Happy Tuesday and welcome to the Over 50 Fashion Edit. This month Jennifer and I are joined by our friend Sarah and we are talking black and white. The combination of black and white is both the easiest and the most timeless color pairing in fashion. It can be elegant, interesting, casual or quirky. I admit to having a soft spot for this combination. In looking back, most of my posts feature black and white. Why do we love it? Perhaps because it transcends seasons and trends and it always looks classic and sophisticated. Let’s face it part of its charm is it’s easy. Let’s talk about how to look stylish in black and white.
I wrote a post back in 2017 about the wisdom of black and white and the relationship between fashion and interiors HERE.
Jackie Kennedy’s classic pairing of white jeans and a black tee made us all want to mimic her.
I must have been attempting to channel Jackie when we did our post on new jeans shapes for Spring here
Meg Ryan’s casual menswear inspired look in black and white offers just enough edge to make it interesting. I just love her style, but how many could pull that look off?
Black and white outfits can often come across as boring. Diane Keaton keeps it fresh by adding a wide belt and a signature hat
If you prefer a more polished sophisticated black and white look look to Meghan Markle or Angelina Jolie.
I certainly have shared a few black and white looks over the years. A few years back I paired black leggings,calf hair loafers, and my favorite Planet Artists Smock from Artful Home.
Mary Ann, Kim, and I hosted a pop up event for Coyuchi a few years ago, without even discussing it, we all showed up in black and white. Why? It is really hard to screw up the look and it’s safe.
I love the addition of horn and bone accessories with black and white for summer. You would think the black and white combo would be a no brainer but the trick is to apply interesting accessories. Here I am wearing the CP Shades Lily skirt, with a J Crew Linen shirt, leopard mules and horn and bone accessories.
Yesterday we celebrated at our son and daughter in laws’ home, and enjoyed little Summer. I wore my Anthropologie Daniel Rayne jacket in the morning when it was cool. I featured this jacket (a collaboration between Anthro and Nully) in my post last month on Folk Inspired Fashion here. I love this jacket because it is fully reversible.
The temperature creeped up to 90 in a hurry so the jacket did not last long. I am wearing the CP Shades linen Wendy pant, with my favorite J Crew linen shirt, yellow box sandals and horn and bone accessories.
Here I am wearing a J Crew t shirt dress with a white denim jacket from Gap and comfy reef flip flops.
A pretty scarf adds interest to this simple Target dress. This dress is no longer available but this one is very similar for $20. The post on this dress has been one of the most popular of all time here on the blog.
SHOP BLACK AND WHITE LOOKS
Does a colorless outfit make you feel blah or has a black and white palette always been part of your personal style? I love color but I have a lot of black and white in my wardrobe. I do like the combination because it is always crisp and classic. Fashion peeps and designers all agree that it’s all in the styling when it comes to making a black and white outfit work. Remember it is all in the details or black and white can become boring. Fashion should be fun even this color combo can be fun if you amp up your accessories.
You might also enjoy reading The History of Black and White in Fashion here.or my post on the wisdom of black and white and how it applies to interiors here.
How do you feel about black and white. Is it your go to, or do you prefer more color? Let’s pop over and visit Jennifer and Sarah and see how they have weighed in on the issue.
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Wow! Thank pic of you and Summer! Hopefully It’s going straight into a frame 💕 and gosh, you look so good in this colour combo. I especially like it when your top is white and your bottom half black. Gorgeous! And it works so well with your stunning silver locks! Thanks for inviting me to join you this month 🙏🏻
I really love a lot of the clothes you show
But dear goddess I’d have to take out a loan in order to buy them all.
Wow
You are simply stunning. My favorite blog ever.
I love black and white..I can’t tell you how often I run back to the bedroom and change into black leggings and a great white top right before we go out, ditching whatever new combo I was intending to wear.
Thank you!
I prefer more color. Black around my face really washes me out and makes me look 10 years older.
Love the black and white combo, always and forever. You can accessorize with either silver or gold and looks fantastic!
I wear tons of black and white, but also prefer more color around my face. Black accentuates my dark circles and really washes me out.
