Three Easy Black & White Looks for Summer

Look 1: Off-White Bottoms + Black Collared Polo Sweater

White denim and a black top is probably my most-worn summer outfit formula. The lighter bottoms keep the look fresh and crisp, and I personally enjoy wearing black near my face for a little contrast. If black feels too harsh for you, navy is a great substitute here.

I’m wearing the PAIGE Anessa here, which is one of the most universally flattering wide-leg denim styles I’ve found. This pair is full length with a raw hem, which helps elongate the legs and create a long, lean silhouette. And they’re actually a soft ecru rather than bright white, which is a fresh, slightly softer take on this classic pairing.

If you’re looking for a similar pair for less, the KUT from the Kloth Meg is a really good option. I also rounded up more of my favorite white denim styles on my Nordstrom storefront.

I paired them with a ribbed sleeveless polo sweater in a fine-gauge knit that looks refined and elegant. I especially like the collared detail here because it gives the outfit a slightly polished feel without being too dressy.

Both pieces are more of an investment, but they’re classic staples you can wear on repeat. That said, similar styles are easy to find at lower price points, or you may already have something similar in your closet.

I bookended the look with black strappy kitten-heel sandals that are elevated but still walkable. Then I added a woven belt bag in shades of black, brown, and ivory. I think a patterned bag helps add a little interest and texture to a neutral outfit, and it also keeps the look from feeling too dressy.

I wore a very similar version of this outfit out to lunch a few weeks ago and carried a red bag, which is another fun way to add a little personality if you want a small pop of color.

And I finished the look with mixed-metal jewelry and my favorite oversized sunglasses.

This is one of those easy combinations that works whether you’re heading out to lunch, running errands, or just want to feel a little more pulled together.

PAIGE Vesta (M) // PAIGE Anessa (30) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // Clare V. belt bag // necklace // earrings // bracelet // sunglasses

Look 2: Black Linen Pants + White Tee + White Layer

In this look, I flipped the formula and put the white on top and black on the bottom. These are the Madewell Zoe linen pants, which have a relaxed straight-leg silhouette that feels easy and modern while still creating a nice long line.

I kept the same black kitten-heel sandals, which help elongate the leg line and create an even longer, leaner silhouette while keeping the look cohesive.

This look uses a common outfit formula of matching your top and jacket and adding a contrasting bottom, which always feels clean and polished. In this case, the contrast turned out a little stronger than I typically prefer. I think I might like it even more with a softer contrast tee—maybe baby pink or another softer neutral—but it still works if you like a crisp, high-contrast look.

This white jacket is highly versatile and a nice modern update to a classic trucker style. I like the utility-inspired seam details and patch pockets, and the gathered cuffs create a subtle puff sleeve that adds a slightly feminine touch. It’s also on sale right now, which is a nice bonus.

I also added a wood-beaded bag for a touch of contrast and to keep the look light and summery.

KUT from the Kloth Bailey (S) // Splendid Faye (L) // Madewell Zoe (8) // Sam Edelman Camile (8) // Dolce Vita crossbody (similar option) // necklace // earrings // bracelet

Look 3: Black Linen Pants + White Tee + Denim Layer

The same black linen pants and white tee take on a slightly more relaxed vibe with a denim jacket layered on top. I’ve always loved denim with linen because it adds texture and softens the contrast without making the outfit feel heavy. It’s such an easy way to make a simple outfit look a little more casual while still polished.

A little more about these pants—I like that they have a flat front with a button and zip closure, slanted front pockets, and back patch pockets, which gives them a slightly more tailored take on the typical linen pant. They’re very versatile, easy to dress up or down, and comfortable too.

This jacket is especially nice for summer because it’s made from Splendid’s Lounge Denim, which is a super-soft Tencel fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, and really nice to wear. I also love the drawstring hem, and the shorter length helps keep it looking fresh and modern.

I cuffed the sleeves for a slightly more relaxed vibe and to keep the look light. Plus, a 3/4 sleeve length especially slimming—and at this stage of life, I’ll take any help I can get.

In this case, I swapped out the black kitten-heel sandals for a more casual brown flat leather slide, and the wood-beaded bag works especially well here because it ties in nicely with the warmer tone of the sandals.

Once again, I finished the look with some bold jewelry and my favorite sunglasses. These small details help pull everything together and add a little personality without taking away from the simplicity of the outfit.

This look is probably my favorite of the three because I really love the combination of black linen and denim. It’s polished, comfortable, and casual enough for everything from errands to lunch or weekend plans.

Splendid Lounge Denim Jacket (M) // Splendid Faye (L) // Madewell Zoe (8) // Veronica Beard Via (8) // Dolce Vita crossbody (similar option) // necklace // earrings // bracelet

What If Black & White Isn’t Your Best Combo?

Black and white is a classic combination, but it’s definitely not the only way to use this outfit formula.

If black feels too harsh near your face, try navy, charcoal, or even soft brown instead. And if bright white isn’t your best neutral, cream, ivory, oatmeal, or soft beige can create the same polished effect.

And if you tend to look better in lower-contrast outfits, you can still use this idea—just soften the contrast. Pairing navy with soft denim, camel with cream, or taupe with ivory creates a more subtle, blended look while still feeling polished and pulled together.

At the end of the day, it’s less about wearing stark black and white and more about finding neutral combinations that work for your coloring, style, and comfort level.

Whether you prefer high contrast or softer tonal dressing, simple neutral pairings are one of the easiest outfit formulas to come back to.