Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses

Chic white on black pattern dresses are a major trend you want to sport this summer. See who's rockin' pretty prints in Hollywood and how you can dress to impress during this hot and sexy season.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
It’s Black, It’s White

Chic black and white dresses are a major trend you want to sport this summer. See who’s rockin’ pretty prints in Hollywood and how you can dress to impress during this hot and sexy season.

By Qianna Smith

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty
02
Style Made Easy

When Estelle steps onto the red carpet, it’s her risk-taking fashion savvy that keeps all eyes on her. We are lovin’ how she is embracing the white on black trend with minimal effort.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty
03
Power Print

You can’t go wrong wearing this White House | Black Market Knit Keyhole Flounce Dress, $98, whitehouseblackmarket.com. The bold abstract print is versatile enough to be paired with a cardigan to wear at work or out with the girls for some nighttime fun. Look slim and trim with this A-line silhouette that works great to minimize the hip area.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
whitehouseblackmarket.com
04
See & Be Seen

Actress Joy Bryant brightens up the tents in bold printed dress by Thakoon during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty Image
05
Belt Out

Look sexy and chic at your next cocktail party donning a belted white and black printed dress. The fitted bodice not only flatters the figure, but the belt helps to further pronounce an hourglass figure.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
ardenb.com, theoutnet.com
06
The Right to Be Stylish

Activist/actress Kerry Washington commands the crowd looking fashion forward while speaking at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. The key to wearing a bold print is to keep it subtle and by pairing your dress with solid color shoe.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty
07
Zip Up In Zebra

You’re going to go “zany” over this Jump Satin Zebra-Print Strapless Dress, $79, dillards.com, that features support cups, a shirred bust and tuck pleats on the sides for a smooth shape.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
dillards.com
08
First Prize Fashions

Take a cue from First Lady Michelle Obama, who looks lovely in the Jason Wu number. Your print will never look overpowering when you stick to knee-length dresses, classic accessories, and simple shoes.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty
09
Posh Prints

First Lady Michelle Obama rocks a sheath dress like no one else can. Posh up your own wardrobe with this XSCAPE Shadow Rose Print V-Neck Sheath Dress, $178, lordandtaylor.com.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
lordandtaylor.com
10
Print Me

Actress Tia Mowry nails it on the red carpet by only wearing one printed piece at a time. Pairing prints with solid colors is always a smart move so you never look fussy or over the top.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty Image
11
Cool Breeze

Go for all-out casual comfort sporting this versatile Short-Sleeved Printed Matte Jersey Peasant Dress by INC International Concepts®, $79, macys.com. Jersey fabric will keep you cool during the summer heat streak.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
macys.com
12
Less Is More

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross arrives in style at the Women In Film 2009 Crystal And Lucy Awards. Ross’s printed dress is powerful enough to stand on its own, so her minimal accessories work in her favor.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty
13
Max & Relax

Sleeveless is the way to go to beat the summer heat. If you have been toning your arms in the gym, show them off donning this Maggy London Print Matte Jersey Maxi Dress, $98, nordstrom.com.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
nordstrom.com
14
Curves Ahead

Beyoncé reigns supreme in a one-shoulder printed gown at the Emporio Armani “One Night Only” Party in London, England.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty Image
15
Killer Curves

This Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Jersey Dress, $73 (Originally $148), nordstrom.com, is form-fitting at the bust and easy-fitting at the hips to perfectly accentuate your curves.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
nordstrom.com
16
Show Off

The long and lean top model Veronica Webb looks stunning in a striped white and black strapless dress. Just remember that wearing a bold print will bring you attention, so be sure to wear a style that showcases your best assets.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty Image
17
Personalize the Trend

Grammy-winning soul diva Mary J. Blige nails the white on black trend by choosing a dress that is basic but has all the right accents.

Trend Alert: Black and White Print Dresses
Getty Image