Try these tips to create a black-and-white capsule wardrobe and you’ll master more than the art of mix and match. You’ll feel confident and stylish in outfits for every occasion. I’ve been creating lookbooks and professionally packing women for years. Besides taking too much the biggest mistake women make when putting together a capsule wardrobe is they rely on a boring mix of black and white pieces.
BLACK AND WHITE CAPSULE WARDROBE CHECKLIST
- New Styles
- Neutral Prints
- The same shade of White
Next week Nordstrom is flying me to San Deigo to preview the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, share some social selling secrets with their stores, and host a pop-up event with the Nordstrom 6. I’ll want to look like my most stylish self every day. The days are packed, but so am I. I just made a fun new black and white capsule wardrobe with a high-low mix of brands. Here’s a peek at what I packed and some ideas for you too.
NEW STYLES
The difference between your black and white wardrobe looking like a uniform or a Pinterest-worthy post is new styles. I’m always shopping and sharing them with you. Now, thanks to high-rise bottoms, I’m embracing crop tops at 44. Here are a few I found recently.
Black and White Crop Tops
Trending High Rise Bottoms Starting at $34
DOES WHITE LOOK GOOD ON EVERYONE?
Use promo code “Jen” for 20% off my premium jeans from Fidelity.
Yes! Google and I get asked this all the time. Although most of us look better in either bright white or cream. I wear both, but personally feel better in bright white. However, for the multipurpose travel capsule, I chose cream pieces that hopefully won’t show wear as much.
Bright White Modern Summer Staples
I Own and Under $50
Ivory Under $100
Stylist Tip: If you are fair and have fair hair as well you probably look best in cream or ivory. Try fabrics like silk with soft reflective quality. If white washes you out sometimes it’s just a matter of adding a little lipstick, blush, or bronzer. Use code “Jennifer15” for a discount on my clean beauty favorites from Tarte.
Cream Candlelight Capsule Cornerstones
NEUTRAL PRINTS FOR YOUR BLACK AND WHITE CAPSULE
This is my favorite way to shake things up. A two-tone black and white print-like stripe is easy for anyone to add. Neutral prints work well with all the black and white solid pieces you pick, and also with each other.
Ivory & White Neutral Print Tops
Black and White Neutral Print Tops
Mine is on sale at Saks now.
See some more black and white summer outfit suggestions in this post: Black and White Outfits for Summer.
The cream jeans in this capsule are the only midrise bottoms I’m bringing but since I don’t feel comfortable wearing them with the crop top from the capsule I can easily layer another neutral stripe top over it instead.
Neutral Tops I’m Taking Starting at $6.99
Gingham is another good neutral print. I’m taking these pants from Amazon too.
A Pop of Color
If you crave color like me add a pop to your black and white picks and make a colorful capsule. Shop my color-coordinated roundup for summer. Pick any of the 4 most popular colors this season. They all look great for your black and white capsule.
VERSATILE PIECES
Choose versatile pieces that can be styled in at least two ways. This tip is the hardest to try but will double your outfit potential. It’s going to be one big slumber party next week. My friend Danielle is hosting the Nordstrom 6. I always make sure that my pajamas and pool cover-ups do double duty too. These Vuori joggers and bra tank are soft enough to sleep in but nice enough to wear to the airport. This oversized graphic tee works over a swimsuit or this $20 tank dress!
Double Duty Off Duty Essentials
This STAUD dress is on sale at Saks now so sizes are limited, but its styling potential is definitely not. A short dress like this can be worn as a tunic over pants or as a sexy cocktail dress. I love the plunging v-neckline with detachable sequin bandeau which I’ll substitute for a collared shirt or fitted tank.
What I’m Subbing for the Sequin Bandeau
I included a bodysuit in my recent Work Capsule and I just packed these pieces.
Accessories for a Black and White Capsule
It doesn’t get any more versatile than two-tone jewelry. Two-tone jewelry allows you the flexibility to wear a belt with a gold buckle and a blazer with silver buttons together.
Continue Reading
For more black-and-white capsule wardrobe inspiration check out this post which includes some outfit formulas you can recreate with a monochromatic capsule wardrobe.
