Black tops and dark wash jeans

Patience

When I wear black tops with really dark wash jeans, I feel like I'm wearing too much dark stuff. How to break it up? I also don't like the idea of wearing dark wash jeans tucked into black boots with black knitwear. What are other ideas for wearing that black knitwear?

15 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Ellen

Active Member

This must be one of those personal preference things, because I always feel pulled-together and chic in combos like that. To me, it's a polished way to wear an almost all-black ensemble and I love neutrals.

If you can combine that dark knitwear with the standard aids of colorful scarves, belts and jewelry, that may provide the pop you need. Also consider colorful camis and cardis. Another option is to go for a slightly lighter wash in jeans, though at some point that may affect your 'smart casual' look.

If you have chocolate colored boots they can look quite chic with a black top -mixing black and brown is not a no-no if you do it well.

15 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I also agree with Ellen that it's a matter of personal preference and that accessory can jazz it up. I recently wore dark skinnies with black sweater tunic and brown suede boots and I liked the look. I also like the idea of lighter wash jeans, especially if they are not faded. I have recently spotted this interesting wash and am thinking about getting a pair of skinnies in it precisely to wear with black tops:

http://www.fashionchateau.com/.....in%20Silky

15 years ago

Anonymous

Since Angie mentioned the cognac color leather goods looking so good with black it has really flipped a switch in my head and I just love that combo. It is so rich looking and brightens up the black. A pair of congac boots or bag would look great with dark wash jeans and a black top. Of course other accessories would break up the darkness too. I'm liking brooches these days.
Tanya I do like the blue of the jeans you posted too. Very pretty.
You may feel overwhelmed in the black with the dark wash jeans because you have dark hair. You may have a valid point that it is just too much darkness for you, where it might work on a blonde.

15 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Patience, I was also wondering about this. I used to feel that it looks elegant and put together, however, I was never quite happy with it. I think you're right, San, and it works better for Tanya and Ellen because they are both blonde and their hair and skin provides more contrast against the black top. I'm not sure how to remedy it - perhaps silver jewelry or a white layer underneath? I do think brown boots look more interesting.

15 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Patience, I know what you mean. I often find myself changing my outfit last minute because I feel overloaded on black. And I think YLF has induced this beleif, because I used to wear all black all the time. I own a lot of black tops, and I find I'm not wearing them as often as I used to because I don't know what to pair them with. I don't want to wear black and black, and black and light colors seem off to me. I do wear black tops with grey bottoms, but get bored with that quickly.

I have been trying to incorporate more texture into my outfits...and I find it especially useful to do so with black combinations. It seems to keep black from getting too boring--it draws attention to the texture and away from the black.

15 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Try adding a layer over the black knit top. Ideally one with a pattern! Like a tweed jacket or patterned sweater. But I know what you mean. I do wear black jackets and cardigans, but with a pop of color or pattern underneath them. Black knits and tops... not so much these days! More in spring and summer for some reason - probably because then the top can be sleeveless, so bare arms breaks up the black.

15 years ago

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of bringing in some dark brown. I think it makes a sophisticated all-black look even more chic. Another idea is trying grey jeans. I don't have any yet, but I've liked the look for awhile. Or try new textures like a velvet jean or something like that.

15 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I also like black tops with brown pants and with microchecks or herringbone or charcoal grey or breen. I don't own any khaki pants but like the look of a black top with that color, especially if you're busty. A scarf would break up the black. To stay with neutrals, try a cream scarf.

15 years ago

Patience

Veteran

San, you make a really good point about my being dark and dark-haired with all of the black. I kind of feel the same way about dark blue shirts with dark wash jeans. Today I am wearing my black boyfriend cardigan, blue ruffly blouse, straight leg jeans and dark red booties. I went with a patent yellow belt which helps I think but I still feel just shy of an all black outfit. Maybe it I just need to get my brain around it as Ellen and Tanya suggest. I fell pulled together yet wish I had a bit more relief from the black.

15 years ago

Munequita

Active Member

I usually layer a gray vest and then a bright long chunky necklace on top of that.
I always feel like I need some color in there and now I know why. My hair is black too!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such great ideas from the YLF ladies, Patience. (You know I’m aware of NOT overloading on black either). I think that the outfit you’re describing is even darker when you’re dark skinned with dark hair such as yourself. When I wear outfits like you’ve described, I always break up the darkness with a scarf or light coloured jacket. And on top of that I’m pale skinned with blonde hair – which makes the entire picture seem less dark anyway.

(Oopsie, I see that San had the same thinking. Sorry for the repetition). Perhaps you should stick to lighter tops or layering tops?

15 years ago

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