Graphic Black White – Black and white was a huge trend this spring and summer!

Dress: J. Crew
Flats: MIA
Bow bracelet: Kate Spade
Bangles: Kate Spade
Watch: Timex
Earrings: Hive & Honey

Black and white was a huge trend this spring and summer! Luckily, for our wardrobe’s sake, it looks like it will be a constant this fall as well! I admit that when I heard someone call the black and white color combination a “trend,” I scoffed. Huffed, if you will. Black and white is classic, not trendy. However… in gluing myself to the Style.com app for stills of fashion shows, designers have done something different with a classic. A part of me hates saying that, but it’s true.

Take this Oscar de la Renta Resort look from earlier this year… the entire look is black and white. Is the model (Lindsey Wixson, btw: my fave) wearing black slacks and a white oxford? No. Her blouse and pants are white with a black crackled effect print.

Use your imagination: black slacks and a white oxford = boring. White pants and blouse with a black crackled print throughout = interesting.

Though it is likely not socially appropriate to wear a full on Oscar look (or wallet appropriate…), you can make black and white far more interesting than the word “slacks.” This oversized polka dot dress from J. Crew is just the ticket! It is loose for hot summer days, the easiest color combo ever, and the size of the dots make it less “sweet” and more fashion forward. It may be my own petite-blonde-complex, but looking “sweet” is not my game. Add some pointy toed flats that lend both comfort and cool factor. The gold-tipped toe is an eye-catching detail and the point is great for pest control. Throw on some dainty, not bulky, bangles that give just enough arm candy. Slap on your favorite watch that has a slight boyish feel… like you just came back from tennis and forgot to take your waterproof watch off, only better. Stick in some off-the-wall earrings that say, “I like simplicity, but these make me look intense. But not like the circus.”

And don’t forget to listen to Diana Ross while you get dressed. Just trust me on that one.