How to Wear Colours: Black

How to wear black— I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness. — Ossie Davis

Do you know when to choose and how to wear black clothes? Imagine going to a seminar or conference and seeing a mass of black clothes everywhere. The best way to stand out in a crowd like this  is to wear coloured accessories in your signature colours.

Tips on Standing out in a Crowd

Listen to Moana Robinson’s interview on Presentation Boss for tips on standing out in a crowd of corporate workers when most people will wear black. Click and play the podcast below:

Top Tips for Public Speaking and What to Wear

Here is a blog and video from Moana when she was given an amazing public speaking opportunity to give a TED Talk. Wearing clothes in colours that suit you and suit the occasion makes creating that first impression so much easier. 

Black is an achromatic colour.

Achromatic means a colour without a hue. Like white and grey, black is considered neutral. Technically, it is a shade rather than a colour. A black object absorbs all the colours of the spectrum. Moreover, it reflects none of them to the eyes.

Dark Colours Can Make you Look Slimmer.

Many people wear black to look thinner. Think of an image. One is a solid black box. The other image is a solid white box. Which looks heavier? The solid black box looks heavier. Looking slimmer in black can depend on the cut and style of the clothing.  Because dark colours are receding and lighter colours are the first colours you see it does pay to wear darker colours on any areas you would like to draw attention away from and lighter colours to highlight or bring forward other areas. Ideally it is always good to wear lighter colours up towards the face.

How to Wear Black For the Most Flattering Effect

Wearing black can depend on whether the outfit is fitted or loose. A black dress can be very flattering if it is the right fit. Loose clothing can actually add to a person’s size if it is too voluminous.

Cool Undertone and Warm Undertone

People with a cool undertone will generally suit black better than people with a warm undertone.

Shiny, Matt, and Charcoal Black

The texture of the black material makes a difference. Shiny black material looks darker than matt black material. Very textured  black fabric can sometimes look like faded black or charcoal grey.

Pros of Wearing Black

• Using black outfits can look elegant and chic
• Stylish, classic and classy
• Easy to style and co-ordinate with other colours
• Easy to keep clean
• Appropriate in many formal situations
• Can be worn by men and women
• Can be timeless

Cons of Wearing Black

• Boring if it is worn all the time

• Psychologically can be associated with sadness and negativity
• Shows up  lint or fluff

• Humid and hot in summer. Darker material absorbs heat. 

Power, Authority, and the Colour Black

In the 14th century, only wealthy people and kings could afford high-quality black dyed garments. A symbol of power and importance was designated to the colour black. Nowadays, Judges and Barristers in Court wear black.

Focused and Driven — How to Wear Black

Steve Jobs always wore black turtle neck shirts and blue jeans. He did this so that he didn’t have to think about what to wear every day. According to Insider, wearing black saves decision fatigue.

The Little Black Dress by Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was known for coining the term "the little black dress" or “LBD”. LBD showed up in a lot of her designs. Based on Wikipedia, women could have at least one in their wardrobe today.

Women in Black and the Corporate World

Moana Robinson used to work in a legal office. She frequently wore black dresses, different corporate jackets in colours to suit and accessories as this was quick and easy for travelling to work in the city on the train after taking children to school and daycare before and after work.

The Art of Wearing Black

You've got to be willing to mix black into your palette if you want to create something that's real. — Amy Grant

The trick to wearing black if it is not in your colour palette is to wear it away from the face. Use accessories such as scarves and jewellery to draw the eyes up to the face and detract from the black.

Skin Tone and How to Wear Black

Sheer fabric or lace worn around the decolletage area with some skin showing through will soften the black colour.

Shopping with Moana: Black Basics with Moana Style

• Katies Woven Front Knit Back Neck Trim Top is now at A$18 from A$59.99. Fabric is 100% viscose. The outfit is elegant and comfortable.

• Woven Wide Leg Pant is now at A$18 from A$69.99. See this unique design and gorgeous style.

• ASOS LUXE black wired ruffle one shoulder is a high-quality midi dress. The texture is soft and stretchy. Buy this amazing dress at A$115.36.

• Contrast Lace Slim Fit Top may create a balanced look of colours. Shein offers as low as A$9.95 for this elegant and high-quality dress.

Shopping Board- Black Basic with Moana

Visit our shopboards! Browse items on the right section of the shopboard. Some prices may vary at any time. B Styled for Life provides a service to find garments for you depending on your Body Shape and Style Personality. For special events, Moana can put together some suggestions for you. You may contact Moana or leave a message below. Happy shopping!