STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black And White

It is an exciting time. Classes have just begun and you are anxious to see all your friends. And most of all, people try their hardest those first few weeks to dress to impress. Everyone wants to wear their latest back-to-school treads and look good on the first day of school.

Here in Atlanta, it is so humid and hot that at times style gets sacrificed. However, this Fashionista keeps cool in the heat and her outfit is on par. What this week’s Fashionista lacks for color, she makes up in style. She bases her outfit around a basic pair of black shorts. On top she adds a blousy white top and a simple necklace. Her accessories steal the show. The strappy black wedges and blush colored, slouchy leather bag pop against the blank palette of the rest of her outfit. She finishes off her look with a chic top knot and lets her bangs hang free. Check here for ELLE magazine’s rendition of how to perfect the top knot hairstyle.

Let this Fashionista be an inspiration to you. Even though tons of prints and patterns have been seen on the runway for this fall (Miu Miu, Prada, Louis Vuitton), a classic black and white ensemble will forever be in style. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your closet or trends, keep it classic and colorless. Let your accessories shine like this one. Try a pair of fabulous, strappy shoes like these from Zara and a statement bag like this adorable one from Topshop while keeping your outfit simple. The effect is effortless and entirely stylish.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

From my previous entries, any one can see the important role color plays in an outfit. Though I love bright and bold colors, there are times I'd like to dial it down as well. This CollegeFashionista wears a perfect example of an outfit that has a simple, yet refined color pallete. With a white button-down and a black bandage skirt, she looks chic and classy. Pulling the outfit all together is a brown braided belt, black ballet flats, and black quilted sling bag. With her tan skin, dark brown hair, and red lips, this CollegeFashionista evokes the classic Filipina beauty with an updated and casual style.

Black and white has always been the classiest and easiest color combination to pull off, but sometimes, with a lack of a little creativity or imagination, a black and white ensemble could look bland, or worse, look dead. To be able to wear a black and white outfit with style, first is to get some inspiration from the queen of the classic B&W outfit, Coco Chanel. Second is to know your personal style. Aside from black and white being classy, it is also the most versatile color combination fit for any style. Make black and white edgy like Rihanna, bohemian with an edge like Olivia Wilde, rocker-chic like Kate Moss, and casual chic like January Jones. Third is to keep accessories to a minimum, either go with one piece that pops of color or pieces in the same black and white shade. Lastly, make sure skin is glowing and healthy-looking like this CollegeFashionista to avoid looking like a corpse that just dug itself out from the grave.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

Wearing black and white has always been regarded as a strong fashion statement. From Audrey Hepburn to Michael Jackson, style icons have always looked sharp in the contrasting colors. Fall runway shows were packed with black and white looks this year, including looks by Giambattista Valli, Yves Saint Laurant and Salvatore Ferragamo. This Fashionista takes her own interpretation on this fashion statement with a delicate white lace blouse, black pants and boots, black scarf, and thick black-framed glasses. She looks smart, classy and sophisticated with this look. She adds an element of softness to the starkness of the all black and white colors with the feminine lace and a soft textured scarf. For a similar style blouse try this PENCEY lace tunic in white. This top is extremely delicate and would look great with a simple black skirt, black tights and a pair of flats. For a more geometric black and white top, try this Melodie sequin detail top by Trina Turk. Try pairing it with a black blazer to look extra sharp.

This Fashionista keeps her look refined with her minimal accessories. Her tall, black leather boots are a great wardrobe staple. You can also try a pair of over-the-knee boots like these The Stack Over the Knee Pieced Boot by LD TUTTLE. I love the low square heel on these boots to give you an extra little lift. This Fashionista’s black scarf, draped casually around her neck, gives the outfit texture and keeps her warm in the cool weather. Finally, her black-framed glasses add an extra element of sophistication to her already smart outfit. So, if you’re aiming for a classy look today, try keeping it simple with black and white.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

When it comes to classic, nothing compares to Parisian-inspired black and white ensembles.

This week’s Fashionista shows us just how simple executing this look can be. Her hot tip: stick to basic pieces and don’t over accessorize. Her white tunic top accented with thin black stripes is styled with black feature pieces, like her bow chain necklace and Jacqueline Onassis sunglasses. Speaking of Jacquie O, fashionable women in history have forever followed this basic black and white fashion guide — think Audrey Hepburn, Edie Sedgwick and, of course, Coco Chanel.

The modern style icon for classic, effortless beauty is British "It" girl Alexa Chung. This witty Brit recently launched her Madewell fusion line, offering us affordable pieces that ooze casual sophistication. Oh! Surprise, surprise, the black and white combo is a staple colour throughout the collection, like this ruby cardigan and the cora spotted shirt. For the black accent accessory, consider this très chic Parisian chapeau from Topshop. For a bolder but classically demure statement piece, check out this MINKPINK blouse, which would be perfectly paired with simple black pants, pump or flats.

And for those of us who enjoy having fun with fashion and are willing to stand out from the college crowd, take a look at these amazingly chic houndstooth ASOS pants — not too crazy but still a little daring. For those of you heading into summer, this Blaque Label Sophia romper is perfect for the warmer weather.

Black and white fashion will never go out of style. So, don’t be scared to invest in pieces that aren’t hanging on the sales rack (let's face it, we all head there first) or stocked by the masses in a fast fashion chain store. Spend a little extra on your forever fashion and skip a gaudy trend or two; investing your hard earned cash into black and white will be worth your money for seasons to come.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

While girls across campus are sporting their best looks I decided to shift directions and try something new. This week's style advice column proves that men have just as much effortless style as women. Most of the time I prefer pops of colors in the pieces I wear especially with the color blocking style that has been popping up everywhere. This week's Fashionisto chose a simple look by using black and white. He is wearing a white polo and a pair of black straight leg jeans. What I liked most about his look was his white converses and his thick framed glasses. For Fashionistas that want to take inspiration from this look I would try a pair of jeans like these. I have a pair and the fit is great and the color doesn't fade away like most jeans would. Another thing I love about this style is when it is worn with stripes such as a T- shirt like this one. I would say this look sort of meets Waldo in a fashionable way of course!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

When you look out your window on a cloudy, dreary day in October, the last thing on your mind are flower prints and neon fabric – especially for the budding Fashionisto. This Fashionisto managed to capture my eye as he was walking out of his dorm room. His cleverly contrasted outfit represents a trend that is always present on the runway: simplicity. He used the tones black and white to put together a classic look. The white in his shoes and his scarf plus the use of light jeans adds a dimension to his look.

This look is very versatile – although this Fashionisto was heading to class, trade that zip-up for a sports jacket and you're headed toward a club, a dinner or a date. Urban Outfitters is great for menswear, including this jacket and this scarf. These pieces are lasting pieces that can be used for any season. For a fancier look, check out this sportcoat from J. Crew.

A great place to look for these kinds of pieces are vintage stores. A great couple are located on Newbury Street, including Rescue – a great place for vintage looks, and you can even sell your clothes there to buy new ones!

Hint: Even though the cold weather is here or approaching steadily, keep looking for new ways to incorporate fashion into your daily look even if it's grey and raining – put on a pair of flower-printed rain boots and run in the rain.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black and White

Ever have trouble figuring out what to wear? what colors work with what? Problem solving comes in wearing black and white. The color combo never goes out of style and works in every season. Don’t be boring though, have detailing within your black and white like a scarf or ruffles like this Fashionista displays.

Here are some ideas that are in stores now!

Style On,

Danielle