Fabulous in black and white
Black and white. It’s the fashion trend that’s been making headlines all spring and summer, and will continue to be big news this fall. As Lisa Tant, vice-president, fashion editor for Holt Renfrew, says, “It’s such a great, timeless look, I don’t consider it a trend. It’s all in how you style it. I consider it to be a foundation of the wardrobe. Everything goes with it. It’s such a good, good choice for any body, any age, any size.”
“Neither shade ever goes out of style,” adds Zahra Mamdani, the owner and president of Wear Else in Vancouver. “The clean, sharp contrast is classic and fresh all at once, making it a trend that stands the test of time.”
Right now, it’s all about the bold graphic statement. Think head-to-toe black or white, or mixing black pieces with white ones, or wearing black-and-white patterns in stripes, geometrics, blocks or florals.
“In warm weather there is not much that can beat the sophistication of a purely black and white outfit, whether in stripes, stars or dots topping black or white capris on bottom,” says Kate O’Brien, the coowner and buyer for Plum stores, which has a location in Calgary.
It’s also a stylish way to experiment with the bold colours that have been so fashionable the past few seasons, but without fully committing yourself to a look that can be hard to carry off.
“Black and white can be a backdrop to a shot of colour in a brightly coloured accessory, be it a shoe, a purse, scarf or even just a bold lip,” O’Brien says. “Or picture a black-and-white striped tank dress with a lightweight cobalt cardi.”
Black and white can play it safe. But it can also be edgy and provocative, with bold patterns and interesting textures that will only become more dramatic as summer segues into fall.
Right now, it’s all about graphic prints, big blocks of colour and dramatic stripes, in cotton, linen and especially jersey, because it travels so well. You’ll find it in everything from Ts to accessories to capris to jackets, but if there is one essential piece for summer, it’s the dress.
“I love black and white dresses,” Mamdani says. “Also on my list are crisp, white button-downs, skinny black pants, fresh looking white blazers and black short shorts.”
Best of all, it’s going to be easy to transition that look to fall. As Tant says, “It’s all about moving the balance. In summer, I would wear more white. In winter I would wear more black.”
For instance, all summer she’s been wearing a tailored white blazer in a creamy winter white, pairing it with light, bright colours and fabrics. Come fall, she’ll still be wearing it, but paired with black or charcoal and a great pair of studded, street-style boots.
The key is investing in seasonless foundation pieces — after all, the versatility and classic appeal of black and white make it a good choice for those high-quality pieces that you will wear again and again.
Then, as we move into fall, it’s easy to simply mix in darker pieces, change up the texture with coolweather fabrics like wool, cashmere and leather, and pile on seasonal accessories like punk-inspired boots and patent leather handbags.
Oh, and don’t forget to add some red to the mix, whether it’s a red coat, a red bag or simply a red lipstick.
“Red is everywhere. It’s such a good look,” Tant says. “What a great way to finish it off.”
O’Brien knows just what she’s talking about.
“I was sitting in the lobby of my fabric supplier ... when in walks my rep in a floaty black georgette blouse over printed graphic blackand-white skinnies with bright red slides,” she says. “It was the perfect punctuation to my thoughts on this trend.”