7 Refreshing Ways to Wear Black and White

Coco Chanel once said that black and white’s beauty was “the perfect harmony,” that women "think of all colors except the absence of color," and that black and white had it all. We can’t help but agree with her. The striking contrast that comes from pairing these two absences of color is perhaps the most powerful of all combinations. They don’t call it yin and yang for nothing!

With this idea in mind, when we came across Sara Donaldson’s style blog, Harper & Harley, and noticed the majority of her outfits were constructed from black and white separates, we were immediately hooked. Not only are her looks stylish and inspiring, they’re also fairly painless to replicate. 

So if you’re searching for ways to re-create your favorite black and white wardrobe staples, take a gander at our roundup below. We included items from her outfits for you to shop, as well as an under-$50 section—enjoy!

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Pair tiered ruffled sleeves with a pair of smart trousers and pumps.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Opt for dramatic proportions with a one-shoulder top and full midi skirt.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Contrast a white-on-white ensemble with black slip-on sneakers.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Swap out your basic button down for a reworked version with knots or twists.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Tone down a statement leather skirt with casual separates like a white tee and sneakers.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Style Tip: Add edge to a color-block dress by teaming it with your favorite leather jacket.

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Keep going to shop her outfits, and don't forget our under-$50 section too!

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Get the look for less with our hand-picked shopping list!

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)