Black and white as summer outfits? It’s true that these classic colors create a harmony that’s effortlessly chic and endlessly versatile, but aren’t they a strange combination for summer?
Marsha from my Ageless Style group suggested this prompt, so I wanted my crew to use it in different ways (no surprise there).
Quote of the day: “The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.” Jiddu Krishnamurti
I always enjoy giving more than one option for any styling prompt. It’s the way we get more out of our closets and pushes us out of our style ruts, right?
For our black and white summer outfits, I came up with 3 ideas.
–Black base for the outfit with white accents.
–White foundational item with black highlights.
-A mixture of black and white in a clothing item, along with color.
Let’s break down these black and white summer outfits and how you can use these ideas to inspire your warm-weather wardrobe.
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1. Lesley -Black Dress with White Accents
Lesley went with a tried-and-true formula: black as the base with white accents. This is a smart move when you’re unsure what to wear but still want to look polished and put together.
Every woman our age probably has more than one black dress in their wardrobe. It used to be the “it” dress for any occasion. Yet it can work for our casual days also.
Heck, the original crew wore our LBD for summer years and years ago.
Black has been touted for its slimming and elongating properties for ages, but that’s not the only reason you should wear it.
It can be a fabulous backdrop for the lighter colors of summer.
Lesley grabbed a knit black dress and topped it with a black and white floral loose cardigan.
Details:
-The hat. Hats are a true focal point and give you an opportunity to cover up messy hair. Not that I’m saying Lesley’s hair is messy…really!
-Print mixing in a subtle way…her shoes have a lizard print on the top.
Style Tip: If you’re starting with mostly black, add white in the form of lightweight layers or accessories—think scarves, shoes, or even jewelry. This breaks up the darkness and gives the outfit a summer-appropriate lift.
2. Charlotte- White with Black Accents
Mom went the opposite direction and chose white as her primary color, using black for contrast. This can be such a fun strategy, especially when you want to look light and summery, yet too much white can seem bridal.
This white maxi dress (with black stripes in strategic places, no less) was made by my mom years ago. Thinking about the layered black cardigan, it seems more summery due to the fluttery edges.
Insider tip: Don’t discount how details like ruffles or eyelet can create a summery vibe.
Details:
-Metallic flats are essential for both summer and winter outfits. They add a different “color” without being too in your face.
-My mom added this white tassel to her purse to give it more depth.
-Notice that my mom made both the dress and the cardigan. Both were made with matching items. The dress has a matching jacket, and the cardigan has matching pants. YET, she’s never paired these 2 items together because she usually wears things as a set. Great reminder to split up items in your closet because you will always remember they are part of a set, but you won’t think about them if they aren’t with other “cardigans” or other “dresses.”
3. Jodie -Black and White Print with Pops of Color
There are so many black and white prints that the opportunities are endless when thinking about black and white summer outfits.
The skirt had hints of pink in the pattern, which made the top feel cohesive instead of random (although random is not bad). And layering a short-sleeved sweater over a printed blouse might not be everyone’s go-to for summer, but it actually worked beautifully in the air-conditioned indoor setting we were visiting. It’s all about balancing your layers with the weather and activity.
Insider tip: A flowy skirt like this is ideal for hot temperatures because it creates air flow around your legs.
Details:
-Fishnet socks with heels? Why not? You could give every reason in the book that it cuts off my leg line, makes me look shorter, or such, but I still think it’s a fun detail.
-This necklace is originally long, so I created a lasso with the chain as shown in this video.
-Notice my print mixing with the blouse under my sweater.
-This sweater top was knitted by my mom back when she tried her hand at knitting, way before I did.
Putting It All Together: Black and White Summer Outfit Ideas
So what have we learned from our trio of black and white summer outfits? Let’s sum it up with a few key takeaways:
- Use one color as your base, and the other as an accent to control the level of contrast.
- Balance the season with fabric choices. Go for breathable, lightweight layers—even if they’re black.
- Add interest with texture and accessories. From patent leather bags to lace socks, it’s the little touches that make an outfit sing.
- Play with prints. Florals, stripes, or more in black and white are perfect for summer and act as a neutral for adding color.
- Don’t forget the power of color pops. Even a black and white outfit can have all sorts of color accents. Matching is the obvious, but adding an unexpected color can be a great focal point. My mom has proven this in the past.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dressing for brunch, a museum outing (that’s what we did), or just want to feel pulled together on a hot day, black and white summer outfits can be the ultimate style hack. They’re classic, and easy to personalize—just look at how the three of us styled them so differently!
Black and white isn’t boring—it’s a blank canvas waiting for your “touch of style”.
Ageless Style Women
Welcome to the Ageless Style group. We all have very different styles, so I hope you check out other ideas for black and white summer outfits.
We don’t all post at the same time, so make sure to check back if their post isn’t up yet.
Next month we are styling tropical prints, if anyone wants to join in.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Jennifer ~ Overflowing With Thankfulness
Blog | Instagram
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Blog
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook |
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
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