Black and white may be simple. But it’s also incredibly chic and sophisticated. It never goes out of style. One of the great things about black and white is that it’s super easy to mix prints together to create an outfit that is versatile and interesting. In this article we’re looking at how to mix and match your black and white prints to create beautiful black and white outfits.

Why we love black and white outfits

First, let’s look at just some of the many reasons to embrace black and white in your outfits.

Black and white print mixing | 40plusstyle.com

Moss Rose Wrap RuanaAlexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-Shirt – Misook Colorblocked Lace Longline JacketFINIZO Soft ScarfMANGO Floral Long SkirtAlice + Olivia Willa Combo Silk ShirtOpen Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop EarringsZavana Bib NecklaceCELINE Monochrome 57mm Rectangular SunglassesZimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg PantVeronica Beard Cheshire Striped Cashmere CardiganElie Tahari Ellis Colorblocked V-Neck Sleeveless JumpsuitC.Paravano Leather Slingback FlatsDr. Scholl’s Madison SneakersAimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag

You can’t get it wrong

Trust us. It’s tough to go wrong when putting together a black-and-white outfit. Go on, get everything out of your closet that is black or white, or black and white, and lay it out on your bed. You can see that everything goes with everything else.

Sylvia in a stripes shirt and black dress | 40plusstyle.com

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

See my outfit in action!

You can wear black and white outfits to suit your body type

We always talk about not following fashion slavishly but using fashion to flatter your figure and accentuate what you love. You can use either black or white to either downplay or highlight a part of your body you like.

For example, if you are a pear shape and have larger hips and thighs, you can wear black on your bottom half and white on the top to balance your silhouette. If you are an inverted triangle, do the opposite.

Sylvia mixes different stripes in her outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

You can switch them up with a pop of color

Black and white go with all of your colors. You can use black and white classic items as the basis for a capsule wardrobe, and then add different colors to create different looks.

Georgette wears a polka dot outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her polka dot outfit. Note that she uses a big print for her pants and a smaller print for her top, which is a great way to mix your prints.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants (plus size option here), coat, booties, clutch and earrings.

Black and white is timeless and sophisticated

Black and white aren’t some faddy colors that won’t be on trend the next season. So, you can be sure that your black and white clothes, shoes and accessories are a good, timeless invesment.

prints tend to be perennial

Black and white prints tend to be very timeless. Think about it. You often get houndstooth, polka dot, and striped clothes in black and white.

Sylvia wears a black dress and striped t-shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

Below, you can see how designers chose to use black and white on the spring runways. We love Victoria Beckham’s big graphic prints, and the timelessness of the polka dots and stripes.

Black and white looks on the catwalk | 40plusstyle.com

Victoria BeckhamYohji YamamotoChanel

What if black or white aren’t really our colors?

Black can look quite harsh on many older women. That’s why it often works best to combine black with its counterpart white. It immediately makes the overall look less harsh and more playful.

If you do not need some extra color close to your face, consider wearing brighter lipstick or wearing colorful earrings, (sun)glasses or a scarf.

Sylvia accessorizes with a print bag | 40plusstyle.com

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

Black and white print capsule

We hope we have inspired you to do some black-and-white print mixing. Let’s create a fabulous capsule wardrobe from items available in shops today featuring only black and white. You’ll see there are lots of ideas for print mixing.

tops

You can get this season’s big floral print trend using only black and white, choose color-blocking, opt for black-and-white stripes, or choose to be subtle with a new take on the classic white t-shirt.

Black and white tops | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-ShirtJ.Crew Vintage Contrast Trim Rib Shrunken T-shirtSplendid Whitney Striped Crop T-ShirtAlice + Olivia Willa Combo Silk Shirt

Black and white stripes really work as a neutral because they go with everything, so you can wear black and white stripes with a big, bold print.

Striped top and print pants | 40plusstyle.com

Splendid Whitney Striped Crop T-ShirtDIARRABLU Leer Suto Print Palazzo PantsC.Paravano Leather Slingback FlatsStaud Mini Moon Leather Shoulder BagAUGTIGER Stud Earrings

Black and white jackets and cardigans

Moving onto jackets and cardigans, look out for stripes, dots and square designs. Or, add a touch of glamour with black and white sequins.

