The striking combination of a black top with white pants or jeans has always been one of my favorite summer looks. It’s clean and chic, and I can almost pretend I’m Jackie O on the island of Capri. The simplicity of this outfit makes it easy to wear, while the high contrast of black and white creates a bold yet timeless statement.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July 2025 and has been updated with current shopping options.
Other fashion icons have worn this classic combination, too, proving that a black top with white pants never really goes out of style.
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Take a look at how some of our favorite fashion icons styled black tops and white pants through the years. Their timeless looks can still inspire us to wear this chic combination today.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jackie’s look is the one I envision first, and it’s so easy to recreate. Find a perfectly fitted black t-shirt and pair it with cropped white chinos or jeans. You don’t even need a belt (or shoes, for that matter). Add a two-tone shoulder bag for your outing and finish the look with oversized oval sunglasses.
Coco Chanel
Channel Coco by layering on pearls and wearing a bold white cuff bracelet with a long-sleeve jersey top and wide-leg white linen pants. Add espadrilles for a bit of height and top it off with a captain’s hat. You can go all out with accessories or keep it simple with just one strand of pearls or a single statement cuff.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn’s super-simple look is all about perfect proportions. Wear a slim black turtleneck with the sleeves pushed or rolled up, tucked into high-waisted white capri pants. She isn’t even wearing jewelry, yet she still looks effortlessly chic.
Bridgette Bardo
Brigitte Bardot wore her white pants with Riviera style, pairing straight-leg trousers with a three-quarter-sleeve sailor top. Okay, hers may have been navy, but the look still works! Add a little volume to your hair to capture her carefree vibe, but feel free to skip the cigarette.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana gave the classic black top and white pants combination a polished, sophisticated look. Re-create her outfit with a scoop-neck black top layered under a black blazer and paired with slim white jeans. Complete the look with a black clutch and a black belt for an outfit that feels elegant and timeless.
Do you love the look of a black top with white pants? Which of these iconic outfits would you wear? Personally, I think I need to choose more than one.
Shop the Look
Or shop your own closet for similar pieces, then browse these options to re-create the look.
Shop Black Tops
Shop White Pants
You may also like to read 9 Of The Best Spring 2025 Fashion Trends For Women Over 50 and The Best Barrel Jeans for Women Over 50 and How to Style Them.
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