How to wear black?

Most people perceive black as safe. On the contrary, I think it’s more challenging as it has a higher risk of looking flat and monotonous. While it is true that black is chic and goes with everything, I think most women lean too heavily on its ‘no brainer versatility’ and forget the benefits of wearing colour.
Black is everywhere and it makes sense; never in history has it been harder for a designer to stay afloat, let alone survive, in the world of fashion. In our mother’s day, fashion was decreed and women followed without a murmur. But not today! Today’s woman only buys what she likes – this is the reason that so many lengths and shapes are available at any one time. It’s difficult enough for a designer to create a series of shapes that women will buy; they do not also need the added complication of too much colour. To nurture black as the colour of choice worn by stylish men and women makes perfect sense to them.
I think black can be a great colour to wear, but not to the exclusion of all else.
- Wear black away from your face. The lower the neckline, the easier black will be to wear. Worn under the waist in skirts, pants and shorts, black will be fine.
- Think 80/20 above the waist. When a strong vertical look is desired to create a slender appearance, start with black pants, add a black camisole and then a jacket in a colour that flatters and creates the client’s needed level of contrast. Leave the jacket open. By wearing 80% that is correct above the waist you can afford 20% that is incorrect, as long as the contrast is flattering.
- Show plenty of skin. A black dress is easiest to pull off if you expose your arms and have a medium to low neckline. The more a person covers their body in black the more it will affect their total appearance.
- Use fabric to help black look better. Choose a black garment in a fibre that suits your client (man-made, natural or high percentage blend), and has the weave, texture, surface and feel that works best for them.
- Those with a heavily lined face should avoid black above the bustline. Black will throw shadow into the lines on their face, making them more noticeable.
- Fact : Black is not slimming when worn in front of a camera, as it has the power to strongly define the silhouette especially when taken with a light background.