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
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.
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- 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
- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/shopping/the-look-black-and-white/&title=The Look: black and white is stunning, timeless and this season’s biggest trend&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sept12-black-white-intro-624x399.jpg&description=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.
[gallery columns="6" exclude="163020"]){kind=link}
Neat ideas for this colour scheme. Thanks.