Graphic Black & White

WHY WE LOVE IT

In a complicated world, there’s something reassuring about clean, simple black-and-white, especially when it’s organized into logical stripes, grids, and figure-flattering vertical planes. The look is modern, cool, and assertive—but never in your face—and smacks of self-possession.

HOW TO WEAR IT
Introducing another color would lessen the impact. So if your neckline begs for ornamentation, choose a statement piece in, yes, black or white, as Oscar de la Renta did with a gown. Shoes can be black, white, or a mix of the two, and makeup should do nothing more than highlight your brows and bone structure (contour away!).

Photos: (left to right) Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta, Sportmax

Cotton, canvas and leather, $160; katespade.com for stores.

Silk, $595; 650-947-7463.

Suede, $395; stuartweitzman.com for stores.

Polyester-spandex, $88 BUY IT

Silk, $70 BUY IT

Polyester-elastane, $386; 866-434-3169.

Viscose-cotton, $495; m-missoni.com for stores.