How to Wear Black and Look Fabulous At any Age
While it’s no secret that I’m a big believer in the power of color in your wardrobe, particularly for an over-40 gal, I also know that black is a powerful color in its own right and a much-loved choice for many. That’s particularly true this time of year when many of us will be pulling out our little black dresses (or pants or satin blouses). Here are five style hacks for wearing black.
1. Be Careful About Shiny Black Fabric
A lot of women gravitate toward black because it is slimming and one of the most forgiving colors when it comes to covering up parts of our figure that we’d, well, rather leave covered. While true, there is an exception to that rule: the shinier the fabric, the more it highlights lumps, bumps, and bulges. If camouflage is your goal, use shapewear under a pretty satin dress, choose a shiny black dress with ruching or stick with matte black fabrics.
2. Try Black with Navy to Look Worldly
While black and white is a classic combo and black and gray is a no-brainer, shake things up by pairing black with unexpected color partners like navy. Navy and black give this darling turtleneck shift dress sophisticated, European flair. Brown and cognac are also chic and a lovely color pairing for anyone, especially mature gals over 40.
3. Inexpensive Items Are O.K. in Black
Whether you’re on a budget or have simply fallen in love with something, if you’re considering an inexpensive one that comes in both black and a lighter color, go with the black one. Lesser quality fabric and poor workmanship are less noticeable in black.
4. Incorporate Texture to Make All-Black More Chic
An all-black outfit risks looking bland, particularly if there is little or no difference in the texture and weight of the pieces. Add textured items like a black faux-fur vest, patent-leather booties, or a crushed black velvet top to elevate your ensemble and make it look rich.
5. Use Black to Minimize Your Heavy Bits
Wish you had smaller hips? Wear black pants. Want to hide a large tummy? Try a body-skimming black tunic. Black minimizes, so wear it on the bigger parts of your body. Bring attention and play up your smaller parts with a lighter color.
This slimming column of black is a great example of how to use black to color-block and slim down various parts of your figure. In this case, the dark base with the bright blue cardigan overtop, worn open, tricks the eye and make you look slimmer.
Over to You!
Do you love wearing black? Have you got any black hacks to share? I’d love to hear what you do.
You appreciate the time and effort you put into your website and the in-depth information you offer. Thank you so much for these patterns – and thank you to the OPs too. Delightful and lovely ideas; I’d never have thought of them myself! Worth sharing! Please continue sharing updates! Thanks!