how to style a black and white outfit
if you’re wondering how to style a black and white outfit that’s perfect for a hot summer day, you’re in luck. it’s back to the basics today as we take another look at the timeless and sophisticated color palette of black and white. monday, i styled slim-fit pants with a striped shell and pops of red. if you missed that post, read it here. there’s something so cool, clean, and crisp about white, especially in summer, that it just begs to be worn. so here i am again with a pair of linen high-rise white pants from Ralph Lauren that are lined. whether you like a slim fit or loose fit, white pants are a wardrobe staple most women have in their closets. why? the styling options are endless, which makes putting an outfit together on your own oh so simple and easy.
it’s been a minute since i shared a date night outfit. many of us are out and about again and feel like dressing up. beach or resort vacations are on the rise too. isn’t it marvelous?! and, no, i don’t have a date as in “are you dating?” but i do have dates with girlfriends and family, and i’m venturing out on my own as well. the easiest way to dine solo is simply to sit at the bar. bartenders are always friendly and chatty and if you feel like striking up a conversation with those sitting next to you, go right ahead. the bar is a very relaxed environment, especially at well-heeled establishments. mr. style, and i loved to sit at the bar for dinner or planned on having one cocktail at the bar before seated at our table. so it was a no-brainer for me to incorporate dining at the bar into my single life. it’s an easy way to enjoy your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant.
how to style a black and white outfit
what is easier to style than a black and white outfit? you simply can’t go wrong with this color combo! these soft, lightweight linen pants are a dream to wear. the fit is loose, which is perfect for the dog days of summer on the horizon. the one-shoulder top is made from matte jersey that is fully lined with a shelf bra. many of you ask what bra to wear with one shoulder or halter tops. that’s when a strapless bra comes in handy. and my favorite is the red carpet strapless bra from Wacoal. it’s going on sale soon at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. if a one-shoulder top isn’t your thing, there are many options to choose from, like a boatneck tee, ruffle trim button-up, linen-blend top, or a slim-fit elbow tee.
a strappy sandal (old, similar here and here) elevates your outfit, adding chic sophistication. but don’t think you have to wear a stiletto. there are a variety of heel shapes these days. a block heel gives support and comfort, so start there. i also sing the praises of a wedge heel and love to wear them as it gives height along with support. a lawn wedding or garden party requires a substantial heel like the wedge, so i always have one or two on hand. scarves are a versatile accessory that most women have stashed in their closets. while a scarf (old, similar here and here) around your neck might be too hot to wear this time of year, try tying one around your waist or handbag.
shop black tops
white pants: Ralph Lauren // black tee: Ralph Lauren // sandals: Nine West (old, similar here and here) // scarf: Ralph Lauren (old, similar here and here) // handbag: Talbots (old, similar here) // earrings: Lana // watch strap: Lagos // beaded bangle: Lagos
white pants: Ralph Lauren // black tee: Ralph Lauren // sandals: Nine West (old, similar here and here) // scarf: Ralph Lauren (old, similar here and here) // handbag: Talbots (old, similar here) // earrings: Lana // watch strap: Lagos // beaded bangle: Lagos
happy Wednesday, ladies. time to put a smile on someone’s face including yours.
Wow you like stoning!!!!
I know that you are not interesting
but you probably will gwet a date with that outfit.
You look amazing!!!
Love Lauren
what a lovely compliment. thank you!
You are proof that you can look amazing at any age. I know you work hard to look this great, my caps off to you. Move over 34 year olds. Beth will show you how it’s done, 🙂
You look awesome! Love this on you.
Always enjoy your posts. 🙂
You look ‘Marvelous’ as Billy Crystal would say on Saturday Night Live!!😃 Really like how you wore your scarf❤️
You look fabulous in your black and white. Recently I purchased a pair of slacks that I did not have a belt nor could I found one that looked just right. Thus, I used a scarf as a belt. Thought it looked pretty good. Now I know I’m right in style with Beth who I so admire!
Gorgeous look Beth you look amazing! Loved what you said about sitting at the bar; my husband does not drink so when l am in a bar by myself and l feel like a cocktail and want to be part of the room that is where l sit so l can people watch.
This looks lovely on you, Beth. No, it’s smashing!
Just HAD to pop in and tell you how much I LOOOOVE you in this outfit. One of your summer best.
You look fabulous in that sophisticated outfit. It is truly a date magnet.
Julie
Great post, lots of options. Love that. You look so nice with the off the shoulder top. I like the strappy sandals too! Black and white seems so simple, but I am challenged in putting things together and learned that with what I have, I can easily put this look together! Thanks Beth! Very timely since we’re leaving on vacation on Sunday. Yay!
Beth, you look so classy and sexy in that outfit. Your hair looked stunning too. You really know how to put things together.
This has to be one of my all time favorite outfits on you. It looks soooo good. And it speaks to me.
As always love your look.
I am a long term customer of Ralph Lauren. It would be interesting to me to learn of the different lines that Ralph Lauren has. Where does Lauren Ralph Lauren fit in with Ralph Lauren Collection and Polo Ralph Lauren. Is Chaps Ralph Lauren? Do they still do a purple line?
Again, thanks for elevating my life.
Beth, I love your can do attitude about life. I know losing Mr. Style had to be a huge blow, but you have chosen to live life as he would have wanted you to. You look great.
Hubba Hubba! You look quite sharp and sexy and also, somehow, comfy in this outfit, Beth.
I enjoy dining alone at the bar or with a friend or s/o, the service is quick, there are so many distractions pre-and post-meal that you need never pick up your phone, and the bartenders are attentive but not obtrusive.
I hope you have a lovely July. I’m hitting Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort for RWA’s writing retreat. I’ve been in this hotel/resort many times but never stayed there so this will be an (expensive) adventure!
Did you ever complete the GRW M&M workshop form, or do you just want to attend? We’re planning a fantastic writers conference, in my opinion, but then I am the co-chair! 😀
Have a great week. This tropical storm has cooled things off in Charleston. There’s always a silver lining.
Very chic Beth!! I have the same RL silk scarf and just wore it the same way with white pants! Love black and white!!
Beth you look fabulous in this outfit! The scarf at the waist is providing added interest and the one shoulder top is so chic! You are an inspiration!
Beth you look absolutely stunning in the off shoulder black and white outfit! Love this look for use more seasoned ladies!🖤🤍
I love the look of this black and white outfit! So classy! I was off to Macy’s to buy these slacks, I remembered a pair I have that were similar! They are Ruby Rd, just about the same white linen lined pant! I have a sleeveless Anne Klein blouse and a black and white floral Calvin Klein scarf! I am wearing this to a murder mystery dinner this week with a group of ladies! Thank you for your tips, I really enjoy your blog and all the style you share! All the best, Beth!
Absolutely FREAKING gorgeous!! I love a black and white outfit, and it’s brilliant that you’re showing off your gorgeous arms and shoulders in that stunner of a top!
Hugs
Suzy x