It’s mysterious. It’s tough. It’s slimming. It’s black and it’s everything a color should be. It’s time to stop buying other pieces “just because they’re not black.” You don’t wear too much of that color; or any color, for that matter...if it’s your style! Listen to Oscar Wilde: “too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” Add sparkle, add lace, add texture, add shine. Black is a blank canvas for the daring.
Making it Work: When wearing only one color, no matter what it is, we rely on shape and drape to carry the look. Shape: how the piece is structured. Drape: how the piece lies on your individual body. AKA is it hugging you in all the right areas? The return of tailoring is key here. These are very personal elements of dress for both the designer and the wearer. For an LBD it is a sure-fire bet to wear one that is at least partially fitted. Luckily, most black dresses are at least form-fitting in the chest.
With the deepest color, not even on the rainbow, too much drape can look like, well, curtains. However, I do love flowy tops, especially for Spring. So I flatten their natural blouse-y shape by tucking them into cargo pants or joggers. If I’m wearing a black t-shirt with black jeans (likely black sunglasses and black sandals as well), I tend to knot the hemline to make the shape of my look dynamic. The front-tuck with a killer belt has been popular for the same reasons. One of my favorite all-black looks is taking a strapless top and tucking it into black high-waisted cotton dress shorts. It looks exactly like a romper but, the fit is fantastic and you don’t have to get naked to use the bathroom.
Tackling Trends: Have you noticed how many trends are circulating that involve showing off your shoulders? Cold shoulder, off-the-shoulder, one shoulder, ruched shoulder. If you’re curious to test one of these looks do it in all black first! Then you can truly see how you like the shape. Take a cotton one-shoulder shirt to the next level by tucking it into a skirt in a luxe fabric like leather, satin, or tulle. I think all-black outfits get a boring rep when they’re worn montious. I.E. a black cotton t-shirt with black cotton leggings. That’s basically a unitard.
Mixing in a variety of fabrics is so important to keep things interesting. Dressing in the latter half of 2021 is all about luxe details. And, as always, thank goodness for layering pieces and accessories. Why do you think you always feel bad in that moto jacket? It’s texture. Its fabric, its snaps, its zippers break up the look. Frayed edges keep your legs from disappearing in black denim.
A thin chiffon v-neck top with the straps of a ribbed sports bra peeking out looks like it was meant to be there. You’re a fool if you think making a fully black look takes less time. Nothing about it is accidental.
Other details that add to an all-black look: fringe, ruching, ruffles, embroidery, laces, pure lace, fishnets, logos
Colors & Prints: If there’s a nonblack element in your all-black look it’s gonna stand out. I take full advantage and add my crystal Whitney Wisdom Beading tassel bracelets because they catch the light in a way my outfit never could. Black and white is the timeless combo. They make each other pop! I’m sure I’ve gone off about this before and I’m absolutely positive I have been brain-washed by Chanel but, black and tan is the most ladylike color pairing to strut this Earth. If all black intimates you or is honestly just too hot to wear in your climate, work in some tan color blocking pieces. A striped cardigan, a nude mule, get creative!
Black also takes on patterns like a champ, all on its own. Black croc bags and shoes take the cake for 2021.
There’s a reason we all drool over street-style pics. And what’s at the core of those looks?
B-L-A-C-K.
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