3 Ways to Rock Black & White Over 50

If there’s a more classic color combination than black and white, I don’t know it. Navy with white comes in at a close second for spring and summer, but black and white is a year-round favorite. I’m back with Cindy for our Over 50 Fashion Edit. This time I’m sharing 3 ways to wear black and white over 50.

The sheer volume of outfits I’ve photographed over the last few years is a testament to how much I love this combination. I have linked to the things I can, but there are many that are long gone from the stores.

 

 

Many women over 50 find that black is suddenly too harsh against their aging complexion. It has never been very flattering with my own low-contrast coloring, but that hasn’t stopped me from loving it. I’ve always felt stylish and confident wearing black and white, which appeals to me for its simplicity, clean look, and, yes, stark contrast.

 

Black and White in a Pattern

 

 

I gravitate to white with black stripes. The narrower the stripe, the more it resembles gray, which is gentler against my complexion.  Patterns with black and white are a softer way to wear black because pattern and texture lessen the look of texture (lines) on our face.

 

 

A black and white plaid, or houndstooth pant, similar here, here, and here, is available year-round in varying fabrics and weights. I love mine with a black sweater or crisp white shirt, but it’s also the perfect neutral to coordinate with colors.

 

 

As An Accent

An all-white outfit is easily punctuated with touches of black and vice versa.

Here I chose accessories in soft tan and gold and used black as a larger accent. Black makes a nice punctuation mark over any column of color, but over white, it’s especially fresh-looking.

 

In this outfit, I also added touches of black with my sunglasses, necklace, bracelet, and the pattern in my boots to keep the eye moving. Black boots would have looked too heavy, and I don’t own white boots.

 

 

With Denim

Denim of all washes goes nicely with black and white. I think of denim as a neutral so the combination of three neutrals is an easy combo.

This black and white buffalo plaid duster feels very “grayed” to me which called for a soft gray tote bag and silver accessories.

 

 

I also like to combine black denim with white denim for a twist on the Canadian tuxedo. Black jeans are my go-to all winter but I like them equally well in the warmer weather with sandals, a denim jacket, and a striped tee.

 

I try to avoid that waitress-look of a white shirt and black pants but inevitably… that’s what I wear because I love crisp white shirts. This outfit narrowly avoided the waitstaff look, but only slightly by wearing a long white shirtdress, similar here, here, and here… open like a duster. It has a definite lab coat vibe which, surprisingly, doesn’t bother me in the least.

Bonus- it also looks great with a pop of color

If black still feels too intense for you, try styling it with a pop of color. The lack of images of me doing that lets me know I need to try it more often.

 

As I look through my wardrobe, my most collectible pieces are in black or white, which I find the most timeless and chic.

Now let’s go see what Cindy has to say about wearing black and white Cindy Hattersley Design .  Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.