Spin Off: AG - What's your blackout? - YouLookFab Forum

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Spin Off: AG - What's your blackout?

gryffin

Veteran

Una posted a very interesting quote by Mary Katrantzou where she answers the question of why, if her work is all about pattern and color, she chooses to wear all back irl. I am still trying to figure out "why" I love black so much and although I usually wear "almost" black, today I am wearing all black to explore this concept. So what's the upshot - I love this. Why do I love this?:
1. a monochromatic outfit's interest is in texture and proportion. My outfit is subtly interesting but since the eye gravitates to light - I see me in the mirror, the clothes are a luxe back drop. Just like a jeweler showcasing a necklace on black velvet - the stark contrast puts all the focus on the piece, or in this case me.
2. details stand out that are backround in less strict outfits - glossy hair and interesting cut, subtle but pretty glasses, signature jewelry, hardware,
3. it's modern, clean, dramatic, elegant, strict, powerful and a bit mysterious

I am not advocating all black for everyone - this happens to be my best color, it might not be yours. You might choose whiteout, gray out, navy out, eggplant out etc. in other words, your best monochromatic neutral outfit that showcases you. Lately, a lot of fabbers have been adoring whiteout - which again is strict and monochromatic. But whiteout is simply your yin to my yang. In other words, it might be your best monochromatic neutral. Do you like monochromatic neutral outfits and, if so, what's YOUR blackout?

Dressing

53 replies

Latest reply was from gryffin

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I like color, pattern and contrast, but I may occasionally do a white out, possibly navy out. Grey is one of my favorite neutrals, but I don't think I would wear it head to toe. Just my feeling for me, not saying it can't be fab on others.

Elly

Veteran

I love monochrome neutrals! But, I think we knew that. I also really enjoy looks based on mixed dark neutrals (navy n' black, super deep burnt shades, deep charcoal and black or navy). Black and navy are probably my best neutrals--- it is the deepness, rather than the color that makes it fab on me. I'm very high contrast with light skin and dark hair and eyes. The deep colors seem to bring out the rich cognac color, the grey, and the green in my "brown" eyes and the copper and gold in my dark hair and makes my eyes pop. Very much akin to the concept your talking about. I like my heavily detailed pieces better in black because I don't do maximal well. I also have a haircut with flair and often wear dramatic specs and shoes. I like to curate, I like to edit, and I love my essentials.

Not to say I don't enjoy color--- I do, and sometimes there is no substitute for a pale accent in an all-dark outfit or a rich color -- and I particularly enjoy colored shoes and hats.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My Black-Out is White-Out.

I don't wear Black-Out at all. But I do sport Ink-Out occasionally, with a very bright bag.

gryffin

Veteran

Linda - it's all about what makes your heart sing!! Color and pattern are beautiful things!! Enjoy!
Elly - what a fantastic balance you have!! I love how you describe what navy and black do for your coloring! That's exactly how I feel, but the neutral which is best will differ for all of us. But awesome insight!!
Angie - and white-out looks divine on you!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Try as I might, white out does not feel like me. Black out can work, but I prefer to do a more tonal treatment -- black and grey, or grey and white, or navy with any of the above. Black and brown is starting to regain some love from me too, after ignoring brown for the last few years.

I suspect that all black is starting to have the potential of emphasizing the signs of aging on my almost-50-yr-old self, but it will be a hard fought battle for me to ever give up black completely!

gryffin

Veteran

Janet - as an artist you must be very sensitive to color. I love ombre - the blardigan comes to mind and of love shades of the gray scale too! Sounds like you know just what flatters best and that's what it's all about!! Although a nice ombre palate with your bcbg long jacket and ugg cortonas with some silver would make my heart sing

kkards

Veteran

my go to "black- out" is navy, which i wear quite frequently. i love the simplicity of a column of color outfit. i don't wear a lot of pattern, but i like to play around with texture and fabrications to add interest and dept. (i will occasionally wear a black "black-out" outfit, even thought i know its not the best color of me.)

bj1111

Veteran

omg...i think you are my twin. i love head to toe black --although i include very dark almost blacks (deeeeep ink blue, dark charcoals) in this category. on top of that i really like matching tones --cools and warms together respectively. i think i just look better in black. just like you do, i use texture to make the outfit interesting, which is so hard to capture in a photo. the satiny with the nubbly, the polished with the matte. all black outfits can be viewed as cold or stand-offish in my experience, so i have to be aware of that in certain contexts.

