Black and White, Effortlessly Chic for Any Occasion

Brenna Lauren Michaels in Black and White Skirt on marble staircase in Savannah, Georgia

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, y’all. When it comes to a killer wardrobe simplicity and classic lines are key. Pair that principle with a black and white pallet, and you’ve got yourself a timeless outfit.

This pleated tea-length skirt by H&M is one of my absolute favorites at the moment, and I’m carrying this summer-ready staple as far into autumn as I can.

The fun thing about skirts to me is how they pair so well with different types of tops - pretty, flowing blouses, soft t-shirts, tailored button-ups, cozy sweaters - there are just so many directions to take a skirt like this one!

In this case, I obviously opted for a sheer black button-up that mirrors the texture of the skirt itself, which allows for a classy, comfortable look that you can easily elevate with accessories.

These black Vince Camuto heels are absolutely the most comfortable pair I’ve ever known - I’m so obsessed!

….

The next time you’re in Savannah, by the way, pay close attention to the iron work! It’s everywhere - from staircases and front porch balconies, to entrance gates, and even window awnings.

Like Charleston, Savannah has a long appreciation for the art of ironwork.

And it’s really reflected and preserved so beautifully across town.

Close-up of Brenna Lauren Michaels in black and white skirt with sunglasses in Savannah, Georgia

Brenna Lauren Michaels standing on marble stairs in Savannah, Georgia

Close-up of Brenna Lauren style with Savannah sign in background in Savannah, Georgia

Brenna Lauren in black heels and Black and white skirt

Brenna Lauren Michaels sitting on stairs in Savannah, Georgia

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Southern Style

Savannah Shopping Day in Pink Suede Duster, Satchel Bag, & Spanx Moto Leggings

When it comes to an outfit for a morning shopping trip on Broughton Street, I’m always looking for a fun balance between comfort and style. These Spanx leather moto leggings, basic white tee, rose suede duster, and pumps were the perfect combination.

Blustery Day in Faux Fox Fur Coat and Vintage Savannah Cocktail Ring

It doesn’t get super cold in Savannah very often, so when it does I make sure to have as much fun as possible. This vintage faux fox fur coat is an absolute favorite.

Cozy Day at The Paris Market in Bordeaux Vintage Fashion

When I saw this Bordeaux satin top at Fabrik’ here in Savannah, I knew right away I had to have it. It’s just different enough without falling into any sort of “trend” category. On the contrary, the balloon sleeves and tapered button wrists are decidedly vintage - in the best possible way.

Savannah Brunch-ready in The Perfect power-woman Day Dress

This smart, sophisticated piece is literally bringing all the fabulous fall vibes for me right now.

Blush-Worthy Dress at The Olde Pink House

The little bow at the neckline on this Gal Meets Glam dress is such a sweet detail - and I really do love the pleating in the skirt. There is SO much fabric, ya’ll.

This dress feels nothing but luxurious.

Sophisticated Navy Blue Romper

I give you this Ali & Jay romper. I walked into Harper Boutique in downtown Savannah the other day, and I just knew. We were made for each other.

Fairytale Morning in Monterey Square & Gal Meets Glam Floral Sundress

There’s something magical about Savannah - you don’t have to spend much time before that becomes really clear. The Spanish moss, the centuries-old oak trees, antebellum mansions, cobblestone paths, vibrant gardens, the scent of jasmine on the air. It makes a girl want to dress up a little. :)

Black and White, Effortlessly Chic for Any Occasion

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, y’all. When it comes to a killer wardrobe simplicity and classic lines are key. Pair that principle with a good old black and white pallet, and you’ve got yourself a timeless outfit.

Blush Pink Frills, This Girl's Best Friend

The trouble with Autumn in Savannah is that it doesn’t actually seem to arrive until well into October, hopefully in time for Halloween. All of that to say, it stays warm here. Pretty much all year. And the summer-to-fall wardrobe transition can be especially hard to navigate.

Savannah Blue Belle

I’m always on the hunt for a classic day dress that will take me from brunch, to lunch meetings, and maybe even early cocktails.

Savannah City Guide

What to Do in Savannah at Night (Beyond Bars and Restaurants)

Savannah changes after dark.

The heat softens. The crowds thin. The historic district grows quieter — and more atmospheric. For many visitors, nighttime ends with dinner or drinks, but locals know that Savannah’s evenings offer far more.

The Best Ghost Tour in Savannah (What Locals and Historians Actually Recommend)

With dozens of options, wildly different styles, and dramatic price ranges, travelers often ask:

“What is the best ghost tour in Savannah?”

