I Tried the Free Summer Styling Trick Everyone Is Wearing, and *Wow* I Felt Chic

I can't say with certainty when exactly this trend started, but I can tell you that it landed on my radar about a month ago, and I've been tracking it ever since. From spotting it on my TikTok FYP and Instagram feed to seeing it on my very own stylish co-workers, there's something about the all-white look paired with black accessories that has taken the fashion set by storm. It truly is the perfect virtually free styling trick for summer. I say free because the chances you have a white top and bottom (or dress), black shoes, and a black bag—bonus points for a belt—are very high, meaning you technically don't have to buy anything to test it out.

Speaking of testing it out, I did just that prior to writing this story. I opted for my usual combination of jeans and a tee but this time in white. Finishing with a black shoulder bag, suede belt, and ballet flats, I hit the town doing my best to stay clean with two kids in tow. As the headline so plainly put it, I really did feel chic and like I was making the most of my favorite wardrobe basics. To see and shop my look plus eight others that will have you convinced, just keep scrolling. 

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

There I am! For a day with my kids, I went the casual route, but I already see this styling trick becoming my go-to for everything, including dressier events, this season. 

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(Image credit: @kelseymerritt)

Next time I opt for this look, I'm definitely adding a white button-down as an additional layer. 

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(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Once I get my hands on a silky white maxi dress, it's over.

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

You bet a sweater around the waist (or shoulders) counts as an accessory.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

This look is simple, but the quality of her basics makes it a standout moment.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Proof that this styling technique works for the evening too.

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(Image credit: @rikkekrefting)

It's the skinny belt for me.

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

This could be a white pajama set, and it would still look elevated thanks to the black bag and flats.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

I'll be re-creating this exact outfit when I go to Italy next month.

Next: I'm a Professional Shopper—These Are the Basics I've Told My Friends to Buy

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.