Written and Styled by Belle Du Chene
Photos by Duane Tinkey
People ask me all the time why I wear the color black—every single day, often from head to toe. Sometimes I’ll delve deep into my geeky take on textile science and color theory (black is technically not a color, but the absence of color). On other days, I’ll joke that I picked up chromophobia, the fear of color, while working in the fashion industry in New York City. And then there’s the day when I’m in a hurry and pause just long enough to wink and say, “I’m French,” turn on one heel and head the other way.
The fact is, we all know the reasons black is great to wear: It’s slimming, elegant, classic and exceptionally difficult to mismatch. We love a woman in the little black dress (LBD) and a man in a tuxedo because the overall appearance is sleek, and, more often than not, the shadowy silhouette warrants a double take. Even if you’re not a fashion designer who can analyze the structure, function or behavior of clothing, you know that the allure of an all-black look catches your eye and keeps it.
When I was 16, I spent a year abroad near Paris, and I still remember noticing how fabulously Parisiennes walked in their head-to-toe black outfits with boldly colored accessories. They seemed so glamorous. At the time, I couldn’t have recognized a Louboutin red sole (or, for that matter, even pronounced Louboutin correctly). And I had no idea you could tie a beautiful silk scarf in so many ways. All I knew was that I’d never seen anything so chic for sale back home at the Crossroads Center mall in Waterloo.
By the time I returned home, my style had changed drastically. I replaced my Adidas sneakers and American Eagle T-shirts with black knee-high boots and cowl-neck sweaters. I traded in my cheerleader ponytail for a French twist and learned to tie a rainbow of scarves in various ways. Years later, after I graduated from college with a degree in textiles and French (but, of course), I promptly relocated to New York City for an internship at a fashion production company.
Living in that frenetic world, I realized that black not only is sophisticated but also easy to wear and care for. The convenience of a 95 percent black wardrobe is a huge advantage for anyone who is constantly on the run and needs to look put-together quickly. We don’t have time to ponder if our earrings or scarf matches our shoes. We just need everything to work.
Black basics are essential to a wardrobe’s functionality and act as a backdrop for making a statement through bold accessories. You can pack your closet with accessories and rely on the dark color palette to provide cohesiveness to your style. The classic pump, the always-in-season black handbag and an army of black pants are my go-to pieces, to which I can add a colorful scarf or an avant-garde piece of jewelry.
Another plus to wearing black: Garments in black typically look like they’re of high quality, no matter what the price tag. Here’s how to prove it to yourself: Go to a boutique and find a blouse (or shirt, if you’re a man) that is available in both black and any other color. Grab two of the same size and compare them side by side. Which one looks more expensive? Nine times out of 10, it will be the black one. Try them on. Which one is more flattering? Nine times out of 10, you’ll look slimmer (maybe even taller) in the darker shade. Which one will go with just about anything? You guessed it.
Buy the black one, layer it, accessorize and go to dinner. If you spill marinara or dribble a nice red wine down your front, you can wipe it off and continue eating as though nothing ever happened. (See tips on how to wash black garments on page 94.)
The final advantage of a primarily all-black wardrobe: You won’t have to worry that your clothing will be outdated next year—or even in five years. Black is the new black, and it’s not going anywhere.
The Basics
Creating a cohesive wardrobe is easier than you may think. Your black basics should include leggings
(1) that can be worn from season to season; any number of takes on the classic little black dress (2); a durable black jacket (3); and simple T-shirts (4) that can be used as layering pieces. Once you’ve built your base, add statement jewelry pieces (5) and scarves (6) in a variety of shapes, sizes and color combinations. Remember to also include (and maybe splurge on) classic black shoes (7) and a go-to black handbag (8).
Fringe Benefits
It’s not just for cowboys or motorcycle riders. Fringe gets super-sophisticated as part of an all-black look.
Yoana Baraschi wrapped fringe blouse ($249 at Velvet Coat). O2 Denim black jeans ($48 at Matilda Muse). Vince perforated open-toe booties ($278 at Velvet Coat). Avant Garde geometric cuff bracelet in pewter ($165 at Accenti)
Spring in Her Step
Basics paired with one noteworthy accessory can add drama to an otherwise ordinary look. Here, a free-flowing vest and geometric accessories dress up leggings and a T-shirt.
Only Hearts black crewneck T-shirt ($68 at Velvet Coat). Splendid black leggings ($98 at Velvet Coat). Tara Vao vest with drawstring flaps ($161 at Accenti). Avant Garde geometric cuff bracelet and stacked necklace in pewter ($165 and $170, respectively, at Accenti).
The Sophisticate
A braided chain belt and faux fur vest give this luxe jumpsuit shape and volume, along with adding stylish sophistication.
Trina Turk black tank jumpsuit with a V-neck ($368 at Velvet Coat).
Gauze Célèbre
The popular little black dress evolves each season, and this sheer version is no exception. Its sleek design is appropriate for day; statement pieces punch it up for evening.
Jaggar free-flowing sheer floor-length dress ($140 at Aimée). Jenny Bird layered gold and silver necklace ($283 at Accenti). Vince perforated open-toe booties ($278 at Velvet Coat).
Surprise Find
You know the little black dress is having a moment when designers update the classic with an element of surprise: The cape of the dress is split in the back so it can double as a shawl. Classic accessories complement the look without overwhelming it.
Adrianna Papell caped knee-length dress ($182 at Accenti). Cole Haan highline pump in black ($278 at Velvet Coat).
Altitude Adjustment
The cut of this spring jacket livens up this look with the allure of a not-quite-exposed midriff as a focal point; the printed scarf
and leopard print shoe add a sense of play.
Shawlsmith London scarf in green and black ($48 at Accenti). Tara Vao puffy half jacket ($159 at Accenti). Only Hearts black crewneck T-shirt ($68 at Velvet Coat). O2 Denim black jeans ($48 at Matilda Muse). Attilio Giusti Leombruni lace-up leopard print shoe ($432 at Velvet Coat).
Soft As Steel
Military-style coats are marched out each year to brace for the impact of stormy weather. But this version—a maverick silhouette of black leather mixed with soft navy knitted wool—is hardly standard issue.
Mackage coat ($790 at Velvet Coat), O2 Denim black jeans ($48 at Matilda Muse).
