Photos by Bill Wade, Post-Gazette staff photograher

Planet linen top ($179) with matching elastic-waist ankle-length skirt ($115) and floppy hat by REDfish DESIGNS ($34) is from SoHo Sewickley. It's worn with a flower pin ($33), Prezzo houndstooth clutch ($40) and bone-and-horn checkerboard bag ($42) from Spoiled Chics. Click photo for larger image.

It's been said that few things in life are black and white.

But some things are, especially in the world of fashion. Take, for instance, "spectator" looks -- outfits that combine the drama and sophistication of black and the cool, clean freshness of white. It's always in vogue, but there seems to be lot more to choose from in womenswear collections this summer and the coming autumn.

To give you an idea of what's in stores and in store, we stopped by several shops in Sewickley. However, you can go to any neighborhood shopping district, department store or mall and find plenty of pieces to create your own signature spectator style. There's even one store -- Black Market White House in Monroeville Mall -- that, as its name implies, offers fashions strictly in these two polar un-colors.

No, we haven't forgotten that this is the season of pinks, yellows and all other colors bold and bright. But black and white will always be a classic. It's almost impossible to mismatch, and it makes a strong case that opposites attract.

	A Fashion Doll reversible cap ($22) and Kara B laptop backpack ($89, from Spoiled Chics boutique) show the black-and-white trend in women's accessories. Click photo for larger image.

"It always looks clean and pretty," said Holly Miller, co-owner of Bailey & Bailey, 425 Walnut St., Sewickley. "It always looks fresh. You can't go wrong with it. And it's timeless -- it never goes out of style."

Among the store's numerous black-and-white looks are Trina Turk's miniskirts and solid black pants; Tibi's minis, long silk skirts and retro-pattern strapless sundress; Tara Jarmon's funky white skirt with black lace overlay and trim; Twinset's pretty little white-and-black sequined floral print dress; and Nanette Lepore's double-breasted zebra coat and matching skirt and blouse for fall.

Accessories also play off the popular theme. The window display at the Spoiled Chics accessories boutique, 350 1/2 Beaver St., is strictly spectator. There are dazzling crystal jewelry, silk georgette flower pins, whimsical wristwatches, checkerboard handbags and tweed and houndstooth bucket hats for fall.

"Black and white has always been hot," said co-owner Cora DeLoia. "I think people see the yin and yang of it -- you know, opposites attract. The whole look of it is so stark, and it grabs you."

A Queue jumpsuit ($195) from The Chatterbox is complemented by a Braciano flapper handbag ($41), Fashion Doll headwrap ($22) and Tokyo Bay leather string-band wristwatch ($69 from Spoiled Chics. Click photo for larger image.

Bohemian chic meets mod in this Nara Maglie polyester cropped top ($135) from The Chatterbox. Click photo for larger image.