Laws of Couture: Back to Basics: Black and White Fashion

Life's complicated, but wearing the current fashion trends doesn't have to be. Get back to basics with black and white fashion- there are no shades of grey with this trend.
Mod fashion seems to be all the rage right now and black and white pairings are no exception These contrasting colors are the Ying and Yang to each other and cooling counterparts to all of Spring's other vibrant colors. I believe their classic popularity stems from what each color represents to the woman who's wearing them. Black symbolizes elegance and power, while white suggests purity and simplicity.

    Between jailbird stripes, checkerboard squares and tuxedo-like ensembles, black-and-white pairings are an 'It' look for Spring. Designer Marc Jacobs went gaga for black and white in his Spring collections—showing a psychedelic take on stripes for his eponymous label and mating checks with bigger checks in designs for Louis Vuitton.
     Many women already have closets full of black and white clothes. But now something so classic is suddenly becoming so cutting-edge. The black-and-white trend, however, isn't as simple as it sounds. For many women, it presents a style conundrum: How does one make a white blouse with black pants look fresh?
Well you're in luck because the new black and white has a twist. Tuxedo-like pairings of black pants and white shirts have an instant edge when topped off with a black-and-white accessory, such as a white belt, a black-and-white handbag or saddle-inspired shoes. White accessories can also add an unexpected element to an all-black outfit.
     It is fine to add a splash of rich color to these neutral pairings, such as yellow or royal blue, but keep it focused on one area of your body so that it looks intentional. The most in-vogue way to accomplish this look is to invest in some graphic prints—stripes, checks, houndstooth prints and other geometric patterns—that are coming out in shirts, slacks, skirts and even shoes and handbags.
     Black and white are two colors that will go together no matter what so don't be afraid to play with the silhouette and get back to basics with this trend.