As showcased by Marc Jacobs, Alexandra Wang and Chanel among others at this year's London Fashion Week, 'The Contrast' is what everyone is talking about this spring. The black and white combination is classic and demure but can be dressed up with bright patterns and outrageous embellishments! It's an easy and understated trend that can be embraced by the bargain hunter and the 'more money then sense' splurger, so here are just a few outfit ideas and items which can help you jump on 'The Contrast' band wagon, no matter what budget you have!
1. Catarina Lace and Leather Skater Dress- Missguided.co.uk
£29.99
I really love the sophisticated yet edgy elegance to this dress. The contrast is subtle with the of set white lace yet the leather skirt and collar makes the dress an automatic statement. To stay in the contrast theme and not deter attention from the dress (the outfit does the talking) I'd team this with a pair of black or nude wedges or chelsea boots and wear minimal accessories. I think this dress is fabulous for the price as it looks a lot more expensive then it really is.
2. H&M Black and White Print Top- hm.com
£7.99
This top really is a statement piece. The vertical lines are really flattering for pear and apple shapes. The triangles at the side of this top draw the eyes to the centre which gives an automatic slimming effect. The contrast on this top is really bold and will have you at the centre of attention! I'd pair this with a pair of black cropped cigarette trousers and a pair of chelsea boots or even platforms for an evening look. This top is great for dressing up or down and means you can add the contrast trend to your wardrobe without breaking the bank! Fabulous!!
3. Newlook White Contrast Lace Shoulder Peplum- newlook.com
£12.99
The peplum is a trend that took off around winter 2012 and is still a massive trend for the spring. The peplum style is really flattering as it draws the eyes to the waist, enthusing your stunning assets. The contrast is not as apparent on this top but it is beautifully feminine with black lace sleeves. I'd team this top with a pair of black cigarette trousers or shiny disco pants for the evening and a pair of cute courts.
1. Zara Shift Dress with White Stripe- zara.com
£45.99
Once again another understated yet sophisticated piece that allows you to dress up or dress down the contrast trend. I think this dress would be great for a night on the town or a dinner date. For a night out I'd team this dress with gold accessories, a pair of studded platforms and a leather jacket, transforming it with a blazer and a pair of black leather slippers. This dress is the perfect staple piece!
2. Topshop Texture Stripe Shift Dress- topshop.com
£38.00
This dress has designer written all over it, except the price tag! Contrast stripes are the simplest and most effect way of staying on trend. Eye-catching yet simple, this shift dress could be teamed with a pair of black platforms and a blazer for a cultivating classic. This design has been seen on the cat walks so I'm pretty sure this dress won't be around for long! Grab that designer look for half the price. I think this dress is definitely worth the money as a piece like this will get so much wear. Stripes are almost always bang on trend.
3. Missguided Veris Monochrome Tweed Sleeve Leather Jacket- missguided.co.uk
£37.99
A bloggers favourite, this jacket really is to die for! The contrast lies in it's leather body and white tweed sleeves, which give the jacket an air of suave will keeping it young and current with the leather body. This jacket would like great on most outfits, meaning you could be rocking the Contrast trend all day, everyday! It's a simple way to create the trend without worrying you have spent money on an item you may only wear once. This jacket is classic and a staple piece which can be worn all year round. A great investment and a great price.
1. Stella McCartney Sleeveless Contrast Dress- selfridges.com
£445.00
The only thing that preventing me from buying this dress is the price tag! But if I had the money, this baby would be hanging up in my wardrobe. I love the simplicity of this piece. A body con dress is a pencil skirt is perfectly elegant yet has a sexy element to it. The contrast in this dress is very understated, with a strip of white running through the hem of the skirt, yet it just looks bang on trend. The high neck is also really sophisticated and allows their dress to be teamed with some REAL statement jewellery. As the dress is beautifully simple, I'd team this dress with a silver chain necklace or a statement drape collar. I'd keep the shows neutral as not to overpower the dress, staying with the nudes and blacks. I just love the classiness and classic look of this dress! I just wish it were in my price range.
2. Alexandra McQueen Contrast-Detail Shirt- selfridges.com
£595.00
Contrasts shirts are always a great piece of buy into with the contrast trend. They can be worn day and night and are the most simple way of buying into this trend. I love the white collar and cuffs of this shirt. Although the shirt is rather masculine, the contrast gives it a feminine demure. The scoop hem is also beautifully feminine. I'd wear this shirt with black wet look leggings or cigarette trousers depending on the event. I'd wear a classic pair or black loafers to keep this outfit classic and not deter from the beauty and elegance of this shirt. Classic yet current, I just love this shirts ability to speak out from a crowded room. It's a stand alone piece which can define any wearer as an automatic fashonista.
3. Marc Jacobs Scooter Stripe Dress- marcjacobs.com
$398.00
Looking at this dress you can automatically see where H&M and Topshop got their contrast inspiration from. This classic Marc Jacobs dress is sweet yet beautifully stylish, using horizontal and vertical stripes to draw the eyes to your figure. The boxy shape to this dress is classic and simplistic while the pattern keeps the piece on trend and gives it a breathtaking edge. I love the way this dress takes the contrast trend and real turns it on it's head,using patterns to keep the design unique and fresh. I think this dress is a stand alone piece. I wouldn't wear accessories with it and stay to understated footwear, as the dress tells us all we need to know. If only I had the cash, this baby would be mine!
The Contrast Trend is a simple yet classic trend which is so easy to follow without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. From a plain white shirt and a pair of black trousers to a monochrome body con, this trend is bang on for the Spring and will carry you right through to the Summer. It's so easy to dress up or down and adds that touch of class to any outfit. Let your outfit do the talking this Spring and buy into the Contrast Trend! Then all you have to do is wait for the compliments to role on!
Love G
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