How To Wear Black In Spring
Tina, here.
Have you heard about the Miracle Pants? Those black pants that everyone keeps emailing me to tell me how much they love them? Now you need to know how to wear them. Because you cannot wear black pants with just anything in your closet. Most people think everything goes with a pair of black pants. Not so fast there, cowgirl. I've updated this post to show you how to wear black without looking like a 1980's TV star. Pay heed. Don't forget you save $15 when you get your miracle black pants before the end of the month!
Yes, I wear black. When I'm not wearing white. But seriously, black can be quite chic in springtime, unless you're not wearing it right. Then it will seem dark and heavy.
The key when you want to wear black on black in spring is to add some great accents, and black's best friend, white.
If you wear black on black in spring, add a shiny accent like a black patent belt or pair of heels, and some colorful jewelry. (Our favorite black ankle pants are here. Here are some of our favorite black dress pants, in bootcut. Including my Burberry ones above. Much less expensive options here, too, including my Ann Taylor ones.)
Here, dolls, is how to wear black in spring (without looking like you're chanting a dirge).
1. Black on black with colorful accessories
My favorite accent for black, if it's not a neutral, is something in the green family, like jade or turquoise.
A colorful beaded clutch is a great way to brighten what could have just as easily been a winter outfit with a dark suede handbag.
Not all your accessories need to shout. Pick one or two elements of your outfit to have fun with, then let the rest whisper, like with these neutral wooden bracelets. A peeptoe shoe is a great option with long black pants, to kind of lift the look and keep it from feeling weighed down.
2. Classic black and white
Ever since Audrey Hepburn wore black and white to the Royal Ascot Race, I think we've all been in love with this chic combo for spring.
White on white with a pop of black.
I love vests.So useful. But you've got to get it right. If you're wearing a vest, it will only look good over short sleeves and sleeveless tops. If short sleeves, the sleeves need to be tight around your arm and even better if they are slightly capped (cut across at an angle and not straight across your biceps).
I'm still working the colors blue/green with my black and white.
Black sandals or summer shoesare a tough one. That's because black is so heavy, especially down at your feet, which weighs you down even more. Try to find one that is strappy and open toe. No close toe black shoes in the summer, unless you're wearing black heels with a dress for a dressy occasion.
For those of you who can't afford to wear a white tee for fear of spilling or being spilled on, go with a black tee. It will be hot, yes. But not with a hat to protect you from the heat!
I prefer v-necks, but I do like some scoop neck tees if they are more of a U-shape and not cut so broad across the chest.
Not a black fan? Substitute your go-to dark neutral like brown or charcoal. I'll mix in brown, like on my zebra clutch, with black and white. Gray is also a good partner, as are ivory or even blush pink.
Guess what colors look horrible with black? Red. Cobalt blue. Hot pink.
It's not the 1980's and you're not a Dynasty extra. Time to edge it up a bit and get with the new sophisticated way to wear black: with neutrals or something in the green family. Mkay cupcakes?
We’re busy cleaning out closets and shopping up a storm for our clients, giving them gorgeous wardrobe makeovers. Check out our wardrobe packages from Tina Adams Consulting here.
Best,
Tina
