5 Style Hacks For Wearing Black

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 to black because it is slimming and one of the most forgiving colors there is when it comes to covering up those parts of our figure that we’d, well, rather leave covered up. While true, there is an exception to that rule, namely, the shinier the fabric, the more it highlights and draws attention to lumps, bumps, and bulges. If camouflage is your goal, use shapewear under a pretty satin floral dress like this, or stick with fabrics that are matte.

2. Try Black with Navy to Look Worldly

While black and white are a classic combo and black and gray a no-brainer, shake things up by pairing black with unexpected color partners like navy, for example.  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 runs the risk of 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 knit dress is a great example of how you can use black to color block and slim down various parts of your figure. In this case, dark panels along the sides of the dress shrink the width of your body making you look slimmer.

Do you love wearing black? Have you got any black hacks to share? I’d love to hear what you do.