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A trend that seems to be all the rage this spring is black and white. Aside from simple black and white patterns, black and white stripes are so chic. Timeless, the classic combo of black and white has been paired together since the 1960’s see: striped or checked shifts, polka dot bags, two-tone shoes, pants in wide vertical stripes, nautical horizontal stripes, colorblocking and geometric prints. Men are in the game too with staples as houndstooth, glen plaids and windowpane checks. And this season, who did it best? See: Oscar de la Renta from SS 13 below, and Marc Jacobs stripped down version.

Photo: Style.com

Clean and simple, and not unchartered territory, I thought it would be best to pare a floor sweeping dress with simple black espadrilles and a pop of orange in the clutch. The contrast stripes lend an eye-catching pattern in a most slimming optical illusion.

A.L.C. striped maxi dress, Retro Super Future sunglasses, Mango embossed choker, HELMUT Helmut Lang washed leather jacket, Chanel espadrille, get a similar one here, ZARA clutch, get one from Hervé Guyel here.

WHY I LOVE IT

In a complicated world, there’s something reassuring about clean, simple black-and-white, especially when it’s organized into logical stripes, grids, and figure-flattering vertical planes. The look is modern, cool, and assertive—but never in your face—and smacks of self-possession. The dress has a flattering V neck with very thin adjustable spaghetti straps that form into a V at back. An empire silhouette is always good for those summer months when you ate too much guacamole for lunch. And the raw edge hem is perfect for us shorties.

HOW TO WEAR IT

Although the pattern may seem overwhelming at first, a bold stripe can be worn modestly on a dress paired with any color shoe, but try avoiding a shoe with a print or pattern. Blazers, my favorite ( you already know this) can be paired with a white shirt and dark pants or denim shorts. And throw in a pop of color.

E. Kammeyer tassle bracelet, Jacquie Aiche hand chain Essie nailpolish, Tai friendship bracelet, Zara clutch

In honor of Memorial Day weekend, I decided to do a dance just for you, to the sound of this electro funk beat.

Photos: Lydia Hudgens

A.L.C. striped maxi dress

This song with the funky groove, will be the hit of the summer season, don’t you think? And will most likely fade as summer ends….