5 Rules for Wearing Black in the Summer

You know the rules: “Don’t mix silver and gold jewelry,” “Don’t wear red lipstick daily” and the famous “Don’t wear white after Labor Day” – right?

(Photo: Amanda Shadforth/Oracle Fox)

I’m sure you do. In fact, you may even abide by them as if your life depends on it.

However, one rule I hope to smash for you – and this will sit well with our monochromatic fashionistas – is: “Never wear black during the summer.”

Today I want to share with you some insider tips for wearing black in the summer, so even those that revolt at the thought of you wearing a black-on-black outfit this summer, cock their heads to the side and say “Hmmm … that works.”

Sure, black can be a little drab, a little hot and a little, well, boring if you don’t know how to approach it right. Especially when adding pops of color like mustard to your warm weather attire are trending even now, as spring has faded into summer.

That said, despite the naysayers that claim loud and clear that black will never trend during the hot summer months, I am here to prove otherwise. After all, these days even celebrities are dressing for the season they want, not the season they are in.

Wearing black in the summer is not as easy as dressing in whatever tank and shorts you have that seem dark enough to be black. I mean, you have to have a little bit of style and finesse if you are going to push the limits and pull this off.

Look at these five rules for wearing black in the summer and start a trend that your friends are sure to be envious of:

1. Make it summery

Just because you are wearing all black doesn’t mean you can throw on your long sleeve maxi and skinny jeans and appear ready for all things summer. Vary the fabrics and make it season appropriate. Short, strappy, lacey and cool are what’s in.

2. Add bold accessories

In order to avoid looking completely Wednesday Addams (you know what I mean right?), try sprucing up your black-on-black outfit with some colorful accessories. Start by adding a stunning pop of color on your lips to stand out from the crowd. Matte, glossy, red, peachy or even berry; all of these hues are sure to be the perfect backdrop to your black outfit and sun-kissed summer skin.

3. Double check your shades

Be careful when putting an all-black outfit together. For example, one black piece may have a purple cast, while the other may have a brown cast. Though super subtle, different shades will be very apparent under natural sunlight and can ruin your outfit from the start.

4. Complement with a bag

Adding a fashion-forward, out-of-the-box bag or clutch will boost your black summer outfit from blah to fabulous, instantly.

Black Studded Long Knuckle Box Clutch by Alexander McQueen (Photo: Alexander McQueen)

Take for instance the eclectic collection of bags and clutches by Alexander McQueen. Boasting impeccable workmanship, a finite focus on details and the much-needed black shade that I am telling you that you must wear this summer, there is sure to be a little something for everyone.

5. Say goodbye to the old, bring in the new

Nothing says “I don’t care” like a tattered pair of faded black jeans or a black blouse that looks completely washed out. If you want to wear black this summer, I encourage you to. However, make sure you launder it appropriately and keep your pieces intact with the same intense color you originally purchased them with.

So, there you have it. A brand new trend you didn’t even know was trending. Spice things up and make a bold statement – wear all black and see just how many heads you turn while following the five rules to wearing the world’s darkest shade this summer.

Aricle by Jessica Socheski