Style inspiration

How to wear black and white for a fresh look

How to wear black and white for a fresh look. Well, I am sitting here writing this in a heatwave. It would be too hot today to wear my black trousers. However, my white shirt is ideal as it is nice and roomy and prevents my arms from getting sunburnt. It is often a good idea to wear something loose and covering when the sun is very strong. I find that a loose shirt can be worn in the summer on its own and then with a tee underneath when the temperatures cool down.

My trousers are from Uniqlo. They are still available in both black and beige colourways and are reduced in the sale from £39.90 to £29.90.

I think that a white shirt is a very important and integral part of a well-curated wardrobe. If you have warm colouring you could substitute the white for an off-white or cream.

The combination of black and white is a very classic combination.

Both the trousers and the white shirt will transition well into early Autumn. You could wear the trousers with a cardigan or a thicker sweater. MeandEm has some great sweaters reduced in their sale (some at 60% off). I love their sweaters, they are of excellent quality and last for years. They can be a bit pricey, so I often wait for their sale.

I have been researching the new colours and trends for the Autumn/Winter 2022 season. Look Fabulous Forever invited me to write a guest post for their popular weekly blog. In this post you will find the new seasons’ colour palettes, there are plenty of gorgeous colours for both cool and warm-toned skins. I have also included images of a few of the new collections that have started to arrive in the shops. Well worth a read so that you can begin to plan your Autumn wardrobe.

How to wear black and white for a fresh look

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • White shirts are in my closet year round. I am always on the look out for unique ones. I so enjoy your posts and someday hope to visit Britain and France.

  • I just love white shirts/blouses. I think I have maybe 8 in my closet now. Most I wear in rotation daily and 2 or 3 I save to wear when we’re out and about. As I’ve gotten older I’ve taken to wearing them mostly with the collar flipped up as, in my mind, it is more flattering and draws attention away from the “ waddle.” You look beautiful in this style - and I can’t think of any place/circumstance where/when this would not be appropriate attire.

    • Hello Roberta
      Thank you for your comment. Good idea to flip the collar up. I do sometimes do that.

  • Black and white is a great choice at any time and you look lovely as always Josephine. Thank you for your photos and blogs, always appreciated.

  • Great look! Love the pretty English street scene too! Thanks for encouraging me to wear white blouses. You're absolutely right.

  • I love your guest blog. I know I am warm, but it's nice to see the details. And the fall colours! Thanks again Josephine.

    • Thank you for your comment. There will be more posts on the colours for the new season coming soon.

  • Lovely post thank you Josephine and l really enjoyed your interview. I am so in synch with you on the Me and Em sale; l just bought their Hazelnut cable sweater on sale and it’s beautiful. If on,y l could afford another sweater l would go back !! Fabulous clothes l always wait for the sales. Take care in the heat.

  • Yep I succumbed to the Me&Em knitwear sale, as indeed I do most years. Great quality. To be honest though I think their mainstream prices have become silly and reflect their current popularity with fashion journalists. They may find that the circus will move on and somewhere else will become the flavour of the month. Maybe when that happens, in combination with shift in the cost of living, their prices may need some adjustment.

    • Hello Maureen
      I agree that Me&Em's prices are high. I doubt if they will get any lower as everything is going up in price. I do find that the fabric and cut are so good that they are worth the investment (especially in the sale) as my pieces have lasted for years.

  • Your tips for starting to transition to fall wardrobe are so helpful. I had not thought of selecting out some favorite piece and working with them to bring some small changes. This is really working for me right now! Thank you, Josephine!

Recent Posts

The joys of summer kaftans

The joys of summer kaftans. In my opinion a kaftan is one of the most…

3 weeks ago

What I wore in France – holiday styles

What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer

2 months ago

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

2 months ago

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

3 months ago

Preparing for your summer holiday

Preparing for your summer holiday

3 months ago