Friday Fashion: How to Style Black on Black

I love wearing black. It’s warm and cold. It‘s timeless and modern. It’s safe and edgy. It’s grungy and chic. Black is a contradiction, but an intentional contradiction.

It can be so easy to get lost in an all black outfit. You want to stand out, but a monochromatic look can do just the opposite. With just a little bit of planning, you can have an effortlessly cool look and still push the boundaries.

Mix textures

When putting together a black-on-black outfit, texture is key. Without the juxtaposition of different textures, your outfit can look flat. Throw on a sleek pair of leather leggings with a fuzzy sweater and soft suede booties. The tangible differences in fabrics will make each piece stand out, and allow your personality to shine through.

I am wearing a woolly cardigan, a ribbed tank top, and a sleek pair of relaxed dress pants. Although all black (duh), the three don’t compete with each other.

 

Play with proportions

Traditional shapes and sizes can get lost when dressing in all black. Have fun and play with proportions. This is your chance to switch things up and stand out. If you are wearing a simple pair of black jeans, add an oversized sweater. If you decide to wear a form fitting t-shirt, try a pair of culottes to add volume on the bottom.

At the same time, there really are no rules when it comes to proportions. A baggy-on-baggy look is always A-OK with me! As long as you can balance it out somewhere, I encourage you to break the rules. Show your slender ankles to give the illusion that you still have a body (lol). Give yourself a waistline if you’re feeling like a sack of potatoes. It’s all about confidence and comfort.

I chose an exaggerated statement cardigan. The cardigan is balanced out with a pair of ankle skimming dress pants and crop top. The pointy-toed boots elongate the leg, which brings back a slender silhouette.

Have confidence

The last, and probably most important, thing is to be confident (Btw, this is clearly not limited to only black outfits)! I know, sometimes this is easier said than done. Don’t over think the outfit: when you’re wearing black, it’s hard to look bad. Wear pieces that make you feel good. A black outfit should allow you to express yourself without screaming at people with loud colours and busy prints.

The beauty of black is that no matter how you pair your pieces, you will look put-together. It allows you to explore what shapes work for you without committing to something too serious. Getting dressed in the morning should be fun, so play around!