
This summer if you want to keep it simple, why not try a simple formula that gives a big impact. Black and white are what to wear now in New York. The look is clean and crisp, and is available at all price points. Look for solids, prints, stripes and more. Black and white works with and without a summer tan. Shoes, bags and accessories tie it all together. New York is in a partial Phase 4 opening now. Most stores are open and welcoming customers, and some even have lines outside. Everyone is working hard to keep their customers safe. The sales associates are all masked and happy to help you. Why not come on a tour of some of the stores in the city, and learn why black and white are what to wear now.

Chanel always does black and white to perfection. The look is in the house’s code. Tying a plaid to a solid white is clever and refreshing. I love the logo luggage, and the signature pearls. Who wouldn’t want a Chanel wheely?

There are many jackets around. With its rounded pockets, this one has the look of a sleek modern update, Perfect with a black skirt or pants. And the clear Balmain handbag is a fun way to do summer.

This JW Anderson jacket is practically seasonless. The patchwork sets it apart. I love the unfinished, unravelling seams on the pieced pieces, The jacket has a wonderful contrast with the raw edges and the sharp tailoring.

This Givenchy jacket is a beautiful example of the creative ways designers are playing with black and white. It is clean, and a timeless piece that will work for years to come.

Gucci too has a way with black and white. Nice update to a boys for the girls look. The hat with the clear visor almost doubles as a mask.

Kenzo mixes prints and solids in an extremely casual way, The cropped hoodie jacket is a great piece to wear with full skirts or high waisted jeans and pants.

Chanel does a great hoody too. A perfect summer piece, beach-bound or for the city.

Zadig and Voltaire’s mini-print pieces would work just as well with white counterparts. Or even a pop of color. The summer boots toughen up the skirt.

More choices from Zadig and Voltaire. The slip dress is in the same print as the above 2 outfits, and is fun over a white tee shirt,

Chloe goes a little bit dressier with the dress with the white lace bottom. And a bit sexier with the halter dress. The pleated print skirt is a must have, The contrasting bags are a nice touch too.

This dress is silently sexy in a very delicate floral print. Sweet it is not, but graphically correct.

This slightly bigger floral print would work well with summer boots too, or chunky sandals.

Dots, stripes and tiny prints of all sizes mix together on this rack. Bright without a touch of color.

Here is Kenzo again, with more prints in different scales and sizes.

A tight tweed dress certainly stands out. The contrast of tweed and the body shape are what’s going to get you noticed. Also the checked skirt in the back livens up your classic biker jacket.

ST. Laurent also plays with black and white. White jeans and the dotted shirt, Looks good to me. The label also has many cool staples in black.

Plaids and polka dots both make a statement. The one shouldered asymmetric top is a great piece to own.


Valentino pops a red bag against a a sophisticated printed day dress. The evening dress behind it is a nice mix of fabrics.

Miu Miu is rocking stars. And Ms. Prada loves the peter pan collar this season, as well as a lack of color. She certainly thinks that black and white are what to wear now,, should it be a black skirt tipped with lace with a feminine white blouse, or a printed dress.

Miu Miu is seeing many stars this season. This second print from the label is larger and very graphic.

Azzedine Alaia is a well know lover of black and white.The intricately knit patterns emphasize your curves in all the right places.

Givenchy cleanly updates a tux shirt, but keeps it feminine with the soft billowy sleeves. The evening dress is laid black sleek.

Chanel discovered stripes as a young woman in Deauville, and made the classic sailor stripe one of her signatures. The pants with the black button trim are very cool as well. The jabot blouse with the white tight zips boots mix casual with classic.

Rick Owens lives his life in black (and white). These geographic pieces mix in an off-white too.

Using unusual ways of mixing black and white make these two dresses a statement. Both are layered in very interesting ways. The bold stripe stands out.

This dress is a very clever manipulation of striped fabric that is very modern. The bias cutting flatters you figure, and the stripes are subtle.

The floral border prints are a good way to do black and white. These bold pieces are perfect for summer.

How bold do you like your prints? Black and white need not be boring.

Valentino is seeing stars and big bold prints too. A feather sleeved chiffon shirt is an amusing contrast.

Toile like prints and geometric confections are more ways to wear this trend.

Black sequin pants and a decorated jacket are one way to go for evening.

The Dolce and Gabanna gown is a bit more over the top, but perfectly so. The dress will bring out the princess in anyone.

Boots are still big this summer. Chanel does them in plaid, stripes, or even in a mesh cut out pair with a slight platform.

Another good Chanel pair features an abstract logo print. These sorts of pieces from Chanel always keep their value. They are one of a kind.

There have been plenty of interesting black and white bags in a lot of the photos above, the Balenciaga shoppers are perfect for the summer, especially the optic logo print. When you think of black and white, think of playing with it should you want separates, and using unusual accessories, like these bags. And if prints are your thing, use accessories to power your look, and remember, black and white are what to wear now.