Dressing in black and white clothing is a style choice that has been around for centuries. The combination of these two contrasting colors creates a bold, visually striking look. There are a few common terms used to describe the black and white aesthetic in fashion.
Monochrome
One of the most widely used terms is “monochrome.” A monochrome outfit features different shades of a single color, most commonly black or white. This style gained major popularity in the 1920s and 1930s and experienced a revival in the 1960s. The mod style of the 1960s relied heavily on monochrome black and white ensembles.
Some key features of the monochrome look include:
- Only black and white garments are worn.
- Different textures like leather, suede, cotton, linen can add visual interest.
- Creative pairings like a white tee with a black leather skirt create an edgy vibe.
- High contrast is key to make the tones pop.
Monochrome dressing is a timeless approach to using black and white in fashion.
Black and White
Another common description is simply “black and white.” This term can be used synonymously with monochrome, but black and white ensembles don’t necessarily have to include multiple shades of each color. The look may focus on high contrast pairings like a crisp white button-down with black trousers.
Some signature black and white looks include:
- The tuxedo or pantsuit – A black blazer and pants are worn with a white dress shirt.
- The Little Black Dress (LBD) – A black dress is paired with white accessories.
- Black and white gingham or houndstooth prints.
- Crisp white button-down with black jeans or trousers.
The versatility and elegance of black and white makes it a go-to pairing in fashion.
Panda Style
In Japanese and Harajuku fashion subcultures, the black and white look is known as “panda style.” This playful term refers to outfits that mimic the distinctive coloring of a panda bear.
Panda style features include:
- Solid black pants, skirt or dress with a white top.
- Black hoodie or cardigan paired with a white ruffled skirt.
- White socks and black shoes.
- Panda shaped bags or backpacks.
- Black and white panda makeup around the eyes.
The panda motif injects whimsical character into the black and white ensemble. This look is a favorite of visual kei, mori kei, and decora style devotees.
Cruella de Vil Style
The extravagant villain Cruella de Vil from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians epitomizes over-the-top black and white style. Her striking two-toned hair and contrasting ensembles have become iconic.
Elements of Cruella style include:
- Two-toned black and white hair.
- Long black gloves paired with a white dress.
- Black and white polka dot patterns.
- Exaggerated silhouettes like full-skirted dresses.
- Fur coats used as bold accessories.
- Red lipstick for a pop of color.
Cruella de Vil gives a bold, theatrical spin to black and white dressing with her high fashion villainous flair.
Black and White Ball Style
The black and white ball is a themed event where guests dress entirely in monochrome looks. Truman Capote’s famous 1966 Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York City established many of the style traditions around these events.
Black and white ball style includes:
- Floor-length black and white ballgowns for women.
- White ties and tails or tuxedos for men.
- Long white gloves for women.
- Pearls and diamonds as elegant jewelry choices.
- Hair ornamentation like flowers or headbands.
- Masquerade-style black and white masks.
Channeling the glamour of past high society events, the black and white ball look is both refined and striking.
Black and White Photography Style
The unique aesthetic of black and white photography has also inspired fashion choices. Black and white photography requires thoughtful use of light, shade, textures and contrast to create dramatic impact.
Fashion inspired by black and white photography may include:
- Mixing glossy and matte fabrics.
- Patterns like polka dots, stripes, and graphic prints.
- Creative plays of light and shadow.
- Emphasis on silhouette and shape.
- Strong geometric patterns.
- Retro styling like 1940s or 1950s inspired looks.
The imagery of classic black and white photography provides endless inspiration for modern black and white style.
Black Tie/White Tie
Black tie and white tie are traditional Western dress codes for formal evening events. Each has specific guidelines for stylish black and white attire.
Black Tie Dress Code:
- Dark tuxedo jacket with silk lapels.
- Black trousers with satin trim.
- White dress shirt with vertical pleats and cufflinks.
- Black bow tie.
- Black patent leather dress shoes.
White Tie Dress Code:
- White tie, waistcoat and tails coat for men.
- White evening gown for women.
- White gloves that reach above the elbow.
- White leather slipper-style shoes for men.
- Diamond and pearl jewelry accessories.
Following black tie and white tie guidelines allows one to achieve a polished, ritzy atmosphere.
Zebra Stripes
The eye-catching black and white stripes of a zebra have inspired bold fashion looks. Zebra striped accents lend a wild, exotic vibe.
Zebra print style may include:
- Zebra striped dresses, tops or leggings.
- Mixing zebra stripes with solid black or white pieces.
- Small zebra striped accessories like belts or shoes.
- Black and white zebra striped sunglasses.
- Zebra striped nail art or makeup.
Zebra stripes bring a vibrant, animal print edge to black and white style.
Dalmatian Spots
Like zebra stripes, the black spotted coat of the Dalmatian dog has become iconic. Incorporating black and white polka dots and spots adds playful personality to an outfit.
Ways to work dalmatian spots into your look:
- Black and white polka dot patterns on dresses, trousers, or coats.
- Black spotted accessories like bags, shoes, or jewelry.
- White top with black polka dot skirt.
- Dalmatian style fur coat.
