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How to wear black and not look boring | How to wear black and not look boring |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Black is always a fail-safe option once the festivities kick in. Figure flattering, effortless and sharp – it’s the reliable, grownup go-to. There’s a velvet jacket in my wardrobe that does the rounds at this time of year that I bought for a fiver in a second-hand shop. Slip it on over a simple outfit and I am ready to party. But it’s also pretty safe. With that in mind, here are five easy ways to wear black and not look bland. | Black is always a fail-safe option once the festivities kick in. Figure flattering, effortless and sharp – it’s the reliable, grownup go-to. There’s a velvet jacket in my wardrobe that does the rounds at this time of year that I bought for a fiver in a second-hand shop. Slip it on over a simple outfit and I am ready to party. But it’s also pretty safe. With that in mind, here are five easy ways to wear black and not look bland. |
1. Try ‘casual glamour’ | 1. Try ‘casual glamour’ |
We need to talk about casual glamour, the modern mix of day and eveningwear that J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons does so well. No more saving stuff for best; it’s all about playing around with different textures and styles now. Try a cotton shirt with a fancy skirt (this one is from Baukjen) or a sequinned top and straight-leg trousers, (see Pure Collection for understated glamour), then finish off with an elegant evening coat – Jigsaw’s jacquard cover-up offers superb year-round style. | We need to talk about casual glamour, the modern mix of day and eveningwear that J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons does so well. No more saving stuff for best; it’s all about playing around with different textures and styles now. Try a cotton shirt with a fancy skirt (this one is from Baukjen) or a sequinned top and straight-leg trousers, (see Pure Collection for understated glamour), then finish off with an elegant evening coat – Jigsaw’s jacquard cover-up offers superb year-round style. |
2. Experiment with a low-key tuxedo | 2. Experiment with a low-key tuxedo |
Catherine Deneuve, Bianca Jagger, Tilda Swinton – no woman ever looked dull in a suit. This is the chic, sharp alternative to a cocktail frock. Le Smoking by Yves Saint Laurent is the ultimate tuxedo, but if you don’t want to burn a hole in your bank balance, this neat version from Swedish label Dagmar should do the trick. Speaking from personal experience, beyond 50 and bra-less isn’t an option, but you can still show a bit of flesh by layering it over a camisole top or slinky black V-neck. For a bit more coverage, as the famous Helmut Newton 1975 photograph for French Vogue shows, the essential white shirt has timeless appeal. | Catherine Deneuve, Bianca Jagger, Tilda Swinton – no woman ever looked dull in a suit. This is the chic, sharp alternative to a cocktail frock. Le Smoking by Yves Saint Laurent is the ultimate tuxedo, but if you don’t want to burn a hole in your bank balance, this neat version from Swedish label Dagmar should do the trick. Speaking from personal experience, beyond 50 and bra-less isn’t an option, but you can still show a bit of flesh by layering it over a camisole top or slinky black V-neck. For a bit more coverage, as the famous Helmut Newton 1975 photograph for French Vogue shows, the essential white shirt has timeless appeal. |
3. Make way for metallics | 3. Make way for metallics |
For me, the best way to wear black is with gold or silver. This sophisticated pairing has perennial power and I tend to wear it all year round. Take inspiration from Dries van Noten (the Belgian designer opted for black embellished with silver on his AW14 catwalk) and choose metallic ankle-length trousers and a sparkle sweater, then put on your dancing shoes. Apparently, Boden’s jewelled pumps are the most Instagrammed shoe of the season. | For me, the best way to wear black is with gold or silver. This sophisticated pairing has perennial power and I tend to wear it all year round. Take inspiration from Dries van Noten (the Belgian designer opted for black embellished with silver on his AW14 catwalk) and choose metallic ankle-length trousers and a sparkle sweater, then put on your dancing shoes. Apparently, Boden’s jewelled pumps are the most Instagrammed shoe of the season. |
4. Upgrade your little black dress | 4. Upgrade your little black dress |
Leather is an ageless style staple that is part of every grownup wardrobe. I’m thinking Julianne Moore on the red carpet; or Jaeger’s leather and wool dress. Feels a bit too Barbarella? Then swap leather for sequins and Lurex, though not all at once. Or why not ditch the dress altogether and buy a Whistles jumpsuit? | Leather is an ageless style staple that is part of every grownup wardrobe. I’m thinking Julianne Moore on the red carpet; or Jaeger’s leather and wool dress. Feels a bit too Barbarella? Then swap leather for sequins and Lurex, though not all at once. Or why not ditch the dress altogether and buy a Whistles jumpsuit? |
5. Join the glitterati | 5. Join the glitterati |
Coco Chanel piled on the costume jewellery to make a simple black outfit look chic. Whether it’s a long string of pearls or a statement crystal necklace, the easiest way to get glammed up is to sling on the bling. I am rarely seen without a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings – Lulu Frost’s collection for J.Crew is on my radar right now – but then I am from Blackpool, so let’s just call it my northern accent. | Coco Chanel piled on the costume jewellery to make a simple black outfit look chic. Whether it’s a long string of pearls or a statement crystal necklace, the easiest way to get glammed up is to sling on the bling. I am rarely seen without a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings – Lulu Frost’s collection for J.Crew is on my radar right now – but then I am from Blackpool, so let’s just call it my northern accent. |
@thatsntmyage |
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