gryffin

Veteran

kkards - navy is a wonderful color - you are the night sky!! Gorgeous neutral!! Enjoy it!
bj111 - you are my twin of darkness!! I embraced charcoal too when I realized it was "black light" but if it gets too light I vanish it's totally blah. Interesting that you look good in both warm and cools. I don't esp uber important with grays they need to be clear cool charcoals, a hint of green undertone and I look like I'm headed to the ICU! I think it would be really cool to be able to play with the spectrum of shades that you can - that's just fab!!

Alassë

Veteran

My version of black-out would be chocolate-out (dark brown). That usually feels too dark/depressing to me, so I'll add a belt/sash in olive or cognac.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Black. I love me some black. Especially in textures. I think it's understated and elegant, simple and graphic, and it makes me feel slim, well-dressed, and in control. It has associations of black tie and punk rock, dressy and casual, all at the same time.

gryffin

Veteran

Alasse - your chocolate brown sounds so rich and warm. Not sure why too much neutral gets depressing, but it's all about what makes you feel fabulous. Of course, I could see it looking divine with olive and cognac!!
IK - You totally rock black!! But you express what I feel so eloquently. That's it, exactly " black tie and punk rock, dressy and casual" nothing and everything all rolled into one - so complex but utterly simple.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I've never liked all black on me but it's still in my wardrobe - mainly for night My go tos are other neutrals or nearly neutrals. Blues - ink & denims, greys, grey-greens, olive, & various versions of white. Mostly I prefer neutrals with interest &/or texture to colour or pattern.
It's funny - the responses we have to black are so personal. Growing up in a city where black was the default colour, especially for "creatives" made me very wary of black. IMO about 10% of the people wearing it made it really interesting. On the right person & done well black is fabulous - but then on the right person & done well so is just about everything.

gryffin

Veteran

Caro - that's so insightful. I agree pretty much anything done well is fab on someone. But don't you also the real secret to live life with thought, intent and to enjoy the moment!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is such a great question and has really made me think! First off, I genuinely love almost all monochromatic looks, but sometimes have not been happy with my own attempts to create them. I realize it's partly because of my tendency to purchase "essentials" vs. "statements" or to make my statement with colour -- this means there is a paucity of textural variation, which becomes so important in monochromatic outfits.

My associations to all-black are similar to Caro's, yet I also love all-black on the right person and in the right context. For example, I think my daughter is going to grow up to look amazing in all black. She doesn't wear it yet, but she does wear black with grey a lot, and the combination is stunning on her. She has black hair and cool toned Asian skin, and black makes her eyes sparkle!

While I love navy and ink, I rarely do an entire outfit in these; when I do there is always one pop of colour or white -- or, oddly -- black! -- and that isn't really true to the spirit of your question.

Whiteout is easier for me than blackout, and I do like to play with that look and have winter and summer versions.

This year, I'd like to experiment with gray-out or taupe-out. I think that either of these might be more successful on me, especially in the fall/ winter months. The only problem is that I also expect I might find them a bit depressing at that time of year.

Do you think that a bit of jewellery or shine becomes more important with monochrome looks? I recently wore an all navy outfit with shine, and I found that I liked it more on me than an all matte look.

Anonymous

I'm with Janet here. I can't say I do anything-out. All black is getting to be aging....and that would be the only all-one look I would do. Food for though though.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Absolutely gryffin If we don't listen to ourselves, & live in the moment, it all becomes fairly academic.

gryffin

Veteran

Suz - I think that's a good point that accessories - like my necklace, watch, earring, glasses become more important against a subtle backdrop. I love a belt with great hardware. Texture, fabrication, proportion, fit, detail and tailoring become huge in my eye because there is less to distract the eye. But I wasn't implying its a look everyone should wear - it's all about what speaks to our aesthetic. I would imagine that white/taupe/gray would be easier to wear with your lighter hair. I think black works for me because of my coloring, just as it does for your daughter. She sounds stunning!!
lisap - I think that's just the point, to cherry pick looks that call to you and leave the rest at the curb. Wise words and thoughts girl to know yourself!!
Caro- exactly since you never know how many moments you'll have - trying to grasp each and everyone in meaningful ways - to me that's the art of life!!

