By Sophia Smith
There’s something about all-black outfits that makes them so classic, elegant, and incredibly stylish and chic. Black never goes out of style, it’s practical and versatile, and it can be worn on numerous occasions – what’s not to love about it?
The thing is, monochromatic outfits can get a bit boring, especially when worn on the daily. When that happens, it’s time to switch things up a bit. To help you out, we are listing five styling tips you can elevate an all-black outfit and wear it in a more interesting way.
Make sure your blacks match
When putting together an all-black outfit, it’s important that you make sure that you’re wearing matching shades of black. Although technically not a color, black has many shades (over 50 of them). Just like you wouldn’t expect all pinks or purples to match, you need to keep in mind that all blacks aren’t the same and that they don’t always match.
While the differences may be subtle, they do exist. Some blacks may have a brown cast, others may have a purple cast, and it’s up to you to match them properly. This is something you can do by simply examining the colors under natural light. Whether you go for a maxi dress layered with a moto jacket, a cute top tucked into high-waisted pants, or a casual cropped sweatshirt and relaxed jeans combo, wearing matching blacks will make your head-to-toe black outfit look chic and put together.
Mix up the textures and fabrics
Even the simplest outfits can be taken to the next level with the addition of texture and different fabrics, and all-black ensembles are no exception. Fabrics and textures make outfits more visually interesting since they create contrast and make it look like you’ve actually put some thought into your outfit rather than reaching out for random black pieces you’ve stumbled across when going through your wardrobe.
For instance, black faux leather leggings can look amazing when paired with a chunky black sweater, a faux fur jacket, or a classic wool coat. Similarly, silky and satiny pieces can make your monochromatic summer outfits sleeker and glossier, crushed velvet will add a luxurious feel to a casual combo, while a suede jacket can make a plain skirt look so much more stylish.
Jazz up your outfit with a statement accessory
If you are looking for an effortless way to make your head-to-toe black outfit pop, accessories are the way to go. Winter accessories such as hats and scarves are perfect for sprucing up your looks while keeping you warm during colder days, while wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are ideal for keeping you looking stylish while also offering sun protection.
Then there are accessories like jewelry that you can wear year-round and give your outfits a more authentic flair. If you want to jazz up your outfit with baubles, then fine jewelry pieces such as a diamond locket necklace could be just what you need to add interest to an all-black outfit and really elevate the entire look while simultaneously expressing your individuality. You can also rely on other year-round pieces such as bags to spruce up your all-black ensembles, especially the ones that provide contrast and make a statement (vibrant colors, interesting shapes, etc.)
Step up your footwear game
Many of us rely on shoes in neutral colors such as gray, brown, and of course, black to complete their outfits because they go well with everything. Shoes in nude and beige also make for perfect neutral finishing touches for an all-black outfit.
That said, some of us may want to take things a step further and add a dose of unexpected. One of the best ways to do that is to go for a contrasting pair of shoes. Depending on your style preferences, you can go for a pair in vibrant colors such as pink or green or keep things classy with navy or burgundy. Printed shoes, whether we’re talking about animal print, polka dots, or stripes, are also great for putting a fun twist on an all-black ensemble. Alternatively, you can go for white chunky sneakers – they are a safe bet, but they can also be quite effective when it comes to dressing down an otherwise formal outfit.
Add a pop of color with makeup
Last but not least, another way to add interest to your black outfits is to go for a bit bolder makeup. Just like shoes and accessories, a little bit of makeup comes in handy when you’re in a hurry and need something to spruce up your outfit instantly.
Strong colors such as red are ideal for adding a pop of color to all-black ensembles while also making an outfit look more polished and chic. If you’re feeling really playful, you can spice things up by going for bolder lip and nail colors such as pink, purple, or orange. And for those days when you want to keep things casual, mascara and eyeliner combined with a bit of shimmer is all you really need to make your ensemble stand out.
Wrapping up
All-black combos can be incredibly stylish and chic once you figure out the best way to wear them. Use the tips above as an inspiration to make your all-black ensembles more interesting and take your styling game to the next level.
