Anyone who knows me knows that I’m most comfortable in black clothes. About 70 percent of the closet is black, and I’m quite proud of that. I’ve never really had a conscious reason for it—I guess I’ve just never been too much of a bold print or bright color girl since I started developing my grown-up big-girl style a few years back. But, as it turns out, there may be a method to my madness: According to a recent survey conducted by the Independent, people most associate the color black with positive traits, including confidence, intelligence, and sexiness, while it barely figured in negative traits like arrogance. So I guess I’ve just been subconsciously exuding confidence, intelligence, and sex appeal for the past few years? I mean, I’ll take it.
(Related: 5 Ways To Style A Black Cotton Shift Dress, The Perfect Piece For Spring And Summer)
The problem with going for an all-black look, though, is pretty obvious: Wearing one shade and one shade only can be pretty boring. But it doesn’t have to be. There are a few simple styling tricks that make wearing all-black arguably more fun than so-called “more exciting” pieces. After all, what’s better than styling a blank canvas?
Check out these five styling tips on wearing all-black-everything:
1. Play around with different textures
Personally, I love the look of delicate lace pieces combined with rougher tones, like ripped jeans or a sturdy Chelsea boot. All of the textures here still provide plenty of visual interest even though everything is still the same color.
Get the look:
- Lace Cardigan with Fringes ($15, H&M)
- Sleeveless Tank ($10, H&M)
- Black Ripped Knee Disco Jeans ($35, New Look)
- Penelope Leather Chelsea Boots ($120, John Lewis)
- Tonal Aviator Sunglasses ($5.90, Forever 21)
2. Don’t be afraid to accessorize
Like I said, black clothes are a blank canvas! You can add virtually anything you want accessory-wise, and 99 percent of the time, it’ll look effortlessly cool. Stick with this fall’s it-color with a pair of cobalt pumps, and honestly, you can never go wrong with a matte red lip.
Get the look:
- Forward-Seam Slub Tank ($34.99, Madewell)
- Jet Pocket Cigarette Pants ($30.80, Topshop)
- Jaguars Dorsay Point in Cobalt Suede ($50, Office UK)
- Olivia Silver-Tone Textured Necklace ($29, Guess)
- Lord & Berry Vogue Matte Lipstick in Red ($25, BeautyBar.com)
3. Fit and shape are key
A big problem that a lot of people have when wearing all black is getting overwhelmed by the color. This generally happens when clothes don’t fit right. If your black clothes aren’t tailored properly, you run the risk of looking like you’re swimming in fabric. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest a soft fabric for a tailored look, but this ASOS jumpsuit has a drawstring to help you adjust the fit in the waist and is narrow enough that it’s not too casual.
Get the look:
- T-Shirt Drawstring Jumpsuit ($51, ASOS)
- Cole Haan Barra High Sandal, similar ($89.99, 6 pm)
- Peace Long-Strand Necklace ($7, Aeropostale)
- Silver Knuckle Rings ($9.29, Etsy)
- Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses ($200, Macy’s)
4. Show a little skin
The best thing about wearing black-on-black is that, if you do it right, separates can look like they were actually made to be worn together—pair delicate, high-waist lace shorts with a crop top for an easy summer look.
Get the look:
- Knotted Crop Black Shirt ($8.90, Romwe)
- Black Elastic Waist Contrast Lace Shorts ($11.40, Shein)
- Birkenstock Arizona Black Birko Flor Narrow Fit Flat Sandals ($89, ASOS)
- Black Zipper PU Backpack ($16, Romwe)
5. Go for a statement piece
You can make a statement without any metallic necklaces or bright colors. A leather dress is an ideal combination of classy and edgy, and you’ll want to let it steal the show. Just make sure you’re getting quality leather (or faux leather!), otherwise, you’ll feel like you’re wearing a sweaty garbage bag by the end of the night.
Get the look:
- Alexander Wang Fitted A-Line Dress with Knitted Barcode Belt ($1,120, Coggles)
- Fashion Union Court Shoe ($46, Lipsy)
- Mini Asymmetric Satin Clutch ($24, Accessorize)
- Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner ($25, Bloomingdale’s)
- Butter London Lippy Moisture Matte Lipstick in Ruby Murray ($22, BeautyBar.com)
How To Wear All Black In The Summer
Ah, black. The most flattering color on everyone. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, don’t care what you did, as long as you love me, you look great in black. I’m a firm believer in wearing black whenever possible. I will seize any possible opportunity to flaunt an all-black outfit or buy a black top that’s “completely” different from the dozens of other black tops seeking refuge in my closet. The only problem is that when the weather gets a little warmer, my mounds of black clothes are forced into hibernation.
To those worried that wearing all black in the summer is reserved for hostesses, worry no more with my ways to wear all black this summer! Now, make O.G. all-black style icon Posh Spice proud by scooting yourself into your black skinny jeans and giving anyone who asks if you are “just boiling” in your black outfit the hairiest eyeball you can muster.