- Spotted nail art or makeup accents.
Dalmatian spots put a fun twist on black and white attire.
Yin and Yang
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin and yang expresses the harmony between contrasting forces. Fashion can also find balance by artfully combining black and white.
Elements of a yin and yang inspired look:
- Mixing soft, flowing white fabrics with solid black pieces.
- Balancing asymmetry with one black and one white sleeve or leg.
- Creating visual harmony through proportion and cut.
- Letting one color stand out while the other plays a supporting role.
- Incorporating circular yin yang symbols or shapes.
Achieving a yin and yang aesthetic brings thoughtfulness and deeper meaning to black and white style.
Surrealist Black and White
The Surrealist art movement used unexpected juxtapositions and dream symbolism to create jarring, thought-provoking works. Surrealism has had an equally revolutionary impact on fashion.
Surrealist style employs black and white in innovative ways:
- Illusion dresses that give the effect of being two-toned.
- Mixing incongruous shapes like black and white polka dots with stripes.
- Thigh-high black and white stripe socks with black pumps.
- Black lace overlays on a white dress.
- Highly exaggerated black and white makeup.
Surrealist black and white dressing creates a feeling of surprise and subversion of tradition.
Optical Black and White
Graphic optical illusions have formed a crucial part of art and design in the 20th century. Optical black and white patterns also lend themselves beautifully to fashion.
Signature optical black and white looks may feature:
- Op Art inspired prints with geometric illusions.
- Bold black and white diagonals, zigzags and concentric circles.
- Black and white horizontal or vertical stripes.
- Checkerboard patterns on dresses, tops or accessories.
- High contrast color blocking.
- Kinetic patterns that seem to move.
Optical black and white clothing causes the eye to linger and actively engage with the lines, shapes and contrasts.
Elegant Minimalism
Black and white are the ultimate minimalist palette. Eliminating color distractions highlights elegant textures, tailoring and design.
Minimalist style focuses on:
- Clean, unembellished silhouettes.
- Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, silk and linen.
- A limited mix of basic pieces.
- Attention to cut and fit.
- Visual balance and proportion.
- Simplicity and negative space.
The simplicity of black and white minimalism allows quality and craftsmanship to shine.
Gothic Black and White
Gothic fashion uses black and white to create a brooding, macabre aesthetic. Dark romanticism meets punk rebellion in this moody style.
Goth black and white elements include:
- Solid black dresses, trousers, or skirts mixed with a white blouse.
- White foundation paired with black lipstick and nail polish.
- Silver jewelry accents like pentacles, ankhs and crucifixes.
- Black and white checkerboard details.
- Black crosses, chains and harness straps layered over white shirts.
- Black lace overlays, gloves or tights.
- White or silver hair to contrast black clothing and makeup.
The Gothic approach to black and white aims to unsettle, seduce and intrigue.
Harlequin Style
Harlequins were colorful clown figures from Italian commedia dell’arte. Today, the black and white diamond harlequin pattern carries a playful, theatrical vibe.
Harlequin inspired style may feature:
- Black and white diamond patterns on dresses, stockings or coats.
- Mixing harlequin prints with solid black or white pieces.
- Harlequin style makeup with black diamonds around the eyes or over the brows.
- Black spade shapes on a white background.
- Jester hats in black and white diamond patterned fabric.
- Theatrical silhouettes like full circle skirts.
Harlequin style captures a sense of fantasy and performance art.
Classic Black and White
Some black and white looks have become so iconic that they will never go out of style. These classic pairings have withstood the test of time.
| Look | Description |
|---|---|
| The Little Black Dress | A simple, elegant black dress that can be dressed up or down. |
| Tuxedo suit | A black jacket and pants paired with a crisp white shirt. |
| Brenda and Kelly | Channel 90210 with a black top and white skirt combo. |
| Black and white stripes | Classic stripes that bring graphic impact. |
| Black motorcycle jacket | Tough black leather or denim jacket over a white tee. |
These iconic black and white looks will never fade from prominence in fashion history.
Creative Black and White Pairings
Half the fun of black and white dressing is finding creative new ways to pair these elemental colors.
| Top | Bottom |
|---|---|
| White button-down shirt | Black maxi skirt |
| Black blazer | White wide leg pants |
| White off the shoulder sweater | Black leather leggings |
| Striped black and white tee | Black denim shorts |
| White lace crop top | High waisted black trousers |
Don’t be afraid to get creative and even unexpected with how you match black and white items. Celebrate your personal style.
Conclusion
Black and white’s visual magnetism has made it the premier palette for bold self-expression. The range of styles embodied in black and white fashion is astounding. From the elegance of black tie and white tie to the brashness of zebra stripes, black and white dressing allows you to put your unique spin on timeless contrast. Whether you take inspiration from past icons like Audrey Hepburn and Cruella de Vil or modern subcultures like Harajuku, black and white is the perfect blank canvas for your creative vision. So embrace the dark side with inky noir looks, go for celestial purity in angelic white, or playfully mix and match black and white with abandon. Above all, have fun experimenting with different shades, textures and pairings. Black and white style is eternally evocative.
