There’s something about a black and white color palette that’s just classic and cool. I’m not just talking about old movies, either. When it comes to getting dressed, it’s a combination that’s never failed me. Black adds some edge to white jeans, and the white jeans soften the black top and leather jacket. Of course, I finish it off with my favorite: Birkenstocks. What more could you ask for out of a daily fashion formula? Shop the rest of our edit, with a selection of pieces from Nordstrom.
Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is a cool-girl staple, and certainly worth investing in. I picked up the AllSaints Balfern biker jacket years ago on a vacation in Europe, and I’ve been wearing it ever since. Their Dalby is just as cool, but a little more polished and fitted. Madewell’s washed leather jacket brings a little more texture to the party.
Black Tee
A t-shirt is the building block of every wardrobe, and my perfect one is Anthony Thomas Melillo’s Cotton Crewneck. It’s so comfortable, super flattering, and fits me exactly the way I want. For a slightly more oversized fit, then it’s gotta be NYDJ’s cotton t-shirt. Plus, it has a pocket! You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great shirt, either. L.L. Bean’s short-sleeve is a little more fitted.
White Pants
Sometimes it’s nice to get out of jeans and into something that feels a little dressier, like a chino! Frank & Eileen’s Wicklow pant is a recent obsession, and Nili Lotan’s Jenna pant is a long-term love of mine. I love the super-sleek, cropped silhouette of Vince’s Coin Pocket chinos, too!
Black Sandals
When it comes to sandals, you have a a lot more space to personalize. Do you want something a little flashier? Valentino Rockstud slides are the shoe for you. Minimal but still a little sculptural? Caslon’s Kalvin sandal wants a word! Preppy and femme? Tory Burch’s signature monogrammed sandal totally gets you.
Belt
Tie it all together with a belt! Tory Burch’s belt is reversible, so you get a black belt and a camel belt for the price of one! It comes with gold hardware or silver hardware, and will work just as well with your other jeans. And for all those Bottega Veneta superfans, how about this black woven leather belt from Madewell?
Shop the rest of our black and white get the look below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.