Happy Thursday! Today I have a classic Black and White Summer Outfit. One of my favorite things about black or white separates is that there are endless ways to pair them with everything in my closet. Not only do they pair well with colors, patterns and prints, but they’re great for creating a monochromatic outfit too. When you pair black and white together, you’re creating an effortlessly chic and sophisticated look.
Today, Kelly shares a classic black and white summer outfit
The outfit is shoppable via text and image widgets
Find more ways to style a white pencil skirt at the end of the post
You can flip this around and wear a black skirt and white top, but to me, a white skirt feels more summery than black. There are many, many skirt styles to choose from, I particularly like the sophistication of a pencil skirt. This is the No.3 Pencil Skirt from J.Crew. I have been a fan of J.Crew’s No. 2 Pencil skirt which hits just above the knee; the difference with the No.3 Pencil Skirt is that it falls just below the knee – a sophisticated and flattering length that works for everyone.
No.3 Pencil Skirt | Ribbed Boatneck Tee | Snake Print Heeled Sandals (limited stock, final sale) | Alternate Snake Print Heels | Similar Paper Straw Handbag | Similar Raffia Clutch | Woven Leather Belt
The No.3 Pencil Skirt comes in petite sizes, I am wearing Petite 0. It fits true to size. The bi-stretch cotton has a nice amount of stretch so it doesn't feel constrictive, but it won’t stretch out during a full day of wear. It also comes in three other colors: Navy Blue, Royal Blue, and Black. A pencil skirt is such a timeless silhouette, and it’s perfect year-round.
Featuring a high waist and longer hemline, the No.3 Pencil Skirt has a lengthening effect, creating a long and lean silhouette that is universally flattering and timeless.
No.3 Pencil Skirt | Ribbed Boatneck Tee | Snake Print Heeled Sandals (limited stock, final sale) | Alternate Snake Print Heels | Similar Paper Straw Handbag | Similar Raffia Clutch | Woven Leather Belt
Another wardrobe staple I keep reaching for this summer is the Ribbed Boatneck Tee also from J.Crew. Boatneck is such a flattering neckline, and just like the pencil skirt, it feels timeless. This is a lightweight top, perfect for summer but also perfect for wearing under a blazer year round. Consider it an elevated tee shirt, it’s a go-to tee worth buying in multiple colors.
Adding a little texture to a simple outfit is easy with an accessory like a belt. I went with a Woven Leather Belt from Madewell. The ecru color of the belt is just different enough from the white of my skirt to give a little visual interest and the texture of the woven leather emphasizes this visual difference.
No.3 Pencil Skirt | Ribbed Boatneck Tee | Snake Print Heeled Sandals (limited stock, final sale) | Alternate Snake Print Heels | Similar Paper Straw Handbag | Similar Raffia Clutch | Woven Leather Belt
When you’re wearing a classic black and white outfit, you can have some fun with your footwear. You can go a lot of ways with this outfit. I decided to play with the black and white color palette and I went with these Snake Print Heeled Sandals. This pair have a khaki tone to them that adds a little visual difference that ties into the ecru color of my belt.
No.3 Pencil Skirt | Ribbed Boatneck Tee | Snake Print Heeled Sandals (limited stock, final sale) | Alternate Snake Print Heels | Similar Paper Straw Handbag | Similar Raffia Clutch | Woven Leather Belt
If you’re stumped about what to wear, start with a classic Black and White Summer Outfit. You’ll have so many opportunities to get creative with your accessories; go with a pop of color, or play with pattern and texture. It’s a really fun palette to start with to try out new or interesting ideas with what you have in your closet.
Yesterday, Beth shared the best summer sandals. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
is our 40s+ fashion & food contributor. She posts a Daily Look on Tuesdays, writes about Fashion on Thursdays, joins Beth for Fridays with Oscar and shares a new recipe Sunday evenings.
She’s 47, 5’0, and a petite 0/XS.
Kelly also has a food blog called Djalali Cooks, which you can find by clicking the world icon below.
Polished, sophisticated and dare I say , a little bit sexy . You are exuding confidence and shining through the camera lens . This outfit deserves a “date night” outing.
Thanks so much, Denise! xo Kelly
Kelly, You look fabulous! Great
black and white outfit.
Thank you, Judy! xo Kelly
So very chic! You look great!
Thanks so much, Charlotte! xo Kelly
LOVE this outfit. You look incredible. I have a white skirt in my closet that I’ve not work in ages, and you’ve inspired me to pull it out next week once I’m back in the office.
Thank you, Lindsey! I am so glad to inspire you to pull out that white skirt – I bet you’ll look fantastic!! xo Kelly
Kelly, the black top and white pencil skirt look great on you and I’m sure you’ll look good wearing the pieces separately.
The pencil skirt is great on Kelly!!! The top is fantastic too. Not a fan of the neckline though. Belt looks great on her body type. The shoes too!!!
Cindi Jones😊👍
Thanks for stopping by, Cindi! xo Kelly
Thank you, Rhonda, gotta love the versatility of neutral separates! xo Kelly
K
Wow, this looks fantastic on you Kelly!!
Thank you so much, Cheryl! xo Kelly