MORE MONOCHROME: WHITE CITY

An easy transitional look for any kind of weather, just update with the right shoes... and carry a spare pair.

While the most effortlessly on-trend pieces right now are those that feature stark contrasts - think trims, buttons, zips, stripes, geometric panels - black and white basic separates have never felt this good together. Suddenly, black and white is much more than the ancient, nightmarish recipe of a black pencil skirt paired with a white blouse.

And so we arrive to today's exercise, another clever no-brainer. You can make it a part of your spring wardrobe cleaning if you want. The best part is, you will refresh your look without any extra shopping.

Go through your closet, drawers, shelves, racks, boxes and all the places you keep your clothes for plain black and white, and any sort of greyscale print or motif, and start working them together. There are no special rules, just go with your instincts. The best pointers, if ever you need some, are:

      1. pair different black and white prints (for a unique look)
      2. combine smart and casual, play with proportions (for freshness)
      3. go for fully casual separates (monochrome smartens you up anyway)
      4. when it comes to accessories, metallics are your best friends
      5. you can use contrasts too (see shoe alternatives below)

My look is for the cooler weather and, as for the Dr. Martens Orin boots, I all but sleep in them. For the summer, just lose the tights and add brogues, heels, gladiator sandals or anything that takes your fancy. About the advice up front, I was absolutely serious - carrying a spare pair of shoes can prove a lifesaver way beyond rain-proofing your look: to ease the pain caused by heels or new shoes, to make you ready for shopping or for a long walk home to keep fit if jogging is not your thing, not to mention navigating the city, whether driving or via public transport. 'Til next time, be safe.

self-stripe button detail shorts: Next, reversed black and white spot print tee: Zara,
quilted white pu sleeveless biker jacket: Zara, biker boots: Dr. Martens Orin,

large bug necklace: New Look

Dr. Martens Orin boots

the alternatives: black and white t-bar heels and white low chunky heels: Asos
black and white leather flats: Topshop, studded white leather brogues: New Look
classic leather gladiator sandals: eBay

embellished bug necklace: New Look