5 Staples Every Trend-Proof Wardrobe Needs For Spring and Summer

Black and white is such a classic combo, perhaps the most classic combo of them all! It's a color pairing I go to often when putting together looks, whether it's for work or casual settings. Because these hues never go out of style, they're easy to shop for. Dresses, pants, skirts, shirts, blazers, you name it, you're sure to find your favorites in black or white, or a combo of the two! 

Black and white oozes a classic and polished vibe that elevates any outfit. And when it comes to workwear, this combo is like magic, turning the simplest black pants and white shirt into an intentional, business-ready look. Here are some bold ways to wear black and white to the office:

Black and White Printed Skirt With A Fitted Top

One of the easiest ways to rock a black-and-white printed skirt is to wear it with a fitted black top. I opted for a sleeveless square neck top to go along with the geometric print of the skirt. This is a look that can multitask for work if worn with heels, or be perfect for weekends if worn with ballet flats or casual sandals. 

Black and White Printed Skirt With A Blazer

For an effortless yet intentional office outfit, reach for a blazer! I restyled the same black-and-white printed skirt I wore with the previous look, but this time wore it with a black blazer to dial up the business vibe. You could finish the look with black pumps or give it a little casual balance with Mary-Jane flats.

Black Pants With A Striped Blouse

Black pants are a must-have for any wardrobe and for this look, I wore a belted pair of black pants with a black and white blouse. The cigarette pants silhouette and the loose blouse balance each other beautifully to create a polished combo for the office.

Black Balloon Pants With A Printed Shirt

I've been into balloon pants lately! They offer a fresh take on the typical straight pants or wide-leg pants silhouettes, and are super comfortable. Balloon pants are easy to wear for casual occasions, but they can also be elevated to workwear level with the right pieces. For this office look, I paired black balloon pants with a black-and-white batik-print shirt. The combo gives a strong modern vibe that reinterprets the "pants-and-a-shirt" work outfit formula. To zhuzh it up, go for a colorful leather bag.

Black Wide-Leg Pants With A White Shirt

Wide-leg pants are a no-brainer when it comes to styling! And I adore them for that reason. For this office look, I wore long black wide-leg pants with a lace-trim white shirt and a black belt. A simple yet very effective business casual outfit!

Black Pleated Skirt With A Striped Shirt

All it takes to make a casual oversized striped shirt look more polished is to pair it with a midi pleated skirt (other skirt here) and a wide leather belt. You can go for pointy leather pumps for a super sharp allure, or keep it chic with Mary-Jane ballet flats.

Black and White Printed Pants With A Black Top

Remember those pants? They're a fave and ones I always get compliments on! They feature a stand-out batik print and a wide-leg silhouette that is easy to wear with so many closet staples. For this outfit, I opted for a structured black turtleneck top that I belted for a tailored vibe. This is the kind of outfit that signals a bold attitude and one that can multi-task for work, fashion events, and some off-hour feats.

A piece we should all be paying attention to for the Spring and Summer 2026 is balloon pants, also known as harem pants. Their exxagerated rounded silhouette gives them plenty of edge and a great deal of comfort. We've all embraced straight-leg pants and wide-leg pants as wardrobe must-haves, and now balloon pants expand our options with a more voluminous and distinctive shape. They're similar to barrel pants in some sort, but with a bit more material making them a super comfy pick. At first, they may seem too street-style-ish, but dressed with the right pieces, these billowy bottoms can easily be elevated to officewear status. Below are some ideas for styling balloon pants for both casual and professional settings.

Balloon Pants with a Cropped Trench

When in doubt, always reach for your classic pieces! A trench top is always Spring-appropriate and can be paired with anything, really. For this casual outfit, I went with black balloon pants with a light golden yellow trench jacket. I love how the color pairing gives an alluring balance between colorful and neutral. To keep it comfortable yet edgy, I added studded slingback flat shoes. This is a look anyone can pull off, and one that is perfect for weekend and off-hour feats.

Black balloon pants | Other black balloon pants | Cropped trench jacket | Sleeveless trench vest | Studded flats | Colorful leather bag

Balloon pants with a printed peplum top

Black and white never gets old, especially with bold pieces! I styled the same black balloon pants as in the previous outfit with a batik print ankara peplum top. The structure of the top juxtaposed to the loose fit of the bottom creates the perfect style tension. To give the look a pop, I reached for a green handbag, and to add polish, I went with black pointed toe pumps. This is one easy way to elevate balloon pants to workwear level.

Black balloon pants | Zebra blazer | White peplum top | Black pointed toe kitten heels | Colorful leather work bag | Oversized square sunglasses

Balloon Pants With A Layered Shirt

Layering doesn't end with Fall or Winter. In fact, you can layer year-round, you just have to pick your pieces carefully so you can stay comfy. Another way to wear balloon pants is to pair them with a shirt and vest combo. A vest is a classic wardrobe staple and a piece that lends a preppy aura to a look. For a classic yet punchy color contrast, I opted for a black vest over a Kelly green linen shirt but you could experiment with other hues if you're feeling playful. To give the dandy-leaning look an edgy vibe, I wore studded flats. This look is another one that is easy to pull together and one that can multitask, from work day to weekends.

Green linen shirt | Black vest 

Balloon Pants with A Tunic Top

For an exaggerated take from top to bottom, you can wear balloon pants with a printed tunic top and go for bold accessories. You know I always seize an opportunity to cinch a look, and for this one, I reached for my wide waist leather belt. Also, to pile on the bold vibe, I wore a super chunky leather bangle and oversized gold hoop earrings. This look delivers on attitude and tension, pairing ethnic ankara prints with a modern belt and pants, and really playing with volume for that exaggerated effect. This is another balloon pants outfit that is perfect to zhuzh up your workwear routine and really bring some personality to your balloon pants.

Colorful belted long vest | Khaki brown long vest | Yellow longline vest | Black balloon pants | Black leather pumps | Large leather tote | Aviator sunglasses | Other aviator sunglasses | Statement gold earrings

Balloon Pants with an oversized shirt

An oversized shirt will never let you down! I have built a collection of those over the years and regularly put them on outfit rotation, whether it's Summer or Winter. For this outfit, I was going for something elevated and effortless for work. I started out with my burgundy balloon pants from last Fall and my red striped oversized oxford shirt. Now, balloon pants are voluminous, and so are oversized shirts so in order to restore balance, I added a wide leather belt. Again, I love a cinched look, and with balloon pants specifically, a cinch adds that refined touch and who doesn't love that? This look gives bold, modern, effortless all at the same time and is another one to add to the workwear idea board.

Maroon balloon pants | Other balloon pants | Striped oversized shirt | Other striped oversized shirt | Wide leather belt | Other wide belt | Burgundy convertible clutch bag |