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“Being glamorous is about strength and confidence. It’s black and white – dramatic. You have to be strong.” – Catherine Zeta-Jones
I am drawn to clothing which communicates strength, so perhaps this is why so many women are wearing black and white. Though the actress was not being literal in her quote, black and white makes a chic, dramatic statement of strength. It is on trend no matter the season, and a safe bet the combination will always look good.
Last week was another Fashion Week in San Antonio, my hometown, with four days of fashion shows. I only made two of those days, but was intrigued to see black and white, the midlife woman’s clothing of choice, for these events. One of the Project Runway designers sent beautiful black and white designs down the runway. So, no worries, it works at any occasion.
Begin with these basics to build great outfits this summer:
- A white jacket – Goes with anything! Make sure it is a proper, form fitting jacket which can go from casual denim to career pencil skirts. Remember, old rules about white are dead. You can wear this piece all year!
- White denim, leggings, and pants – Yes, I own all three and wear them all. Beautiful with tunics, jackets, and blouses of all colors. Wearing white pants with black on top just takes an outfit up a notch.
- Black solid tunic – Of course, to go with the white leggings or denim. Such a chic look which will go anywhere. Add a statement necklace for fun.
- The Little White Dress – as important as the LBD. Wear to work with a black jacket and take the jacket off later the same day for a dinner date.
- A bold black and white print top to wear over black pants, black denim, or black skirts.
Of course, red accessories look wonderful with black and white, especially in a handbag, shoes, or necklace.
These choices are safe for any woman, any age, any size plus becoming increasingly popular with midlife. I bet you can fashion these outfits from selections currently in your closet or add any of these pieces for reasonable prices.
So, what do you think…are you also a fan?
Have a wonderful summer week, everyone! And thank you for stopping by the Joy Boutique.
Terri
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
Hi Pamela,
Great suggestions! I packed mostly, well - actually, all black and white for a writers/bloggers conference I attended last weekend in Baltimore. Those were the colors I felt most comfortable in, and it made packing a breeze. I got so many compliments on my outfits. I need to do better with pops of color and accessories. I really enjoy your blog "over50,feeling40." I hope you have a great day.
Jennifer
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
Black and white are perennial favorites of mine. Alway chic and stylish. The older I get more sure I am that you can't go wrong with black. I love to add pink to the combo to shake it up a bit too.
Anne Parris
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
I packed mostly black and white for events I went to last week. It was a big move outside my comfort zone to wear white jeans, but I think I looked pretty sharp!
1010ParkPlace.com
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
Black and white is a classic, stunning combination. About the white pants... Unless we're fit and thin, we might want to think twice about tight, white pants and leggings. They show every lump and bump and are unforgiving. XOXOX, Brenda
Karen
Wednesday 10th of June 2015
This is so true!! Same with pockets on dressier white pants. White bottoms require long hard looks from every angle in the dressing room. Very unforgiving!
Leanne@crestingthehill
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
I'm not really a black and white girl, but I do love it on other women. I tend to wear white with other colours an the same with black rather than putting the two together exclusively. What I love about fashion is that it is so individual.