Rachel Zoe and Co. Do Black and White Right

If you care at all about fashion, personal style, or just not looking like a complete mess in your everyday life, then when Rachel Zoe speaks (or writes), you listen. After all, she’s one of the most powerful stylists in Hollywood, crafting the gorgeous and glamorous wardrobes of stars like Jennifer Garner, Sofia Vergara, and the Jennifer Lawrence, just to name a few. And now, she’s passing on all of her words of style wisdom to us lay folk in a new book called Living In Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour.

Obviously, because she’s Rachel Zoe, she also threw a huge soiree in honor of the new book, inviting all of her famous and super-stylish friends to come along. And even though we haven’t cracked the spine of her new book (but believe us, we will), we’ve already picked up one piece of advice thanks to celebs like AnnaSophia Robb, Olivia Palermo, and model Lindsay Ellingson, who attended Zoe’s big bash: Classic black-and-white ensembles will never go out of style.

Zoe herself was the first to prove this cardinal fashion rule at her Tiffany & Co.–sponsored party in New York City, choosing to host in a gorgeous, all-black number featuring a tiered, pleated skirt; peplum waist; and deeply plunging neckline covered by a sheer, lace panel. Finishing the look with wavy locks, darkly rimmed eyes, and a simple black clutch, the stylist-slash-author-slash-designer looked effortlessly chic, as always.

The Carrie Diaries star AnnaSophia Robb went the opposite route of Zoe in a short, white frock from the designer’s line, looking ready for spring with black, ankle-strap heels; straight and shiny hair; and a cute lucite clutch.

Though she added a little green and gray to her look, street-style star Olivia Palermo looked the epitome of glamour in her statement fur coat, which she threw on over a classic black blazer, white tee, cropped pants, and black lace pumps.

Ellingson went short, chic, and simple, pairing a collared shirtdress with beachy waves, a white shoulder bag, and timeless black pumps, while designer Georgina Chapman wore an opposing look with her white sheath dress, black tights, and black-and-white loafer heels.

Singer Karen Elson even channeled a bit of the ’70s-glam style Zoe is known for, rocking a one-shoulder, wide-leg jumpsuit featuring a tasteful keyhole cutout and an armful of bangles.

Though a black and white ensemble may feel like the oldest fashion trick in the book, Zoe and company proved that it doesn’t have to be stale and boring. And we didn’t even need to read Zoe’s book to figure that out.