Spring may traditionally be associated with colour, but this season the catwalks delivered a more graphic proposition. Designers across the major fashion capitals made a compelling case for monochrome outfits for spring, with black and white emerging as one of the most striking and wearable trends for the months ahead. And we have to say, we’re loving the trend – simple, stylish, and we’re sure you already have black and white in your closet.
Add a third color
We love the monochrome look. But many designers chose to add a pop of color to their monochrome outfits, and we like to do the same. Red is one of our favorites to add to black and white, but other shades that would work well are emerald green or cobalt blue.
Black and white looks
Below, you’ll find our favorite black-and-white looks from stores this season, as well as a capsule showing how you could wear monochrome.
tops
Let’s start with black-and-white tops. And you can see immediately that just because it’s black and white doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Use your black and white tops to combine the monochrome trend with one of this season’s other trends, such as florals, lace, print, or embroidery.
Cinq à Sept Marceline Love Journal Print Button-Up Shirt – AllSaints Lisa Lace Panel T-Shirt – NIKKI LUND Florence 3D Flower T-Shirt – NIKKI LUND Maite Embellished Ruffle Sleeveless Shirt
Deborah @deborahgates_ opts for a stylish monochrome look for spring and summer with a checked waistcoat and maxi skirt.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top, vest (another option here), skirt, sandals, bag, and earrings.
Jackets and coats
Black and white will never date. So an investment in a black or white, or black and white jacket is always a good one. If it’s still chilly where you are, opt for a longer length wool coat. Or, if the weather is starting to warm up or you need a jacket for vacations, look at a shorter lightweight style.
J.Crew Margeaux Stretch Linen Blend Blazer – Tommy Bahama Two Palms Linen Raw Edge Jacket – Wit & Wisdom Mixed Media Jacket – Boden Pocket Detail Coat
Tommy Bahama Two Palms Linen Raw Edge Jacket – Wit & Wisdom Wyatt Skyrise Crop Wide Leg Twill Pants – Dansko Milana Sneaker – KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Mercerie Shoulder Bag – HEAVEN MAYHEM Odette Pearl Earrings – Youzey The Kimberly Lightweight Scarf
Pants and jeans
You may already have a pair of black-and-white jeans in your closet. But if you want to update them, now’s the perfect time. Print pants are another stylish choice for the new season. Flowy pants work particularly well if you have a vacation coming up.
Nordstrom The Lennox Wide Leg Trousers – Wit & Wisdom Wyatt Skyrise Crop Wide Leg Twill Pants – Milly Lettie Stripe High Waist Wide Leg Pants – DIARRABLU Jant Ben Pants
Abi @stealmystyle40 teams her black leather pants with an on-trend
Get her look with this similar blouse, pants, pumps, clutch, earrings and belt.
Dresses and skirts
Monochrome dresses and skirts bring a sense of effortless sophistication to spring dressing, proving that a single palette can make a powerful statement. Seen across the catwalks in classic black and white, these pieces rely on silhouette, texture, and movement rather than color to create impact. Choose sweater dresses if it’s chilly where you are, asymmetry to wear over your slim pants or leggings, and lighter print skirts and blouses as we head into summer. You can always add a denim or leather jacket if you need extra coverage.
Lulus Julia Polka Dot Slipdress – LOULOU DE SAISON Igari Asymmetric Pleated Cotton Knit Dress – Elie Tahari The Noemi Contrast Trim Rib Midi Dress – Loveappella Roll Top Ikat Maxi Skirt
LOULOU DE SAISON Igari Asymmetric Pleated Cotton Knit Dress – DIARRABLU Jant Ben Pants – Fly London Yudd Platform Wedge Sandals – Tory Burch Romy Suede Half Moon Shoulder Bag – BaubleBar Joan Necklace
Shoes and boots
Black and white shoes will go with your monochrome outfits, as well as anything else in your wardrobe. Some of the biggest trends this season are retro style slim sneakers and studded flats. We also love chunky sandals with our spring and summer dresses.
Fly London Yudd Platform Wedge Sandals – Naturalizer 27 Edit Carla Ballet Flats – Dansko Milana Sneaker – Söfft Sasha Water Resistant Booties
acccessories
Add black and white accessories for extra interest and texture. Or, add a pop of color with your shoes and accessories.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above wears her polka dot dress with a moto jacket and high-top sneakers. She adds red with her handbag and lipstick.
Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), jacket, sneakers, handbag and sunglasses.
KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Mercerie Shoulder Bag – AIMEE Gramercy Novelty Leather Crossbody Bag – Rachel Riley Black & Ivory Tweed Cross Body Bag – RETRO CHIC Leopard Necklace – HEAVEN MAYHEM Odette Pearl Earrings – RETRO CHIC Eyes Earrings – Youzey The Kimberly Lightweight Scarf
AllSaints Lisa Lace Panel T-Shirt – Nordstrom The Lennox Wide Leg Trousers – Naturalizer Connie Mary Jane Slingback Flats – Rachel Riley Black & Ivory Tweed Cross Body Bag – RETRO CHIC Eyes Earrings
Add a pop of colour
You can go top to toe monochrome if you want to – particularly if you add texture to your outfit. But a pop of red also works wonderfully.
Naturalizer Connie Mary Jane Slingback Flats – Tory Burch Romy Suede Half Moon Shoulder Bag – BaubleBar Joan Necklace – Satya Jewelry Strong Heart Garnet Drop Earrings
Sheree @shesheshow above adds read to her outfit with her accessories and sneakers.
Check out this similar pullover, cardigan, pants, sneakers, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.
Your monochrome outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see how to wear your monochrome looks. You can always switch around all of the tops, bottoms, jackets, and accessories to create countless outfits – so you can make black and white your spring uniform.
Continue reading:
- The spring 2026 trends to wear for the new season
- Transitional style: how to wear spring’s new trends now (even while it’s still chilly)
- How a minimal wardrobe need not be boring
Like this article on monochrome outfits for spring? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Deborah @deborahgates_
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!