Black & White: Striking Color Compliments for a Stylish Night

Finley has been a Mark Shale favorite for years, with it’s unique styles and luxury quality shirts and blouses. They are not widely distributed, so we were delighted to find this black and white beauty. The wrap style is perfectly paired to a fluid fabric, so it drapes beautifully. But the fabric is substantial enough to hold up to the structured collar. The combination is striking – and so flattering, easily accenting the waist and providing coverage in the hips and tummy area. This is a modern fit, so everyone from size 0 to 16 can enjoy it. Wear it with any slim pant – black or white trousers, dark wash jeans…you name it, and you’ve got a beautiful outfit for an evening out.

The back of this Bailey44 top is a solid knit that has stretch to it, making it so comfortable. If you wear it with a blazer or sweater over it, you won’t need to worry about your back getting all wrinkled. But, of course, it’s the bold black and white geometric pattern on the front that makes this sleeveless top so special. The fabric is light, which gives the top fluidity so it doesn’t cling. And the front is lined, so you don’t need to worry about adding a cami. It hits at just about the hip on most ladies and has a contemporary, straight fit, so it can be worn untucked with slim or wide pants, straight or full skirts.

On the softer side, Theory’s ethereal floral blouse is feminine and elegant. The hem finishes with a soft flounce that is a bit longer in the back. It doesn’t add unwanted volume though, quite the opposite. It creates movement and shape that looks just as pretty with slim pants as it does with its coordinating flared skirt. Together they create the look of a pretty dress, perfect for cocktails or an afternoon affair. Separately, they bring style to any of your other pieces.

Another soft and fluid piece, this Alice + Olivia blouse is so lady-like in its simplicity. The body is lined, but the wide fluid sleeves are sheer and dreamy. Alice + Olivia is a contemporary line, but this blouse has an easy fit that hits just around the high hip on most ladies. It is striking with a sleek pair of black pants and heels for now. In spring and summer, it’s just timeless with white trousers and nude strappy sandals. (Just make sure you stick to white wine in that outfit.)

Simple, yet sexy, this ABS contemporary fitting dress is a go-to for cocktail parties or even a less formal wedding this season. We love the way the straps finish in the back – click through the ‘shop it’ button to see what we mean. It creates an open look that is still bra-friendly. The white panels make this ponte dress special, but the black center piece and skirt draw the eye in to create a slimming illusion. While this is a shorter dress, note that the model is 5’10”, so it isn’t quite as short as it appears in the picture. It can handle a statement necklace or stand on its own.

Carmen Marc Valvo is known for his fine formal dresses, understanding a woman’s body to create an amazing fit. This black and white combination is so lady-like, with a jacquard dot pattern on the full skirt that is perfect for any day wedding or shower. The black tank style of the top is really flattering, too – the shoulders cut in just enough to create an elongating and slimming arm illusion, but is still bra-friendly. And the neckline works for any chest size. The modern fit goes up to size 16 and truly looks wonderful on every size we’ve seen.

It simply doesn't get more flattering than this. The ivory white lining highlights all the beautiful details of the lace, and the pintucking detail accentuates the waist to perfection. It creates the perfect hourglass shape. The straps are thick enough to wear a bra, and the v-neck detail is flattering without being too revealing, making this a beautiful option for a formal work or charity function.

Quite the showstopper…at a show-stopping price. This Lauren Ralph Lauren jersey gown strategically places the black panels for optimal slimming effects (across the waist and behind). The ruching along the side helps smooth the tummy area and the white panels break up the dress to sleek perfection. The little cutout by the neckline is alluring without being revealing so a standard bra still works. This is an easy fit, and as Nordstrom notes, runs large. Size down if you are between sizes. Play up the mod color blocking with a bold gold cuff bracelet and your sexists strappy heels.

With ‘70’s inspiration at every turn, there are certain influences that work into the modern, updated style we always prefer. And this Free People kimono jacket is one of them. It’s a super easy fit that just screams cool and confident. While it looks great over a simple tank and jeans for a casual night, we also love to dress it up with crisp white flared trousers and a silky tank or cami for a chic evening look. (Due to the airy fabric, you’ll need to do some ironing when it first arrives.) This is selling out quickly. Try Zappos or Revolve Clothing if your size is sold out through the ‘shop it’ button.

Diane von Furstenberg has taken her best selling clutch style and combined it with one of her best new prints of the season to create this stylish clutch. It freshens up an all-black outfit and gives it a lovely touch of spring. The printed leather dresses up or down, and we love to pair it with jeans and a simple blouse or tank top for a night out with friends.