Black is the new Black…

Posted on December 29, 2012

So the festive season has come to an end and soon everyone will be regressing back to their typical winter wardrobe. It’s goodbye to the Christmassy clothing and hello again to your everyday winter musts.

I find that a majority of my winter wardrobe consists of one shade in particular: black. It’s not the only colour I wear, but I do wear it a lot. However, sometimes an all-black outfit is a bit daunting, a bit boring, maybe even a bit depressing. You have to change things up, and sometimes that means you have to modify the classics.

Every year there seems to be an article featuring the new ‘it’ colour that is set to replace black, but truth be told, it won’t ever be replaced. Other related articles refer to the colour as a ‘slimming fail-safe’, but it doesn’t have to be the go-to familiar shade we know and love.

Here are some tips on how to wear a simple black ensemble without looking like a bore, but still trigger the colour off.

Textures

Textures are very important if you’re wearing one shade all over. They add effect and are what makes an outfit striking and eye-catching. They especially work with black as it is such a stand-out, colour by itself anyway. There are a variety of textures out there to choose from (suede, leather, faux fur, wool, denim, feathers, faux snakeskin/crocodile) so it wouldn’t be hard to locate some key pieces. Mix and match your textures.

River Island ‘Molly’ Leather-Look Trousers £35.00

Topshop Knitted Crystal Jumper £50.00

Accessories

Accessories in moderation have the capability to make the entire outfit. Big jewellery can make it more glam. A one of a kind bag or a pretty scarf can finish off the look. Amazing shoes can give the attire a whole new meaning. A statement coat can sum up all three. It’s very important to get it right or there’s the risk of ruining the whole look. Think big, bold, but in moderation. Less is more and it doesn’t take much to set off this colour!

River Island Laser Cut Messenger Bag £25.00

Topshop Fur Collar Coat £59.00

River Island Stud Ankle Boots £40.00

H&M Bead Necklace Pewter (also in Gold) £7.99

Hair

I shouldn’t have to tell you that hair is important anyway. It’s a matter of fact that most people feel good when their hair looks good. But what about hair as an accessory? I’ve always been a bit of a hair experimenter- my favourites being my dark red hair and the current ombre look I have- the reason being because they look so good on an all-black outfit. I’m not saying everyone run to the hairdressers and get a dramatic new haircut or colour-change, I’m saying that well-styled hair or a different hair colour makes a difference and looks particularly well with black as not only does it set off the hair colour but the colour itself.

Make-up and Nails

Plain outfit= bold make-up. If you want to focus more on make-up, go for a statement lip either in red, coral or bright pink. Try smoky eyes or bright coloured eye make-up. However, refrain from both a statement lip and eye at the same time as it’s never a good look, I don’t think I need to provide examples to emphasise that mistake. If you’re more of a natural make-up girl then try bold nails- either go for a bright block colour alone, amazing printed, glitter or studded nail wraps or ‘effect’ nail polishes (there are so many crackling, crocodile, magnetic and leather effects in the Barry M range right now) to finish off the finer details.