Is Savannah Haunted? A Historian’s Answer (With Real Stories)

Visitors arrive with curiosity. Some skeptical, some hopeful, many unsure, and almost all ask us the same thing.

As historians and storytellers who walk these streets nightly, the honest answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

T.C. & BRENNA LAUREN MICHAELS

We’re the husband and wife team behind Genteel & Bard.

If this world is a garden - we’re planting kindness.

Life tried to give us a big old bag of lemons, and we made the most delicious pitcher of lemonade. We’ve built a Southern Lifestyle company around beautiful storytelling, history, and the haunted.

Our manifesto? The world is full of beauty - why not choose a beautiful life?

Excursion to Savannah?

Book Your Genteel & Bard Savannah Tour

Are we friends on Instagram yet?

Today we are thankful for outside! 🍃👒 (That’s everyday honestly, but especially aware of it during this season.) Part of living in Savannah’s Historic District is embracing the outdoors, the city itself as your home. I can’t imagi

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself . 💚 - Coco Chanel

Counting down until this outfit makes sense again 😂💙👒 #onedaycloser

“We were together. I forget the rest.” ⠀
💙 - Walt Whitman

Happy Earth Day, everyone! We feel so blessed to live in such a stunning part of the world, and we never ever take it for granted. ⠀
This time at home, these slower days, they are teaching us so much. And among the most important lessons is just how

“If you can keep your head when all about you ⠀ Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, ⠀
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,⠀ But make allowance for their doubting too; ⠀
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,⠀ Or being l

Why can’t azalea season last all year? 💕🌸🌺

Forever inspired by warm simplicity. 🤍 ⠀
Those floors. That secretary. The pops of colonial green. 🥰

Thinking of all the happy days to come, with sweet friends on bustling marinas, and handsome boats, and back rivers, and ocean and sand. There are so many things we will never take for granted again after all of this.⠀
What’s the first fun thin

Storms make trees take deeper roots.🖤⠀ - Dolly Parton

“You’re story is going to be gorgeous,” He whispered over her. “But first, I must make you strong.” 🖤

Happy Easter from the Michaels family! 🐇🌷🌸🥰 👑⠀
This year’s celebration looks a little different than last year -(wasn’t Gentry’s yellow bow just adorable? 💛)⠀
But this Easter is no less special. In fact, we’re celebratin

Good Friday isn’t called good because it wasn’t painful. ⠀
It’s good because it reminds us that love is fierce - love will stretch itself beyond self, beyond pain, beyond fear. ⠀
Love will lay itself down for the lives of others. ⠀

🐇”Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.”⠀
Zachariah 9:12

This is still the land of white picket fences. ⠀
💙
So thankful to live in the country of stubborn hope. Brave patriots. Dauntless dreamers.⠀
There’s a long history of happy endings behind us. And many more to come.⠀
What’s your favorite

And if the world must fall asleep,⠀
let it wake,⠀
with bright-eyes,
to find⠀
me ⠀
beside ⠀
you ⠀
still. 🖤

“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”⠀
- Martha Washington

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Featured

January 11, 2026

What to Do in Savannah at Night (Beyond Bars and Restaurants)

January 11, 2026

Savannah changes after dark.

January 11, 2026

The Best Ghost Tour in Savannah (What Locals and Historians Actually Recommend)

January 11, 2026

With dozens of options, wildly different styles, and dramatic price ranges, travelers often ask:

“What is the best ghost tour in Savannah?”

January 11, 2026

Is Savannah Haunted? A Historian’s Answer (With Real Stories)

January 11, 2026

Visitors arrive with curiosity. Some skeptical, some hopeful, many unsure, and almost all ask us the same thing.

As historians and storytellers who walk these streets nightly, the honest answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

January 11, 2026

May 3, 2023

The Best Summer Cocktails in Savannah

May 3, 2023

Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful and charming city, full of history and culture. Considering how sultry summers can get in Savannah, there's no better way to cool off than with a refreshing cocktail. From classic drinks to creative concoctions, here are some of the best summer cocktails the Hostess City has to offer and where to find them!

May 3, 2023

T.C. & Brenna MichaelsOctober 17, 2018

Black and White, Effortlessly Chic for Any Occasion

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T.C. & BRENNA LAUREN MICHAELS

Excursion to Savannah?

Are we friends on Instagram yet?

Recent favorites

Genteel & Bard’s Fine Savannah walking Tours are a celebration of Southern culture and storytelling - the history and haunts, the mystery, and adventure that await those who take a deeper look.

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