STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: All Things Bright And Beautiful

Coco Chanel once, “[W]omen think of all colors except the absence of colors. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” This week I have been channeling my inner Coco and craving style simplicity. As graduation approaches (and at a speed we are all uncomfortable with) the clean, modern contrast of bright whites and rich blacks seems more appealing than ever.

Black and white is a color combination frequently overlooked, often times for its somewhat blatant obviousness. If just anyone can throw on a white top with black trousers and look impeccably chic, how innovative can the pairing be? Don’t be too quick to judge Fashionistas and Fashionistos, for this classic set of hues is about to become your wardrobe’s new best friend. Designers ate up the easy fusion of B&W, with everyone from Phillip Lim to Stella McCartney sending beautiful fashions in electric whites and luxurious blacks down the runways at their spring 2013 ready-to-wear shows. While pulling off a white, chiffon tuxedo may be easy for a six foot tall supermodel, the trick to making these high end looks relatable and re-wearable is choosing fabrics that are timeless. Stay away from cheap blends (these are likely to discolor and pill) and instead opt for natural fibers in shapes that flatter your figure and lend themselves to future layering.

This Fashionista’s sublime B&W outfit would make Chanel herself proud. Pairing a white lace T-shirt with tailored black skinnies and a pair of perfectly broken in cowboy boots, she embraces the effortless look of black and white without allowing the traditional colors to conceal her personal style. Building off of her neutral basics, she embellishes her ensemble with a jeweled headband and delicate, silver necklace. Love this trend? Try pairing a fitted, white blouse with a textured black pencil skirt for the office or ankle-length black trousers and a white silk tank for an uncomplicated weekend look.