Blanc et Noir: A Wardrobe Option

Byron Tully

May 30

Over the past ten years, I have written a few books and many more blog posts. I offer advice, and people have been known to follow my suggestions on occasion.

I am, by definition, an author, but I cringe at the thought of being an authority on the subject of how to live. In fact, if you'd like me to rise from the grave and haunt you til the end of your days, refer to me as a Lifestyle Guru. My ghost will appear nightly at the foot of your bed, interrupting your sleep with a bad a cappella rendition of the Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Women.

Anyway...given my platform and small measure of influence, most of the time, I am careful about what I say and what I suggest. Fortunately, I can stand by everything I recommended in The Old Money Book a decade ago.

Still, I keep a (somewhat) open mind to the inevitable forces of change.

In that spirit, I want to offer a wardrobe option that is not exactly traditional, but may not be exactly foreign to Old Money Guys and Gals.

It is the choice of wearing predominantly black and white much of the time. Previously on the blog, I've discussed the Parisian tendency to dress in all black, or black and white. It's an urban uniform that is versatile, economical, sometimes elegant, and undeniably logical when one lives in a small apartment with limited closet space (as many people living in Paris do.)

I don't recommend all black all the time, as I've heard more than once that people experience depression from dressing this way. I have no idea why, but I tend to pay attention when the same comment pops up too frequently to be a coincidence. So beware of this.

Also, know that wearing black every day will not make you another Steve Jobs. It can, however, help with concentration and what's known as decision fatigue. (I've read about this and have also heard people talk about it.) You can experiment with your wardrobe and see if dressing in black benefits you, brings you down, or has no effect.

My preference for Old Money Style notwithstanding, wearing a white shirt or blouse with black jacket, black slacks, and black dress shoes or boots can be a clean, discreet, elegant, and practical option. The white blouse or shirt pulls you away from the Goth look, or from looking like you take yourself really, really seriously, while still presenting a dramatic, elegant image.

The black suit/white dress shirt and no necktie option for men is actually ubiquitous among many business executives, politicians, writers, and actors, both male and female, here in France.

Actor Lucas Hedges in a recent film, wearing the classic black and white combo.

There are caveats that come with this option: first, a white T shirt, black jeans, and sneakers will not cut it. You will resemble a large sector of the poorly dressed population who, either through negligence or intent, communicate a lack of taste, education, or interest in extending the simple courtesy of putting some thought into the way you dress.

So, yeah, in a world overrun by cargo pants and flip-flops, I'm kind of harsh about that.

Anyway...the other caveat regarding the Black and White Option is that you will need to spend more money on each piece, buying high quality garments, shoes, and accessories, than someone who opts for a more traditionally Old Money Style. 'Old' is part and parcel of Old Money Style, as you have probably already guessed, and Elegance is an essential in the Black and White World.

The blanc et noir option will require you to purchase a high quality (and probably not inexpensive) white blouse or white shirt. You'll need to invest in top quality black dress shoes or boots, and if you opt for sneakers, you'll need to make sure they're kept in good condition (perfectly white). You'll need to make sure that your black suit, jacket, and pants fit well. Note that black jeans fade quickly and can bring your look down just as quickly. You will need to keep your black dress shoes shined and well-heeled. Otherwise, you might resemble a down-on-his-luck undertaker.

Ines de la Fressange, French fashion icon, keeps it simple.

Lint and the fur of white animals will become your arch enemy. Friends and family will inevitably ask you what's going on. They will wonder if you've joined a cult, if you're going through a mid-life crisis or going to a funeral, or if you're dating the bass player of a heavy metal rock band.

These inquiries can prove fatiguing, especially if you're just trying to embrace a style that can be, as I've said, economical, practical, elegant, and versatile.

So...if you're feeling too constrained by Old Money Style, black and white is a viable option. Just know before you go.