How to Wear All Black?
19 Mar 2024
Someone once said: "If a woman wants to be beautiful, all she needs is a black sweater, a black skirt, and a walk in the arms of the man she loves.". Black can be sophisticated, stylish, mysterious, or a symbol of rebellion. The meaning of black depends largely on how you wear it. Black is versatile for everyday wear and can be paired with almost anything. But wearing all black is very specific. While there is no "right" way to wear all black, many ways exist to create a classic all-black outfit.
Black is a pretty complex color. First of all, black comes in various shades, from charcoal to black, almost dark gray, and secondly, when using it with any other color, you must consider your appearance. Girls with light faces will suit a coal-black color, and girls with soft facial features have the advantage of black, close to gray. Black velvet and knitwear, patent leather and soft suede, fine cashmere, and breathable organza will look completely different. An outfit in all black looks stylish and magically hides excess weight. The problem is that sometimes an all-black outfit can look dull and age you. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow simple dressing rules that every girl can easily follow.
Black is a pretty complex color. First of all, black comes in various shades, from charcoal to black, almost dark gray, and secondly, when using it with any other color, you must consider your appearance. Girls with light faces will suit a coal-black color, and girls with soft facial features have the advantage of black, close to gray. Black velvet and knitwear, patent leather and soft suede, fine cashmere, and breathable organza will look completely different. An outfit in all black looks stylish and magically hides excess weight. The problem is that sometimes an all-black outfit can look dull and age you. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow simple dressing rules that every girl can easily follow.
Tips for Wearing All Black
Combine different textures
To make the outfit in all black turn out successful, you can use things with different textures. That is, we combine clothes made of dense material that holds their shape well with lighter, flowing clothes. Total black will look boring if it consists entirely of cotton, leather, velvet, etc. The combination of different fabrics and textures looks many times better. Guipure in tandem with leather, silk - with suede. Also, the total black look organically fits clothes with black decor in the form of sequins, fur, and fringe. Natural materials are preferred: synthetics can cheapen the image.
Keep the color away from the face
Black-colored clothes can make skin imperfections visible, such as a second chin, wrinkles, and dark circles under the eyes. Thus, it will add about ten years to your current age. Therefore, avoiding dark scarves, hats, sweaters, and coats with a high collar is better. It is better to prefer a top with a neckline and open shoulders, which will visually distance the black from the face, and the flaws will not be noticeable.
Experiment with the style
The image of all black will never look boring if you wear clothes with a complex cut. Such details as an unusual collar, basque, fringe, various draperies, voluminous pockets, and asymmetrical cut will make the image interesting and mesmerizing. Welcome lacing, sequins, zippers, and decorative inserts.
Add gray color
To lighten the image, you can add gray clothes as a background. So, the attachment to all-black will remain, but the outfit will generally turn out to be softer. This will help to feel more comfortable since the image will not be so "gothic." The role of the gray accent can take on a top, shirt, or turtleneck. The main thing to remember is that if you wear outerwear, it will be hidden.
Use unusual shoes
An outfit in all black is the perfect backdrop to showcase something special. For example, shoes. Unusual models will decorate the outfit, and others will remember it. Sometimes, for a successful ensemble, you just need to play with materials and style: if the skirt or pants are matte, you should choose lacquered shoes, and vice versa. And sometimes you need a completely unexpected move, such as sports shoes to a classic outfit. The top image will bring out shoes with an unusual heel, metal toe, buckle, decor, and cutouts.
Dilute the outfit with contrasting accessories
The concept of all black will not change if one bright color accent appears in the image. It should be an accessory - belt, bag, scarf, shoes, or jewelry as an option - contrasting embroidery in one color.
Use cosmetics
Black color is very active, and one of the dangers of the look in all black is to lose face. Therefore, you must highlight your lips with lipstick without paint and ensure an even face tone. Otherwise, the black color will do its job, and instead of a refined image, it will turn out mournful. By the way, eye makeup is better to make restrained.
