Black and white will never go out of style, but it will continue to reinvent itself year after year, season after season. This winter is no exception. The look is classic with clean, well-tailored lines but it is uniquely new with soft, feminine accoutrements like ruffled sleeves, belted waists and designer collars.

If you are top heavy, a flowy, white pencil skirt topped with a fitted solid black sweater will help balance your figure. Accessorize with dainty details like strappy heels, a cinched belt with a flower closure and a small clutch in black patent leather.

For pear shaped figures opt for black bottoms and white tops. To keep from looking like a waiter, choose interesting textures. “Plain” lines look like a uniform. Instead try a full skirt and a short sleeved jacket with retro collar and buttons.

Black and white is such a versatile palette yet it can become boring if you don’t add visual interest to your outfit. Try pairing long with short by topping a black fringed miniskirt with a white satin tunic. Make a billowy, black chiffon top over white skinny jeans a fashion work of art by playing with dimensions and textures. Switch it up by wearing a fitted black crop jacket over a full white dress.

Make your clothing as visually interesting as possible with textures not patterns. The texture can come from finishes like patent leather, pleats, ruching or ruffles, or from embellishments like beading or embroidery. Use subtle borders around plunging necklines or along hems to make a statement. However you choose your bold lines, make sure the look is softened with either volume, pleats, sheer fabrics or some other feminine touch to keep the look light.

Make the most of black and white by matching prints with solids. When it comes to black and white prints, the bolder, the better just make sure to scale the print to your frame – smaller for smaller frames, larger for larger frames. Strong geometric graphics look best if you pair them with simple solid accessories like a wide black belt around the waist of a long floral dress. Chunky black shoes also balance a strong patterned piece.

Another way to maximize the appeal of black and white is to layer. The simplicity of the hues makes it a perfect candidate for layering a vest under a blazer, or leggings under a skirt. Layering helps transition frou-frou black and white to on-the-job perfect especially when you mix a tailored jacket over a pretty, sheer print - tailored and fitted separates balances out the look.

For black and white after five, take your cues from your man’s tux. Nothing is more luxurious or sexy as black and white. To make the colors work overtime, match a black mermaid skirt with an off-the-shoulder white lace top. Or let the colors speak for themselves in a fitted white dress with a black overlay of a large pattern and spiked heels.

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