Fashion

At ELLE's Women in TV Celebration, Zooey Deschanel, Emma Roberts, and More Do the Black and White Trend

It’s no secret that black and white ensembles are a big trend right now — just look at the Golden Globes red carpet for evidence — but according to the stars at Wednesdday's ELLE magazine Women in TV Celebration, it’s cooler than ever to be caught in the classic combo. And though the two neutral shades can be pretty simple to pull off, there are a few style rules to keep in mind when rocking the duo together. But don’t take our word for it: Let today’s hottest ladies on TV show you how to wear the on-trend look.

by Mary Avant

Make It Modern

Black and white can be a real snooze when done wrong, but actress Emma Roberts proves all it takes to spice up the combo are modern cuts, unique details, and a super-chic hair style.

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Toe the Lines

For a subtler approach to the black and white look, follow actress Laverne Cox’s lead by opting for a black dress with subtle white piping, or vice versa. Want to look extra sexy? A pair of fishnet stockings won’t hurt.

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Go Cutesy

Far from the color-packed look Zooey Deschanel wore on her ELLE February 2014 cover, the New Girl star proves that feminine, classic patterns like polka dots are a perfect fit in shades of black and white.

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Experiment With Volume

If you’re keeping the bottom half of your black and white look short and sweet with shorts or a miniskirt, follow actress Keke Palmer’s lead by sticking with a more voluminous top to balance out the outfit.

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Stick With Classic Shapes

Actress Alexandra Daddario is living proof that it’s hard to go wrong when you combine a classic color combo with a classic dress shape.

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Mix Work and Play

Keep your black and white ensemble from looking stiff and stuffy by pairing one playful piece — like a ruffled crop top — with something more streamlined, the way actress and host Maria Menounos does it.

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Play with Pattern

Whether you want something feminine, like actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s look, or something a little bolder, go graphic with your black and white look by rocking a patterned dress or two-piece outfit.

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Show Some Skin

The color combo may be traditional, but you can make it sultry in a snap by playing with ivory instead of white or wearing a peek-a-boo dress and red lips, like Orange is the New Black star Yael Stone.

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Pay Attention to Details

Worried your black and white outfit will read boring? Keep it interesting like model and actress Molly Sims by incorporating fun details like thick stripes and delicate lace.

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Use Your Accessories Wisely

What’s old can most certainly be new again. Try wearing a black dress with a white collar for a classic, vintage look like stand-up comedian Retta’s, but keep it playful with fun accessories like a striped tote.

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