Should you wear black?
The color black is beloved by women from Paris to New York. That doesn’t mean it’s a great color for them, and it doesn’t mean it’s a great color for you, either.
In fact, of all the personal color palettes I’ve done for clients, only about 15% include any black. Interestingly, even those clients who swore to me they could do black—when they compared how black looked next to their skin versus other very dark neutral colors (deep green, charcoal brown or gray, midnight blue, deep brick, aubergine, etc.)—they admitted black was unflattering, particularly as they passed 50.
Black absorbs all wavelengths of visible light, leaving us to see only the absence of color. It is the darkest dark, the most formal of all colors. In this culture it has many symbolic meanings.
On the positive side: Black is formal, sleek, sophisticated, mysterious, strong, striking, dramatic.
On the negative side: Black makes you look in mourning, somber, aloof, lifeless, uncertain, severe, depressed, heavy.
When to wear black (IF it’s good on you):
- For bold impact and contrast with another color
- As a sign of respect in bereavement
- In cultures where the social/religious attitudes expect it.
- For evening wear if you want to play it safe and not stand out (unless you look great in it)
- If you’d like to appear formal and aloof
Two women with strong features and high coloring who look good in black.
When not to wear black
- Near your face unless you have strong coloring
- If don’t mind looking tired and wan. Makeup can help (but not for men).
- Just because you think it’s slimming. The darkness is what’s slimming, not the color.
- If you want to appear approachable, especially to children and older people
- To a wedding or other joyous occasion—it’s too somber.
- For TV appearances–it’s too stark
- If you have dandruff or a shedding pet.
When black is not your friend. (Neither is white.)
If black is so hard to wear, how come there’s so much of it out there?
- Like white, it’s easy for clothing manufacturers to standardize, and a safe bet in a fickle market.
- The more interesting dark neutrals take more effort, and go in and out of “fashion”
- We keep buying it to go with the black things we already own. (Self-perpetuating problem).
What to do with all that black in your closet, if it’s not great on you?
- Gradually replace black tops with more flattering colors (like dark teal, chocolate, eggplant or navy)
- Soften black tops you’re keeping with scarves in better colors
- Brighten your face with makeup
- Keep the black on the lower half of your body
- Paint your black shoes and belts for an inexpensive color transformation!
Some fantastic “black” alternatives – so much more interesting:
Deep teal or navy, instead of black.
Deep plum – alternative to black.
Chocolate! Dark and expensive, or super comfy.
Dark brick and olive. Great “blacks” for an Autumn.
If you’re stuck in a black hole, give me a call. I’d love to give you some more flattering and creative options. I’m at (360) 903-3659 or email me here.