Experiment with proportions
To transform a black outfit from ordinary to spectacular and modern is easy: it is enough to play with the style of things and add clothes in an oversized style. However, it is worth considering that the proportions should be balanced. In one outfit, you need to combine voluminous and tight-fitting closet items. It is better if there is only one oversized item in the ensemble.
Do not forget about jewelry
Any look in all black only benefits from the use of stylish jewelry. A watch with a metal bracelet or a leather choker is a great addition to the look. It is better to choose large, bright, even neon jewelry: they will become a cool chip of the outfit.
To make the outfit in all black turn out successful, you can use things with different textures. That is, we combine clothes made of dense material that holds their shape well with lighter, flowing clothes. Total black will look boring if it consists entirely of cotton, leather, velvet, etc. The combination of different fabrics and textures looks many times better. Guipure in tandem with leather, silk - with suede. Also, the total black look organically fits clothes with black decor in the form of sequins, fur, and fringe. Natural materials are preferred: synthetics can cheapen the image.
Keep the color away from the face
Black-colored clothes can make skin imperfections visible, such as a second chin, wrinkles, and dark circles under the eyes. Thus, it will add about ten years to your current age. Therefore, avoiding dark scarves, hats, sweaters, and coats with a high collar is better. It is better to prefer a top with a neckline and open shoulders, which will visually distance the black from the face, and the flaws will not be noticeable.
Experiment with the style
The image of all black will never look boring if you wear clothes with a complex cut. Such details as an unusual collar, basque, fringe, various draperies, voluminous pockets, and asymmetrical cut will make the image interesting and mesmerizing. Welcome lacing, sequins, zippers, and decorative inserts.
Add gray color
To lighten the image, you can add gray clothes as a background. So, the attachment to all-black will remain, but the outfit will generally turn out to be softer. This will help to feel more comfortable since the image will not be so "gothic." The role of the gray accent can take on a top, shirt, or turtleneck. The main thing to remember is that if you wear outerwear, it will be hidden.
Use unusual shoes
An outfit in all black is the perfect backdrop to showcase something special. For example, shoes. Unusual models will decorate the outfit, and others will remember it. Sometimes, for a successful ensemble, you just need to play with materials and style: if the skirt or pants are matte, you should choose lacquered shoes, and vice versa. And sometimes you need a completely unexpected move, such as sports shoes to a classic outfit. The top image will bring out shoes with an unusual heel, metal toe, buckle, decor, and cutouts.
Dilute the outfit with contrasting accessories
The concept of all black will not change if one bright color accent appears in the image. It should be an accessory - belt, bag, scarf, shoes, or jewelry as an option - contrasting embroidery in one color.
Use cosmetics
Black color is very active, and one of the dangers of the look in all black is to lose face. Therefore, you must highlight your lips with lipstick without paint and ensure an even face tone. Otherwise, the black color will do its job, and instead of a refined image, it will turn out mournful. By the way, eye makeup is better to make restrained.
Experiment with proportions
To transform a black outfit from ordinary to spectacular and modern is easy: it is enough to play with the style of things and add clothes in an oversized style. However, it is worth considering that the proportions should be balanced. In one outfit, you need to combine voluminous and tight-fitting closet items. It is better if there is only one oversized item in the ensemble.
Do not forget about jewelry
Any look in all black only benefits from the use of stylish jewelry. A watch with a metal bracelet or a leather choker is a great addition to the look. It is better to choose large, bright, even neon jewelry: they will become a cool chip of the outfit.
All-Black Outfit Ideas
Outfit 1: Black Leather Trench Coat
In general, leather outerwear has become a powerful trend in recent seasons and will not lose popularity. That's why brands (especially mass-market) have an incredible number of trench coats made of synthetic leather. We do not say anything bad about eco-leather; it is also a trend that very often looks decent. Just remember: inexpensive raincoats models risk quickly falling into disrepair because the material loses its luster and shape. Black leather looks good if it retains a noble matte sheen and texture (e.g., reptile skin) and holds its shape for a long time. Combine a black leather coat with short boots and a big bag to emphasize your aura. I believe a black leather cape would be a good choice.