Black and white looks so striking on you. It compliments your hair beautifully. The photo of you and Summer is just precious. She’s darling. So the verdict is, black and white never looks boring on you! This was fun and eye opening to find just how often I wear the combo.
I wear black and white often, definitely my taste. All of the featured outfits are gorgeous and inspiring and your granddaughter is adorable!
Black and white has always been a staple in my wardrobe choice. It functions and morphs easily between casual to stunningly beautiful. For me, it also brings an energy with it. Something of strength and confidence!
Hi Diana
I love black and white too, although I am trying to add more color as well. I feel like it never dissapoints!
I can wear some white if I put some color close to my face. I am an autumn season, I believe in the seasons and can see how the dark circles come out around my eyes with black, then there is changing makeup to try to brighten myself up and it all is a mess.
I have envied gals who can wear b and l, great for travel although when I have on black pants every piece of lint in the room clings to me.
Thankfully we all can have a look of our own, makes life interesting.
Hi Cindy
Good point about black and white for travel. I am so glad you mentioned it. I try to stick to black and white when I travel (or when I did), it makes it so much easier not to overpack!
I love black and white..and you have shown up great combos.
Hi Mary Ann
You look great in black and white!
Black & White. Best ever. That’s how I feel. ❤️
Hi Margaretanne
I think there will always be a stron “team” for black and white. It is classic, simple and EASY!!
Hi Margaretanne
I am glad to hear you are team black and white! Thanks for weighing in!
I’m inspired to wear black and white tomorrow! Love it. Posts like this are great for those of us who have the pieces, but are challenged on how to put things together…even in black and white. Thank you! I love the simple white jeans with a black tee the best. It really looks classy and it’s so easy. There is so much color in my closet, which I enjoy. I think though, with all that “noise,” I forget about black and white simplicity.
Hi Nancy
I am really trying to inject more color in my closet since covid, but I do love black and white in summer as well. I love white jeans and a black tee as well. You just can’t beat it!
Hi Nancy
These posts do exactly the same for me ironically. They force me to be more creative with my looks!
YOU ASKED!
BLAH!
Ha!! I knew what your comment was going to be. Color is your personality. We would be so disappointed to see you in black and white!!
Hi Eliz
I knew just what your answer would be. I don’t think I have ever seen you in black and white and doubt I ever will. Your personality screams for color!!
I love black and white but I can’t say it’s a good color for my skin tone. 🙁
Hi Marilyn
You know it’s funny I never wore black and white until my hair was gray (or white I should say). I have olive skin and I always wore off white. Now I find white can really light up my face and take the focus off the wrinkles
Hi Marilyn
As Sandra said we have to be careful with black close to our face!
Black and white for me forever for all the reasons you mention. I like seeing others
in those bright colors but I can’t do it…I break out in hives at the thought of all
that bright color on me!! 😂 Good thing I can wear black and white well! Great post!
Hi Char
I feel the same way about pattern as you do about color! I totally understand!
Hi Char
I responded to your comment earlier I apologize but it disappeared! I always feel safe and comfortable in black and white. It never dissapoints!
You look great in black & white but I can’t pull it off because, as an “autumn,” I need warm colors.
Hi Cathy
I was “diagnosed” an Autumn many years ago and could never wear dead white until my hair went gray. Totally know what you are saying!
I love black and white , it gives us great backdrop for accessorizing and it’s always a safe choice, this color combination looks marvelous on you, and I confess having copied your oversized white shirt &leggings look.
Hi Liana
I am so glad you like the oversized shirt and legging look. I know leggings are supposedly “out” who cares!! I love them with an oversized shirt!
Cindy, I think that the huge contrast between black and white is very energizing. There is no greater contrast. I like to wear that combo, but it is probably not my most flattering look, since I am short and lower contrast is usually more flattering. But sometimes I just throw caution to the wind.
Hi Gayle
Sometimes we have to just listen to our heart when it comes to clothes and wear what makes us feel good. I totally agree.
Love this! Black & white is my go-to. After harming and hawing for months, I finally bought that white shirt from Artful Home. It’s awesome! Accessorizes beautifully or stands on its own.
