Bold & Basic!

I am a HUGE fan of basic black & white combos & it turns out I’m not the only one!

It doesn’t get any more basic than black and white, but as so many spring runways demonstrate, these contrasting neutrals are anything but boring this season. Statement-making black and white prints–think: graphic grids and standout stripes–offer a modern way to wear the season’s mod looks and work just as well in real life as they do on the runways. Best of all, this is a trend you can try right now; just look to style stars like Chloe Moretz and Anja Rubik to see how it’s done.

On The Runway
Marc Jacobs mined the ’60s for his S/S 13 collection, which was rife with black and white numbers that channeled Edie Sedgwick. With its fluid silhouette and vivid, psychedelic stripes, the designer’s Black and Ivory Jersey Striped Dress ($2200, 212.343.149) plays tricks on the eyes–in the best possible way.

WHO: Hailee Steinfeld, actress
WHAT: Celebrating her sixteenth birthday in December.
WEAR: Louis Vuitton Silk Blend Romper (price upon request, 866.VUITTON) and Cosmetic Pouch ($415, 866.VUITTON) in Carmine.
WHY: Black and white checkerboard detailing lends a modern look to an understated silhouette.

WHO: Anja Rubik, model
WHAT: Leaving her hotel in Warsaw, Poland, a few weeks ago.
WEAR: BLK DNM jacket; Balmain PHarlequin-Print Motocross-Style Skinny Jeans ($1622); vintage belt; Chanel bag; Balmain heels.
WHY: Diamond-print pants and a slightly boxy leather jacket make this outfit the epitome of rocker chic.

WHO: Laetitia Casta, model WHAT: At Chanel’s “The Little Black Jacket” exhibition in Germany late last year. WEAR: Bulgari Serpenti Minaudiere ($5700, 800.BVLGARI)
WHY: Give your timeless noir et blanc blazer a dose of personality with a deco-inspired clutch.

WHO: Tali Lennox, model
WHAT: Hanging out at the Alice + Olivia Jingle Bell Rockaway Karaoke bash back in December.
WEAR: Alice + Olivia Striped Elyse Blazer ($484), Lemon-Print Back-Zip Top ($148), and Stripe Bell Pants($242); La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau hat; vintage bag.
WHY: A suit with wide vertical stripes exudes a Rolling Stones-meets-Carnaby Street vibe.

WHO: Chloe Moretz, actress
WHAT: On the red carpet at the ELLE UK Style Awards in London earlier this week.
WEAR: Stella McCartney black and crème striped silk dress from F/W 13 collection.
WHY: A dress with horizontal and vertical stripes creates an eye-catching statement.

Get The Look/Clothing
Ready to make a statement in a bold black and white ensemble? One-Piece For your next night out, emulate Hailee Steinfeld and try a romper like Dolce Vita’s Abeni Romper ($120) or boy. By Band of Outsiders’ Poplin & Canvas Romper ($625). Suit If Tali Lennox’s fresh take on suit dressing tickled your fancy, pick up Ann Taylor’s Harlow 3/4 Sleeve Jacket ($128) and pair it with Topshop’s Stripe Highwaisted Trousers ($84). Dresses When it comes to black and white frocks, we’re particularly fond of Akris’ Silk Dot Dress ($1190), Lilly Pulitzer’s Delia Dress ($71), and Opening Ceremony’s Scuba Dress ($450), all of which will lead to show-stopping results. Pants Finally, if a pair of graphic-print pants is on your wish list this season, we recommend kate spade new york’s Checkered Davis Capris ($248), White House Black Market’s Perfect Form Geo-Print City Pants ($84), or Jones New York’s Printed Runway Slim Ankle Pants($89).

Get The Look/Accessories
Bold black and white accessories offer another way to try this spring trend. Bags For your next fete, we suggest opting for a patterned clutch like Christopher Kon’s Alisson ClutchAlisson Clutch ($215), Cole Haan’s Optical Weave Izzie Clutch ($75), or Kzeniya’s Wild Laser Cut Leather Clutch ($292). Shoes Geometric sandals are also an adventurous option, which is why you don’t want to miss Givenchy’sLookbook Weave Printed Shoes ($1191), Alice + Olivia’s Sorell Wedge Sandals ($325), or Calvin Klein’sVerene Platform Sandals ($119). Now that you’re equipped with a plethora of statement-making pieces to try, creating a black and white ensemble should be, well, black and white!