Outfit 2: Black Jacket
A black jacket serves as a good and practical base; no one argues with that. But the point is that a fitted, shortened, and/or colored lining on the sleeves of a jacket is a version that is outdated and irrelevant. So if you have such a copy in your closet - it will definitely not go with "expensive" outfits! We advise you to look closer at oversized jackets and men's cuts, as they have long become a female classic. A graceful and elegant idea of stylization is to throw a jacket over the naked body or a dress made of flowing fabrics (chiffon, silk). A black jacket is definitely a key element in creating an all-black look. A wide black jacket can be paired with a long black suspender skirt. This would be the perfect outfit without losing elegance if you currently have stiletto shoes.
Outfit 3: Black Legging
They say that things in black are a priori slimming - but no, it doesn't always work. If you want to emphasize your waist figure in all black outfits, do not miss black leggings. Combining black leggings and a black hooded sweatshirt will look casual and comfortable. Due to the voluminous top, the legs seem more slender. So yes, a solid black top and a narrow dark bottom is a combo for a stylish and "expensive" look. If you switch to sporty leggings and cropped tops, you'll also look visually tighter.
Outfit 4: Black Dress
Another myth is that every girl should have a little black dress. This is quite an outdated stereotype. Yes, a cocktail dress can be small and black or a completely different color. The dress's cut, length, and color should fit, first of all, according to the color type, and secondly - according to the figure, especially if there is no desire or opportunity to pay enough attention to makeup and hairstyle. Therefore, to make your black dress look worthy, let's decide on the length: we need a classic mini to mid-thigh, midi or maxi to the ankle, and maxi to the floor. Classic styles (case, "column," combination) plus deep black color and expensive textures (velvet, dense cotton, silk, satin, quality viscose) - a combination from the category of "very successful." Also, do not forget about shoes, handbags, and accessories. As shoes, you can choose a small pointed heel or black ballet flats, and as a bag decoration, you can choose a delicate and compact clutch.
Outfit 5: Black jumpsuit
If you don't want to bother with an outfit in all black today, a black jumpsuit will be a good choice. A black jumpsuit is loose and comfortable and relatively tolerant of your body shape. You just need to pair it with flat-soled sandals, and you can easily go outside. If you find the summer sun outside too bright, don't forget black sunglasses.
In general, leather outerwear has become a powerful trend in recent seasons and will not lose popularity. That's why brands (especially mass-market) have an incredible number of trench coats made of synthetic leather. We do not say anything bad about eco-leather; it is also a trend that very often looks decent. Just remember: inexpensive raincoats models risk quickly falling into disrepair because the material loses its luster and shape. Black leather looks good if it retains a noble matte sheen and texture (e.g., reptile skin) and holds its shape for a long time. Combine a black leather coat with short boots and a big bag to emphasize your aura. I believe a black leather cape would be a good choice.
Outfit 2: Black Jacket
A black jacket serves as a good and practical base; no one argues with that. But the point is that a fitted, shortened, and/or colored lining on the sleeves of a jacket is a version that is outdated and irrelevant. So if you have such a copy in your closet - it will definitely not go with "expensive" outfits! We advise you to look closer at oversized jackets and men's cuts, as they have long become a female classic. A graceful and elegant idea of stylization is to throw a jacket over the naked body or a dress made of flowing fabrics (chiffon, silk). A black jacket is definitely a key element in creating an all-black look. A wide black jacket can be paired with a long black suspender skirt. This would be the perfect outfit without losing elegance if you currently have stiletto shoes.
Outfit 3: Black Legging
They say that things in black are a priori slimming - but no, it doesn't always work. If you want to emphasize your waist figure in all black outfits, do not miss black leggings. Combining black leggings and a black hooded sweatshirt will look casual and comfortable. Due to the voluminous top, the legs seem more slender. So yes, a solid black top and a narrow dark bottom is a combo for a stylish and "expensive" look. If you switch to sporty leggings and cropped tops, you'll also look visually tighter.
