak to him or reinforce his behaviour by petting or talking to him, he needed to wait his turn. For a few days we all did a crazy dance turning away from him when he jumped up…then about four days later he just sat there quietly. We rewarded him for that behaviour and jumping became a non issue ( works for crotch sniffing too, something labs are famous for). Try it it works.
    He passed in November two months from his fourteenth birthday and to this day when people talk about our Jovi they comment on his friendly but gentlemanly manners!
    Little Scout will get there too.

    1. Hi Alison

      That is precisely what our trainer advocates. We are working on it! He was obsessed with my daughter in law for some reason, and about drove her crazy!

  22. couldn’t find the Chicos items on sale Could you add a link, please

    1. Hi Patricia sorry the link didn’t post
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  23. Hi Cindy, Great post! Could you include links to the clothing from Chico’s and Talbot’s? The link you included goes to an Instagram account about dogs. Thanks!

  24. Hi Cindy, l am watching Wimbledon to beat the heat and staying in the AC.
    Lovely, post thank you!

  25. I’m eating delicious watermelon chunks right now!
    I was surprised last month by an article in Consumer Reports. It listed conventionally grown watermelon as being problematic for pesticides. Evidently it’s not just on the surface of the melon but permeates the whole thing. We’ve been buying organic melons since reading that. This is an interesting overview of the study.
    https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-contaminants/fruits-and-vegetables-loaded-with-pesticides-a2508510840/

  26. Happy Sunday Cindy!
    Thank you for the link on watermelon. We are definitely going to add it to our shopping list today. They are in season and delicious.
    Ah the puppy stage especially the jumping ugh! Good thing they are so cute? Right?
    Warmly
    Cristi

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