Black and white coats and cardigans | 40plusstyle.com

Veronica Beard Cheshire Striped Cashmere CardiganElie Tahari The Ari Polka Dot CardiganMoss Rose Wrap RuanaWayf Kennedy Sequined Houndstooth Jacket

Sequin jacket and polka dot pants | 40plusstyle.com

Wayf Kennedy Sequined Houndstooth JacketZimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg PantLinea Paolo Violeta Halo Strap Wedge SandalBoutique De FGG Acrylic ClutchAUGTIGER Stud Earrings

black and white pants outfits

You may not consider black a color to wear in warmer months. But, when you mix it with white, then black and white palazzo and wide leg pants are perfect for vacations. We also love the minimalist look of the colorblock stripe pants by Reiss.

Black and white pants | 40plusstyle.com

Zimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg PantReiss May Colorblocked Wide-Leg PantsCinq à Sept Coastal Floral Phoebe PantsDIARRABLU Leer Suto Print Palazzo Pants

Carmen wears striped pants | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above opts for a pair of stripe pants and adds interest with her embroidered top. She keeps her sunglasses in keeping with the black and white theme and adds color with her bag and lipstick.

Check out this similar top (other options here and here), pants, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

Black and white dresses and jumpsuits

If you want to mix black and white, you can also do it super easily. Just buy dresses and jumpsuits that have already done the print-mixing for you. We love the subtle white stitching on the pocket dress by Proenza Schouler, the twist detail on the T-shirt dress, and the slimming effect that the long vertical stripes on the Misook dress and the V-neck jumpsuit create.

Black and white dresses | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Colorblocked Lace Longline JacketProenza Schouler White Label Lucy Sleeveless Tie-Waist Midi-DressTanya Taylor Chandan Striped Midi-DressElie Tahari Ellis Colorblocked V-Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit

Kim layers a top under a slip dress | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) layers her prints with a larger print under her slip dress. She adds texture with her boots and bag and keeps her coat simple so her look isn’t too ‘busy’.

Get her look with this similar top (another option here), dress (other options here and here), coat, boots, earrings and bag.

Black and white shoes

Adding a pair of black and white shoes is the perfect first step into color mixing with black and white. You can choose a pair that is color blocked like the toe cap shoes or sandals, or look for a print.

Black and white shoes | 40plusstyle.com

C.Paravano Leather Slingback FlatsAllegra K Slingback Block Heel SandalAllegra K Tweed PumpsDr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers

Dress with pockets | 40plusstyle.com

Proenza Schouler White Label Lucy Sleeveless Tie-Waist Midi-DressAllegra K Slingback Block Heel SandalBao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Tote BagOpen Edit Imitation Pearl & Crystal Pavè Collar NecklaceOpen Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop Earrings

accessories to go with your elegant black and white outfits

Have some fun with your black and white accessories by choosing different prints and big, statement jewelry.

Black and white accessories | 40plusstyle.com

Aimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket BagStaud Mini Moon Leather Shoulder BagBoutique De FGG Acrylic ClutchZavana Bib NecklaceOpen Edit Imitation Pearl & Crystal Pavè Collar NecklaceOpen Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop EarringsAUGTIGER Stud EarringsCELINE Monochrome 57mm Rectangular SunglassesL. Erickson Knotted Head WrapFINIZO Soft Scarf

Print tee and color block pants | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-ShirtCinq à Sept Coastal Floral Phoebe PantsDr. Scholl’s Madison SneakersAimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket BagZavana Bib Necklace

Your black and white outfits together in one capsule

Below you can see lots of ideas for black and white print mixing. If you feel that you have too many prints in any outfit, simply add items that are plain black or plain white into the mix.

Black and white capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Shop the best black and white outfits in stores now:

Don’t forget to tell us about your own black and white outfit ideas in the comments below!

Continue reading:

  1. How To Mix Prints And Patterns Like An Expert
  2. How To Wear Black Over 40
  3. How To Wear Polkadots This Summer – Discover The Best Polka Dot Outfits!

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How to print mix black and white outfits | 40plusstyle.com

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