As we enter the cooler seasons of fall and winter, many women will wear the color black as part of their daily “uniform”—whether it’s at home or on the road. Black is easy to wear because it mixes well with most colors. However, this is really not the best way or reason to wear black.
Ideally, you should choose black when you love the COLOR… when you love to wear HIGH FASHION… and when you want a REFINED LOOK.
Fact is, black is a statement color. And if you don’t absolutely love it and treat it that way—it does not always love you back. In fact, if you feel “so-so” about black, you may want to look elsewhere for a statement color that works better for you. I recommend trying dark colors like navy, deep teal, dark forest green, black plum, and charcoal. You may just make a style statement that becomes your best signature look! (You can see how I helped one professional business executive find her signature dark color in this popular 3-part blog I wrote earlier.)
For those of you who absolutely love black, I thought I’d share some color insights that have stood the test of time.
In the classic book “Showing your Colors” by Jeanne Allen, the author discussed a clothing line called Jeanne-Marc and how fashion designers thought about the colors for the upcoming season. While the book was published in 1985, her insights are strikingly current.
“Every season sees a new set of fashion colors come and go, but black consistently remains the most wearable color.” –Jeanne Allen
I would rephrase that statement to “the most worn” color. For those of you who treat black as a color, my advice is to wear black with the level of refinement and selectivity it deserves. Black is so striking that it needs to be worn with respect for its color message. Jeanne Allen adds this bit of advice:
“Black can be worn on its own to create a dramatic effect, but it is most often combined with other colors to make a special kind of fashion statement. Rather than acting as a neutral, black is a catalyst used with other colors to evoke a strong emotional response. Consider this color carefully and experiment with it to achieve your individual look.” —Jeanne Allen
Wearing Black with Bright Colors
Now let’s take a look at a few ways black can be worn effectively. In Figures 31-45, black is worn with clear bright colors:
Figures 31-45 Black with clear bright colors
Clearly, the most popular way to wear black. The effect is dramatic and upbeat. Reds are redder, and blues are brighter, overshowing both the fabric and the shape of the garment. For spring and summer, the addition of white is often a nice freshener and makes the bright colors appear even more brilliant.
Black Also Works with Darker Colors
For fall and winter, the darker colors such as the teal and mahogany, work well with black. (See figures 46-60.) This kind of palette is especially popular among business women who want to wear some color and still blend in with the prevailing muted atmosphere of a business suit world.
Figures 46-60 Black with darker colors
Mixing Black with Monotones
Now let’s look at Figures 11-15, which features Black with monotone. As you can see, black combines with white ranging to charcoal looks very fashion forward. There is nothing conservative about the look.
Figures 11-15 Black in monotone
Pulling together Black and Pastels
This next color mix —black with pastels (seen in Figures 1-10) — is very tough to pull off. Very few women can make this combination work.
Figures 1-10 Black in pastels
“The contrast creates a contemporary and sharp image. Back in the 50’s, pink and black stood for youth and the new age. In the 70’s black and pastels come together again in punk and new wave fashion. To avoid the sharp, aggressive quality I this color combination, add white, and the prevailing image will be new and fresh. “—Jeanne Allen
Mixing Mid-tones with Black
Black paired with a mid-tone color also needs help. Like the pastels, it is a hard look.
Figures 16- 30 Black with mid-tones
Often an intermediary color such a grey or a shade of the mid-tone such as the darker blue below can help soften the look. You can also balance the color with the use of striking patterns.
Grayed Tones and Toasted Tones with Black
The fashion world talks about Shaded Tones with Black. This refers to those in-between tones that are not too light and not too dark colored.
I like to separate these colors into two categories: Muted Tones and Toasted Tones.
Muted Tones are colors lightened with Gray, such as those seen in Figures 61-65 and 76-90. This includes dusty pinks, sage greens, mauves and other cool colors.
Toasted Tones are colors mixed with Brown, such as those seen in Figures 66-75. This include mustard, bronze green, and other colors seen below.
No matter what you call them, when wearing black with these colors, they often look fairly dark and uninspired.
Jeanne noted that these combinations tend to appear drab and represent the least popular use of black and color in women’s wear. While they are often seen in men’s fashion and in menswear looks in women’s fashion, they are usually regarded as being with too sober and matronly.
If this is the effect that black and muted tones have on you, when you wear Black by itself, frankly it is not going to look any better.
My advice is to wear a darker version of a color you love as your “black”. You will look amazing.
Wearing Black and More Black!
For those of you who love black—and black loves you back—enjoy wearing it as one of your statement looks. You can pull it off with your striking appearance and strong personality! Enjoy it this fall and winter, and experiment to see how you can take your style to new places!
P.S. HAPPY HALLOWEEN
By the way, use black in a way to accent your personality. If you’re light, bubbly and fun like the cat lady here, wear black lightly. If you’re dramatic, wear more black to match your spirit. It’s a trick and a treat!
LIKE THIS BLOG POST? YOU CAN LEARN MORE!
If you enjoyed this blog post, and would like to learn more about color and how you can best wear it, please contact me at marylou@colorinsight.biz!
I’d be happy to hone your personal style with a kaleidoscope of colors that’s makes you look your best!