The Look: black and white is stunning, timeless and this season’s biggest trend
The Look: black and white is stunning, timeless and this season’s biggest trend
By Gabrielle Johnson | September 19, 2012
By Gabrielle Johnson | 09/19/2012
By Gabrielle Johnson
The rigorously simple colour scheme that Coco Chanel built her career on takes some work, and an intrepid embrace of graphic patterns, to pull it off. Here, our picks for high-contrast perfection.
163042 Framed in black, it draws in the eye as well as the waistline.<br />
$1,225. <em>Holt Renfrew.</em> Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group Aquilano Rimondi A-line Aquilano Rimondi A-line https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-1.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-1/ sept12-black-white-1 0 0
Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group
163041 The inverted prints are an unexpected take on the theme.<br />
$1,625. <em>Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333.</em> Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group Oscar de la Renta tweed dress Oscar de la Renta tweed dress https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-2.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-2/ sept12-black-white-2 0 0
Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group
163040 It’s houndstooth and long-sleeved—and still sexy.<br />
$99. <em>The Bay, 176 Yonge St., 416-861-9111.</em> Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group Anne Klein shirt-dress Anne Klein shirt-dress https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-3.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-3/ sept12-black-white-3 0 0
Photography by Christopher Stevenson. Hair and makeup by Natalie Ventola/Plutino Group
163039 Graffiti might be banned in T.O., but this Comme des Garçons shirt makes the outlaw art form downright fashionable. <br />
$220. <em>TNT, 87 Avenue Rd., 416-975-1960.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Word art T-shirt Word art T-shirt https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-4.jpg 550 550 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-4/ sept12-black-white-4 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163038 Brigitte Bardot nailed the ’60s sex kitten look in shades by Oliver Goldsmith—still the go-to for great sunglasses. <br />
$380. <em>Josephson Opticians, 60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Giant shades Giant shades https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-5.jpg 624 420 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-5/ sept12-black-white-5 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163037 The easiest way for a man to up his style game is with a simple printed tie, no colour required.<br />
Left: Duchamp tie. $160.<br />
Right: Paul Smith tie. $135. <em>Holt Renfrew. </em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Graphic ties Graphic ties https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-6.jpg 480 580 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-6/ sept12-black-white-6 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163036 Patent leather, contrasting piping and bow laces—these Prada brogues are standout shoes that can carry a look all by themselves.<br />
$450. <em>Holt Renfrew. </em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Shiny brogues Shiny brogues https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-7.jpg 480 580 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-7/ sept12-black-white-7 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163035 The oversized <em>Saved by the Bell</em>–era sweater is making a comeback. Not for the fashion faint of heart. <br />
$35. <em>H&M, 1 Dundas St. W., 416-623-2090.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Printed sweater Printed sweater https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-8.jpg 550 550 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-8/ sept12-black-white-8 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163034 This unstructured silk Comme des Garçons jacket is the perfect way for guys to experiment with pyjama style—and not look like Hugh Hefner. <br />
$1,960. <em>TNT.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Silk jacket Silk jacket https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-9.jpg 550 550 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-9/ sept12-black-white-9 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163033 Smythe makes a hyper-tailored version of the quintessential autumn jacket, complete with leather elbow patches. <br />
$595. <em>Holt Renfrew. </em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Houndstooth jacket Houndstooth jacket https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-10.jpg 624 420 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-10/ sept12-black-white-10 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163032 These limited edition Chucks feature original illustrations by the comic book artist Jamie Hewlett.<br />
$80. <em>Get Outside Shoes, 437 Queen St. W., 416-593-5598.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Comic Converse Comic Converse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-11.jpg 480 580 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-11/ sept12-black-white-11 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163031 J. Crew’s tailored silk trousers turn been-there-done-that florals into a starkly beautiful fashion statement. <br />
$600. <em>J. Crew, 3401 Dufferin St., 416-785-3682.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Silk floral pants Silk floral pants https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-12.jpg 550 550 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-12/ sept12-black-white-12 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163030 Leopard prints make an appearance almost every fall. The zebra deserves another crack. <br />
$85. <em>Banana Republic, 80 Bloor St. W., 416-515-0018.</em> (Image: Christopher Stevenson) Zebra-print blouse Zebra-print blouse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-13.jpg 480 580 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-13/ sept12-black-white-13 0 0
(Image: Christopher Stevenson)
163029 25, sales assistant<br />
<br />
<em>“The black and white stripes create the illusion of length, so it’s okay that the dress is short. Plus it matches my dog, Chase!” </em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Bo San Chan Bo San Chan https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-14.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-14/ sept12-black-white-14 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163028 31, co-owner of the vintage boutique Pretty Freedom<br />
<br />
<em>“I’m not afraid of colour, but I like this shirt with these black jeans—they’re my staples.” </em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Jodee Aguillon Jodee Aguillon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-15.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-15/ sept12-black-white-15 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163027 73, accounting at Ontario Science Centre<br />
<br />
<em>“I like the pattern on this skirt and jacket. They’re easy to throw together and always look sharp and clean.” </em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Helene Pasen Helene Pasen https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-16.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-16/ sept12-black-white-16 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163026 20, student <br />
<br />
<em>“I always get compliments on these pants. My wardrobe is almost all black and white, so everything matches.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Danielle Reynolds Danielle Reynolds https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-17.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-17/ sept12-black-white-17 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163025 20, student <br />
<br />
<em>“I love the zebra print on this dress. There’s actually a zebra in the pattern, which I thought was clever.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Marie Tacbas Marie Tacbas https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-18.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-18/ sept12-black-white-18 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163024 80, photo artist <br />
<br />
<em>“I like the structure of black and white clothes. They look architectural. And they make a good base for accessories.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) May Karp May Karp https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-19.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-19/ sept12-black-white-19 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163023 25, medical technician <br />
<br />
<em>“The black and white in this dress is low-key, but the cut-outs make it unexpectedly sexy.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Francine Di Lorenzo Francine Di Lorenzo https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-20.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-20/ sept12-black-white-20 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163022 24, visual merchandiser, Topshop<br />
<br />
<em>“Black and white is so easy to wear. It lets you mix random pieces like ripped shorts and long-sleeved shirts.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Chris Kaveh Chris Kaveh https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-21.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-21/ sept12-black-white-21 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
163021 25, musician <br />
<br />
<em>“I work in retail and see a lot of trends come and go, but I like black and white because it’s classic.”</em> (Image: Anielika Sykes) Shara Gibson Shara Gibson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-22.jpg 430 600 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/slide/sept12-black-white-22/ sept12-black-white-22 0 0
(Image: Anielika Sykes)
Neat ideas for this colour scheme. Thanks.