The Lazy Girl’s Way to Wear a Monochromatic Fit
For their 2022 resort collection, Chanel sought inspiration from the ultra minimalistic’s color palette: deep black and bright white. While a few blips of color snuck in, the cruise collection was awash with practically nothing but varying iterations of stark white with strong black, proving just how versatile a collection could be with the use of only two solitary colors.
Black and white (when styled right) just might be the ultimate color selection to keep you cool in summer while still looking fashionably elegant. Below, see how I styled two light and breezy white dresses with black accessories as well as a white blouse with ultra-flared black trousers. Whether you’re spending a day in the office, are headed to the beach after a bit of shopping, or need something fresh for a long overdue dinner date these outfit ideas are sure to offer some inspiration.
Midi White Polka Dot Dress + Black Accessories
If you’re looking for an easy outfit idea for summer, why not try a snow-white midi dress with bold black accessories. The addition of powerful black accessories such as a prominent black pocketbook, oversized black-framed sunglasses, or strappy heeled sandals offer a bit of dominance to a fairytale-like dress while still keeping the color palette crisp and clean.
This particular dress has the added bonus of a subtle large polka dot print that offers some playful whimsy to an otherwise proper frock. A light dress (both in weight and color) keeps you cool even on the hottest of days as the sun is reflected off the white and the fabric is flowy and airy.
This ethereal and romantic outfit is the perfect solution for date night on a hot summer evening (just steer clear of the tomato sauce 🍝) or for a late night stroll on the beach.
For another black and white look with this dress check out my Hottest Chunky White Vegan Boots of the Season post.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
HEELED SANDALS | Bershka (similar by Cult of Coquette)
PURSE | Baggu (shop similar here)
White Mini Dress + Black Accessories
Next is a look that can go from the office (with the addition of a black cardigan or blazer to ward off the bone-chilling AC) to the beach (just swap the loafers for sandals or flip flops). This tiered lacy dress is a dream for the dog days of summer and is equally practical worn over your swimsuit after a dip in the pool or ocean as it is styled like a tunic and worn with black skinny-legged pants or jeans.
As I mentioned in my How to Dress Girly, Sporty & Grungy with Vegan Accessories post, accessories can make a look. One accessories trend that has been hot and then not is brooches. I’m happy to report they’re still a popular choice for this season and I love to add them to my blazer and jacket lapels for a bit of color and/or sparkle although I prefer to wear them in more unconventional ways.
Here I’ve taken an oversized butterfly brooch (that would overwhelm this dress if I wore it as a pin) so instead, I’ve attached it to a chain and wore it as a necklace. This simplistic outfit would feel sparse without it so it was just the piece to round out the look.
Pins are such fun jewelry pieces that can be worn as they were intended (as a brooch) or (in my opinion in a more interesting way) as a necklace or even incorporated into your hairstyle. Their versatility and conversation-starting charm make them a strong jewelry contender for your next Zoom meeting. See if you can spot this same brooch (this time actually worn as a pin) in my 3 Fashionable Ways to Style the Timeless Trench Coat blog.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
BLACK LOAFERS | By Blanch (similar by Matt & Nat)
PURSE | Baggu (shop similar here)
White Button-Up Blouse + Black Flare-Leg Corduroy Trousers
The final outfit idea relies on black and white color blocking to bring you a strong work-appropriate style but don’t let the plainness of this blouse and trousers look fool you. For such a simplistic style as this, rather than a normal white button-up, select a blouse with a little unique design detailing (such as one that has rhinestone embellishments and a band collar) and instead of your typical black trousers, pair your shirt with jet black Manchester cord pants with an exaggerated ’70s style flare.
With a pared-down color palette I find it’s important to play around with things such as silhouette, styling, and texture. This look offers texture from the ribbed roughness of the corduroy pants, to the silky smooth crispness of the cotton shirt, and with the reflective sparkle of the rhinestones. A fitted blouse with a band collar and pants that start off form-fitting but culminate in a pool of fabric exhibit an eye-catching silhouette. These features add dimension and a tactile element to an outfit that appears at first glance to be somewhat pedestrian.
Another subtle trick to change up the styling of a button-down blouse and pants is by altering how you wear the shirt, whether that’s untucked, with a half (or French) tuck, or fully tucked into your trousers. Each style gives a different feel and it will depend on the look you’re going for as to which you decide. Personally, I’m a fan of the French tuck as it adds personality and character to the outfit and feels the most unexpected.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SOCK BOOTS | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
Final Thoughts
Despite such a minimalistic color palette, the options are endless for how to style black with white and you can rest easy knowing these tones will be a fashionable choice indefinitely. As always, I hope this blog ignited your creative juices and inspired you to shop your closet for your next look.
Looking for more summer styling inspiration? Check out my other posts on How to Style Green Clothing for Summer; Summer Shorts Styles Here to Stay; Timeless Skirt Lengths for Summer; Track Jacket Summer Style Ideas; Trending Dress Styles for Summer; Dad Shirt Style Tips; How to Wear Pink for Summer; and Easy Summer Vacation Outfits.
Enjoyed what you read? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you’ll be the first to know about all the juicy developments in vegan fashion, learn about all the latest style trends, and much more.
Related Posts:
- Yes, You Can Wear Blue With Brown | See How Easily
- Orange + Grey | How to Wear the Hottest Street Style Color Trend
- Hot New Color Combos to Wear With Army Green | How to Guide
- Do It Like the French | How to Master Monochromatic Outfits
- Dopamine Dressing | Eclectic Color Combos to Uplift Your Mood
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛
Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.