How to Make a Black and White Monochrome Outfit More Bold

Basics aren’t always for playing it safe.

The Little Black Dress, the wear-with-anything blazer, the timeless court shoe – these are all popular black and white wardrobe staples and with good reason – they work for any and every occasion without fail. They’re our go-to for office hours, then transition seamlessly for the weekend, and they’re always our fall-back plan for when we’ve got nothing to wear. But that doesn’t mean those black and white basics have to blend into the background and be boring.

For our upcoming spring occasions, like Derby Day, we’re spicing up our monochrome classics with modern details to make our fail-safe outfits feel way more fun.

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Blazer and pants by Polo Ralph Lauren

We’re giving our favourite coordinating suit set a revamp with a pair of eye-catching earrings and a silky scarf tucked under the collar to make it pop.

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Shoes by Jo Mercer

We’re keeping our pumps sharp and chic in high-shine patent or swapping them out for block-heeled strappy sandals, which won’t sink in the grass and will transcend trends for seasons to come – double win!

And instead of upgrading our LBD, we’re simply adding on Extras (the kind with a capital E) like a head-turning hat, a feathery fascinator or a handful of out-there hair clips.