How to Wear {mostly} Black Without Looking Boring

Happy Friday! James surprised me with a quick trip out of town yesterday, and as I was dressing for the day I decided to share what I was wearing with you. But then I decided to go a step further and share the metamorphous of my outfit, which then turned into a post on tips for how to wear {mostly} black without looking boring. Hahaha! I hope you get a little style inspiration here today.

I love wearing black. If you don’t care for it at all, this may not be the post for you. But if you do enjoy wearing black pants, dresses, sweaters, etc., I think I’ve got some tips that could help us all wear this most basic neutral with a little more panache.

The biggest risk in wearing black, in my estimation, is that there’s a fine line between that somewhat elusive oh-so-chic look we all aspire to and the boring look of, well, a waiter in a fine restaurant. LOL! But I don’t let that keep me from trying. And in the process of creating looks with my favorite black staples I’ve landed on some keys that generally help me put together mostly black outfits I really love.

The Keys to Wearing {Mostly} Black Without Looking Boring

Key #1 – Layer on the texture.

I’ve discovered that an all black look pops more when it includes multiple textures. And it’s easier to layer on the texture than you may think, especially in the fall and winter. Even in this head to toe black outfit below, I’ve layered on a knit sweater, slim fitting pants and suede heels.

I’m surprised to find that I don’t seem to have a more “all black” look in my archives. I may have to do one of those soon! But meanwhile, you get the picture, right? You could layer on texture by combining suede, leather, faux fur, wool or cashmere and cotton. Don’t forget the option of adding shine with patent leather or metallics.

Key #2 – Add some grey for depth variation.

A look comprised of mostly black with some grey is definitely still an “all black” look in my book. But adding touches of grey is a great way to add a little light and depth to the look.

I think it’s wise to add some grey up near the face to bring a little light to that region. Plus, grey looks less harsh against our skin and eyes and hair than black does.

Key #3 – Select pieces with interesting style elements.

I find it’s significantly easier to creating chic all {or mostly} black outfits when I’m using pieces that have that little something extra in them. For instance, the white side stripes on the black joggers made it really easy to create a modern, fresh all black look below.

Key #4 – Add leopard or other animal print for a “neutral” accessory with some bite.

Because you can treat animal print as a neutral, it’s a great way to accent an otherwise all or mostly black look. Here’s the outfit I started out wearing yesterday. It changed a little eventually, but I think the leopard print shoes help give this black and white outfit more interest.

Notice in the look above that I also have multiple textures in black: leather belt, black denim, cashmere sweater with specks.

Key #5 – Add a splash of another neutral. (this is a little different from adding color; we’ll get there!)

In the look below I added brown and a coordinating animal print. I wouldn’t really consider this adding color. This brown is another neutral, but it adds vibrancy and interest to the otherwise all black look.

You can also add another neutral by adding a denim jacket.

Here’s another look that’s {mostly} black with a splash of brown.

Key #6 – Add a splash of color.

Here’s another way I tried yesterday’s outfit. We were having a little heat wave, so I didn’t need a hearty third piece, but I did want to wear one. So I thought about adding this pretty fuchsia pink cashmere scarf as a wrap for outdoor dining.

Key #7 – Don’t forget to accessorize.

Honestly, sometimes the only difference between my favorite {mostly} black outfits and those worn by waiters is the accessories. Hahaha! I love a pared down black or mostly black look. But to keep it from looking too utilitarian, I make sure I elevate the look by really pulling it together with a belt, jewelry, intentionally chosen shoes and a nice handbag.

This white lantern sleeve blouse is made so that you can wear it untucked. But I think that would have looked like a waiter. But tucking this white blouse and finishing off the look with a belt definitely elevates it in my opinion. Adding pretty jewelry is also crucial.

In the end I actually changed shoes into my black loafers so that I could top my look with this beautiful reversible plaid ruana (40% off through Sunday). I felt comfortable in our 75 degree temperatures with just my lightweight white blouse and jeans. But later in the evening I added the reversible plaid ruana.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Can you think of additional ways to add interest to an all {mostly} black look? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Especially if you enjoy wearing black as much as I do!

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Blessed for My Day

I learned several years ago now that Jesus alone can satisfy the hungers of my soul. Philippians 4:19 tells me that God provides everything I need through and in a relationship with Jesus Christ. But I learned to actually receive all that He provides through meditating on His Word, Scripture. When I eat the Word of God by meditating on Scripture, He fills my soul with that which is good, wholesome and absolutely delightful.

Truth satisfies. The lies of the world dig holes in our soul. They create vacuums that we sometimes try to fill with lousy substitutes in an effort to sate our desires for significance, purpose, love and security. The the Word of God tells us that He loves us wholly, that He says we are significant, that He gives us purpose and that He is our Rock, our firm foundation. If you will meditate on the truth of God’s Word, you will find that Jesus satisfies your every need.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” ~ John 6:35