Outfit 4: Black Dress
Another myth is that every girl should have a little black dress. This is quite an outdated stereotype. Yes, a cocktail dress can be small and black or a completely different color. The dress's cut, length, and color should fit, first of all, according to the color type, and secondly - according to the figure, especially if there is no desire or opportunity to pay enough attention to makeup and hairstyle. Therefore, to make your black dress look worthy, let's decide on the length: we need a classic mini to mid-thigh, midi or maxi to the ankle, and maxi to the floor. Classic styles (case, "column," combination) plus deep black color and expensive textures (velvet, dense cotton, silk, satin, quality viscose) - a combination from the category of "very successful." Also, do not forget about shoes, handbags, and accessories. As shoes, you can choose a small pointed heel or black ballet flats, and as a bag decoration, you can choose a delicate and compact clutch.
Outfit 5: Black jumpsuit
If you don't want to bother with an outfit in all black today, a black jumpsuit will be a good choice. A black jumpsuit is loose and comfortable and relatively tolerant of your body shape. You just need to pair it with flat-soled sandals, and you can easily go outside. If you find the summer sun outside too bright, don't forget black sunglasses.
When NOT to Wear All Black?
There are many reasons for all-black's popularity: it's flattering, it goes with everything, and it's always appropriate... Wait a minute, though - it turns out, according to stylists, there are some situations in which black clothing is taboo or just a bad choice!
Daytime celebrations in the summer
Christenings, family dinners, bachelorette parties, anniversaries - for all daytime summer events, light colors are better suited. "Heavy black can look out of place during a fun celebration. Don't like light shades - consider navy blue or gray - they're more appropriate for such occasions," says stylist Grace Van Cleave.
Wedding
You've probably heard that you can't wear white to a wedding (unless you're the bride), but what about black? "We can't say there is a strict rule, but a wedding is a celebration, and black is not the best choice. Light colors and floral prints create a romantic atmosphere; besides, in case of heat, you will be more comfortable in such clothes," says stylist and image coach Dana Lynch. And, of course, you can wear a black dress to a friend's wedding if the event's dress code suggests using this color.
Outdoor summer celebrations
It's all about the heat - everyone knows how well black absorbs the sun's rays. So, in this case, it's not about the atmosphere of the celebration but about practicality: as Ana Roberts, the creator of the fashion trends website, explains, a black outfit is fraught with discomfort or even overheating. Plus, dark colors attract insects, which can make you extra uncomfortable.
Interview
Black may seem like a great choice for a meeting with a potential employer - after all, it fits in perfectly with the business dress code. However, stylist Erin Houston believes it's not an option that will get you the job. "Your goal is to stand out from the crowd, so use other neutral colors for conservative companies, and even bright colors if the organization values creativity. This increases the chances that you'll be remembered," says Houston.
Daytime celebrations in the summer
Christenings, family dinners, bachelorette parties, anniversaries - for all daytime summer events, light colors are better suited. "Heavy black can look out of place during a fun celebration. Don't like light shades - consider navy blue or gray - they're more appropriate for such occasions," says stylist Grace Van Cleave.
Wedding
You've probably heard that you can't wear white to a wedding (unless you're the bride), but what about black? "We can't say there is a strict rule, but a wedding is a celebration, and black is not the best choice. Light colors and floral prints create a romantic atmosphere; besides, in case of heat, you will be more comfortable in such clothes," says stylist and image coach Dana Lynch. And, of course, you can wear a black dress to a friend's wedding if the event's dress code suggests using this color.
Outdoor summer celebrations
It's all about the heat - everyone knows how well black absorbs the sun's rays. So, in this case, it's not about the atmosphere of the celebration but about practicality: as Ana Roberts, the creator of the fashion trends website, explains, a black outfit is fraught with discomfort or even overheating. Plus, dark colors attract insects, which can make you extra uncomfortable.
Interview
Black may seem like a great choice for a meeting with a potential employer - after all, it fits in perfectly with the business dress code. However, stylist Erin Houston believes it's not an option that will get you the job. "Your goal is to stand out from the crowd, so use other neutral colors for conservative companies, and even bright colors if the organization values creativity. This increases the chances that you'll be remembered," says Houston.
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