You all know that I only recently discovered the value a black knit could add to my wardrobe (I know, I’m not sure what I’m up to either) but oddly enough, I’ve long been a fan of an all-black look.
There’s something supremely chic and effortless about them, especially if you stick to clean, smart lines like those on blazers, trousers, boots and tailored coats – think less Wednesday Addams and more Olsen twins.
An all-black look commands attention because it’s so sleek, but equally, it doesn’t stand out since it’s low-key so for smart/casual events where you want a mix of the two, it’s ideal. I always feel great in all-black, regardless of whether it’s a tracksuit with trainers and a crossbody bag, or a skirt suit, knee-high boots and a wool coat, it just feels chicer than its coloured counterparts.
But as is the case with any outfit, there are a few style notes to take to ensure you get it right. Dressing in one shade head-to-toe is tricky to navigate any way, but with black, it’s all too easy to look drab rather than fab. Here’s how to make sure you always look chic in all-black outfits:
Go for the best quality you can afford
All-black has the ability to make you look super expensive, and as much as it’s in the styling (great accessories will make or break an all-black look), items that look expensive in the first place will go a long way. Of course I’m not about to suggest you head straight for Toteme and max your credit card. COS, Massimo Dutti and Arket on the high street will all give you an all-black fix at high high street prices.
See it as an investment. You’ll turn to a great black blazer or knit year after year, so plump for the best quality you can afford to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
All-black pieces to mix and match now:
It’s all in the cut
When there’s no print or colour to steal the attention, all the focus turns straight to the cut of the clothes. How a jumper hangs or whether a coat sits perfectly on your shoulders become the focal point. This goes hand-in-hand with point one – the better quality the item, the better the cut and fit is likely to be – so give extra consideration to any black purchase as fit is key.
Be sure to invest in a lint roller, too – black fabric shows up fluff and dust like nothing else, and dust is not chic.
The most expensive-looking black coats to buy now
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Clash textures for interest
The best all-black looks are far from boring. Sound impossible? Then think fabrics. Clashing textures are a key ingredient for an expensive-looking outfit. Wearing one shade head-to-toe but in varying opulent fabrics is a low-key way to do premium dressing, and premium dressing will always turn heads.
Think a crepe blazer with a silk cami top and leather trousers, or a silk midi dress with a cardigan and suede boots – the texture change-up makes for a luxe and interesting outfit, I promise.
4 stylish all-black outfits and why they work
For work:
The mix of textures is what makes this simple look interesting: a chunky knit, silky skirt and slick leather boots are perfect for a smart look for the office. Just add a wool coat and a leather bag and you’re good to go.
Smart casual
A blazer, dark jeans and heeled boots makes for a sleek high-low look that’ll take you from work straight through to a fancy dinner, and on every kind of date night.
For a party
I wore a black feathered pyjama suit from Daily Sleeper for a Friendsmas dinner last month. Whereas a black trouser suit might have felt too formal and serious, a feather-trimmed number – plus satin platforms – is party-ready.
For off-duty errands
Black always looks smarter than its grey counterparts and that’s particularly true when it comes to tracksuits, as this look proves.
A black coat would have worked just as well in this look, and while white trainers with an all-black look are rather Marmite, I’m a big fan.
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