Hi Janet
I know that shirt is a big purchase, but I know you will not regret it. It is like a pair of good jeans, a staple you will never regret. I use oxy clean on it every once in awhile and it responds beautifully. It doesn’t seem to yellow like many of my other less expensive white shirts.
I do like black and white as it is timeless but, like our Contessa, I am also partial to q lot of colour. I like the way you style your black and white outfits.
Hi Lorna
Elizabeth’s comment made me laugh out loud. She wouldn’t be caught dead in black and white!
As a “spring” my black and white subs are navy and ivory. I do wear black and white pants, and on the rare occasion when I wear a black or white top I try to include a bright scarf or piece of jewelry next to my face. I’ll be interested to learn how that may change when my hair fully turns gray; I read a lot of conflicting opinions about whether or not that will affect my skin tone and the colors I can wear well. I appreciate how versatile black and white are on those who can pull it off, as you certainly do. Great post!
Hi Sarah
I definitely wear colors that I couldn’t before my hair was gray, like white for instance. I don’t necessarily follow any “rules”. I just try to follow my instincts (which can go awry on occasion)
Hi Cindy,
Black and white forever! My favorite combo, although I do wear color too. B&W is just so easy, and you can jazz things up with the accessories like you said, so it’s a perfect combo for travel.
Glad you got to spend time with your favorite kiddo! She’s a doll.
Xo Heidi
Wonderful looks thank you Cindy and the one of you and Summer is just darling !! Love the spotted black and white sandals too! Happy week 🙂
Hi Francesca
Those sandals are reasonably priced and comfortable! A combination that is hard to come by these days!!
Cindy, you’re right up there with Jackie, Meg and Diane … fabulous! That jacket you wore yesterday … amazing! And, you look so gorgeous with sweet Summer. It was incredibly hot yesterday, but you’re as cool as a cucumber … if cucumbers came in black and white! xo
Hi Juliet
Well I started out with the jacket on (we live in Salinas now), but stripped down to linen within minutes of getting to Walnut Creek.
I love black and white. I find that with grey hair and age you have to be careful with color. Black and white is stunning. Listen you’ve got style lady. You know how to put stuff together. Whether it’s clothes, gardens or interiors. You’ve got it together. If you looked in my closet it would mainly be black and white. Although I must admit I’m not that fond of black next to my face. I think it’s tad harsh. I do like navy blue though.
Hi Sandra
I agree about the black against the face at our age, can be tricky!! My closet is slowly being infused with more color. I cannot wear navy, although I sure love it on others.
Yesterday I wore an open weave black and white top with black trousers. Maybe because it was hot here in L.A. I felt a splash of color was needed. My hot pink straw bag and hot pink scarf seemed to be the answer. I received numerous compliments so it must have worked!
Hi Caroline
I love that adding a pop of color to black and white to keep it from being to boring. I find that I wear less accessories and jewelry in the summer. Life is just more casual. What a great way to amp up your black and white without wearing anything too heavy!!
Hi Caroline
That sounds fabulous! No wonder you received so many compliments!
Hi Cindy,
Honestly, you look like a model in all of your fashion shots. Way to go. You find the best items. I love black and white although this spring I started buying a bit more color. Maybe I wanted to celebrate seeing the finish line on this Covid ordeal. In any event. I always look forward to your fashion posts since I get ideas for my own outfits.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
I am really aiming for more color both in my home and closet as well. I do think it is a covid thing. I do always love black and white. I never wore white until I let my hair go gray. I never thought it worked. It seems to now.
Hi from Spain….when I read b/w my first notion was Diane Keaton and you didn’t forget to mention D.K.
b/w a never ending fashion story over centuries I guess. It works for any age and occasion.
Hi Mumbai
DK really knows how to rock black and white doesn’t she? Love her style!!
Love black and white! I tried to open the link for the post on the relationship between fashion and home decor. Can you repost it? Thanks.
Hi Cindy Lou
I fixed the link thanks for the heads up! One for team black and white!
I adore black and white, always so classic and fabulous., just can’t go wrong! You look amazing in all these b and w outfits but then you would look fab in a paper sack!
Hi Gail
I love black and white too. I only look good in the right light trust me. A photo of me in bright light would send you running!!