Coco Chanel once said, “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour.” To her, black and white form “the perfect harmony”.

So when in doubt, go black and white. Wearing black and white are a fail-safe combination for any day of the week – but they don’t have to be boring. Take cues from these designs seen on the F/W ’17 runways on how to style the monochrome trend for the office.

Images: Showbit

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/style/fashion/take-cues-runway-wear-black-white-office/

Take Cues From The Runway To Wear Black & White In The Office

Graphic Display

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If there is one print you should sport this season, it’s black-and white polka dots.

For Fall, one of the most notable looks was by Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga, where the designer paid homage to the Parisian house’s mastery of voluminous shapes. This one in particular is a strapless gown in polka dots – complete with a matching bag.

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The Art of Layering

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While most of us won’t be able to rock the head accessory shown here for work, we can take cues from this look at the Ann Demeulemeester show.

Throw on a black sweater over a white shirt-dress to show off your chic layering and ensures you keep warm from the office air-con.

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Opt for Texture

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Monochromatic shades don’t have to be about boring shapes and plain fabrics. To create more interest, don’t hold back on the pretty details like sequins and tassels or other decorative textures.

Decadent materials also play a big part in creating more visual appeal, as seen in this ostrich feathered dress at Balenciaga.

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Structure is Key

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Clean tailoring with exaggerated features like strong shoulders or oversized sleeves will add a powerful impact to your monochrome workwear ensemble.

At Céline, the designer took a keen interest in showcasing the garment’s sturdy construction: shoulders were elevated to create a new architectural appeal, while sleeves took on a voluminous style to convey a more avant-garde attitude.

Text: Lena Kamarudin, The Business Times / Additional text: Cheryl Lim

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