Black And White Blouses

Black And White Blouses

Black and White Prints

Black and white is the strongest contrast in the color world, so the print decides how the blouse feels. A small floral in black on a white ground is gentle and feminine, while the same flower in white on black looks dramatic and suits the evening.

Geometric prints, checks and stripes read graphic and smart. A fine stripe or a small check is easy for the office, while a larger geometric pattern works best on a simple shape with little other detail.

The balance between the two colors matters too. A mostly white print looks light and summery and brightens the face. A mostly black print is more slimming and practical, and it hides marks well on a busy day.

Placement plays a part as well. A print that is lighter near the neckline and darker toward the hem draws the eye upward, while a blouse with a solid black yoke and a printed body keeps the face framed by a calm, dark band.

Scale changes everything. Small, close prints read almost as gray from a distance and look calm, while large motifs are eye-catching and best kept to one piece in the outfit. Our printed blouses cover both ends of that range.

Black and White Blouse and Skirt

A black and white blouse with a plain black skirt is a classic combination, polished enough for work and easy to dress up with earrings for dinner. A pencil skirt keeps it sharp; a pleated or A-line skirt makes it softer.

A white skirt with a black and white blouse feels fresh for summer, especially when the print is mostly white. For a softer look, a skirt in gray picks up the middle tone that black and white create together.

Avoid pairing two different black and white prints unless one is very small. A striped blouse with a floral skirt in the same colors can work, but only when the scales are clearly different.

Color skirts work too. A red, cobalt or emerald skirt with a black and white blouse gives the outfit a bright focal point, and a camel midi skirt makes the same blouse feel warm and grown-up for fall.

Adding a Third Color

Black and white on its own can feel stark, and a single accent color brings it to life. Red is the classic choice, in a lipstick, a bag or a pair of shoes. Cobalt blue, emerald and hot pink are equally striking.

For a softer look, try a pastel accent such as blush or powder blue in a cardigan or scarf. Camel and cognac leather warm up a black and white outfit for fall, and gold jewelry does the same.

Keep to one accent. Two or three extra colors turn a crisp look into a busy one, and the graphic effect is lost.

The accent does not have to be on the body. A red or cobalt handbag, a bright lip or a patterned scarf worn loosely at the neck brings in color that can be changed from day to day, so one black and white blouse can look new each time you wear it.

Sleeve Lengths for Black and White Blouses

A long sleeve black and white blouse is a smart choice for the cooler months, looking polished under a black or gray blazer. It suits the office and evenings, and a red coat on top makes a memorable winter outfit.

In summer, short sleeves in a mostly white print with black details look cool and crisp with white jeans or a denim skirt.

If you prefer one color over the other, the black blouses and white blouses pages each gather a single shade, and many of our striped blouses come in the same crisp contrast.