Classic in Black and White
Does anything feel more classic than black and white? I’m a big fan of it. In stripes, polka dots or separates. I wear a lot of it. I find it easy to coordinate…duh. It also makes packing for travel a snap. (I just add one color to the mix per trip). Here in northern California, black can feel very hot in the summer, so this summer I’m adding more white.
When colors are simple I like more playful designs, without getting out of my comfort zone. This Compare and Contrast Cardigan by Stella Carakasi looks simple, but has some fun details that make it unique. The high-low hem adds interest and fun. The long shawl front is tacked back on each side, which adds diagonal lines in front.
Style Tip- Diagonal lines slim the silhouette and add drama to a look.
I paired it with a simple black and white striped T-shirt from Target and my favorite crepe pants from Eileen Fisher. These are a replacement pair for me. I donated my old ones to Green Eileen. I’d owned them 6 years, wore them weekly, so definitely got my money out of them.
From the Eileen Fisher website:
CLOTHING DONATIONS
GREEN EILEEN relies on donations of gently worn EILEEN FISHER clothing from our loyal customers and employees. All profits from the resale of donated items support programs that improve the lives of women and girls in our local, national and global communities.
This lovely cardigan is s a slightly sheer knit that’s easy to layer, even on warm days. Made from cotton and tencel, it’s very soft and breathes! With casually rolled hems this cardigan dresses up or down. I chose white, but the others colors are sumptuous. And it has pockets! you know how much I love pockets!
I’m wearing this outfit with my Beautifeel shoes from several years ago. There are links to several similar ones at the end of this post. I have such bad feet I have to invest in comfortable shoes. If you haven’t tried this line of shoes and have bad feet, I highly recommend it. They are an investment but can be found on sale if you hunt around. If my feet aren’t happy, I’m miserable. These are several years old and definite favorite.
I love wearing a longer necklace with a tunic length sweater. It balances better with the length of a tunic and helps me appear taller. At 5’4″ I like all the help I can get.
Disclaimer: I chose and was provided this Stella Carakasi cardigan. The opinions are my own. My full disclosure statement is here.
SHOP THE POST
This looks great on you Jennifer. I love this classic combo and the cardigan looks so light and pretty!
Enjoy your weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You and Shellie are both doing black and white this week. What a great look Jennifer – I love that you added stripes to your look. And the necklace is the perfect accessory!! Always so nice to co-host with you.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
Those are very pretty pieces. You look terrific.
Black and white always looks chic and classy!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
I love black and white…and this look is very French! Lovely as always.
HELLO………..I KNOW I KNOW I have not called YOU back!SHAME ON ME!LIFE GOT IN THE WAY………….but HERE I AM to tell YOU I will be wearing BLACK & WHITE TODAY TOO!!!!!!I KNOW UNUSUAL for ME!
Once I get through the REMNANTS SHOW next week WE CAN CATCH UP.Keep snapping YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!XX
You look so chic, and the necklace is beautiful!
I have to say that black and white is a combo I hardly ever wear, I find it doesn’t suit me (I need colour around my face), but I often wear navy and white, which is a bit softer on my skin.
I bought my first pair of Beautifeel shoes last year while in Vegas. I had foot surgery a few months earlier and was having trouble finding comfortable shoes. They are amazing! Love the simple yet classic black/white combo on you for this post.
Oh Jennifer…I love b,ack and white too and thus is divine!!! You look so chic and the stripes are perfect! And can we talk about how adorable those shoes are, cute cute cute and so fun!
Can’t go wrong with black and white!!
Black and white is such a great combo! The cardigan is lovely – the perfect layering piece for our area! And I love the mission of Green Eileen!
It’s a great mission. I wish more companies implemented one. Yes this is the perfect Bay Area weight sweater!!
Jennifer, again loving your black and white style. I am in Florida this very minute visiting my sister. I just bought this tank before leaving and have many other b and w tops! Have a similar cardigan and pants also. Again, a great travel outfit!!! Loving your shoe suggestions as I have a “foot issue”.
Love Eileen fisher but wish her pants were longer! I have long legs!!
Thanks for your great blog!
I just saw this tank in other color stripes too so may get a few. They are the perfect under later.
I own 2 pair of Beautifeel’s and they are like slippers. I’m so glad you’re here!
That necklace is the perfect accent! You could go almost anywhere in this outfit and look appropriate.
It is a versatile look. A change of shoes and bag can dress it way up or down!I do love French Kande!!