Peri

Veteran

I know this isn't how you meant it, but my blackout is quietness. I read the link you are talking about and I understood exactly what she meant. People might think I have piano music going on non-stop but the reality is many times I crave quietness. A lot of musicians are like this, very sensitive to noise overload. So like the designer coming home and wanting to get away from all the color, the quiet is a good break for me.

shiny

Veteran

I read your post and a long lost memory snapped into my head -- a photo of me, in I think it was kindergarten or 1st grade. I am wearing an all black outfit, and my hair is long (to my waist) and white-blonde. I think the teacher snapped it because it's in a classroom. I haven't thought about this photo in years, I don't have it, but I can see it in my minds' eye. It is a startling photo because there's just something odd about a kid that age wearing all black. I remember wondering whether I was dressed for halloween, and the answer is no. I am not sure why I was dressed in all black that day. Did I choose it? Did my mom dress me that way (doubtful).

But also -- the contrast! The contrast between the blackout outfit and nearly white long hair and fair skin. I am not a high contrast person but maybe when I wear dark colors I am striving to achieve that effect?

I do love ink as an alternative but it's just too frustrating building a working wardrobe around ink, I tried. Slim pickings for petites. I gave up. Black is more available in my size.

I do adore white and use copious amounts -- I always seem to need to "add white (or cream)" to an otherwise too-much-black outfit. Then it looks right to my eyes.

Oddly, I'm not all that in to the whiteout effect. Not sure why.

gryffin

Veteran

Peri - I know exactly what you mean. I think of it as peace, harmony, balance. I try to achieve it in the design of my home, the decor and now that you mention it in my outfits and clothing. I really like the word "quietness" I'm going to steal that - centered, grounded - Jane Eyre keeps popping in to my head - her gravitus. I get overwhelmed by too much stimulation and shut down too. I also crave quietness. Thank you for sharing this, it's incredibly insightful and something I will ponder.
Shiny - that's a very interesting memory. I never wore black as a child. It was too elegant, too sophistocated, too intimidating. That must have been an incredible photo, so striking. I think it's easier to wear very dark colors when hair and eye color is dark and I'm sure part of it is personality - we seem to gravitate to either dark, light, neutrals or color. It would be interesting to do some kind of personality/physical trait survey and see if there is a pattern. I'm smiling now, I have this picture in my mind's eye of that photo, like getting a song stuck in your head!! Not sure when it will leave but it's a haunting image!!

Deborah

Veteran

Gryffin and bj perhpas we could be triplets?!

Blackout is my blackout for all the reasons you expressed. IK too:)
My relationship with wearing black is a very passionate and intentional one. I am not sure I can explain this but I feel most like ME when I am wearing black. I agree 100% with you Gryffin that it provides the perfect back drop for showcasing me. I received a lovely compliment yesterday from my alterations lady who essentially said that she felt I was one of few people she has met who can wear black well. She said that I wear it, it doesn't wear me:) As you know I also wear a little navy, and light grey, I cannot wear charcoal grey, it looks awful on me. For the most part, with light grey being the exception, I recognize that 'dark' colours inspire me. I recently added a top to my wardrobe in "blood red'. Upon assessing what it was the actually appealed to me here and why I felt this was a reasonable addition, it became apparent that i am very attracted to dark tones. There is something quite black about the dark red - I am not sure how to explain that better.

To paraphrase you from an earlier post:

Why does black sing the sirens song for me? Black “gets” me on so many levels – particularly on emotional levels which express my message. Black embodies the qualities of mystery, quietness, intelligence, formality, and simplicity. It is powerful and can be conservative, edgy, avant garde or elegant in turn. These qualities are the message I wish to convey – these things are me”

gryffin

Veteran

Deborah - definitely triplets! I think with IK we could have a nice party. You do wear black exceptionally well- it loves you and you love it right back. It's so much fun for me to chat with someone who understands exactly how I feel about black. But if I am dark quietness you are flame burning bright. Black makes you glow. Always beautiful, elegant and sophisticated!! What a lovely complement from your alterations lady - no one could possibly know better!! Charcoal is tough, all grays are - but when I find the right one it's perfect. I know what you mean about the dark red - almost like a really dark red lippy there is almost a blackness about it. I am not knowlegable enough about color to articulate it, but I immediately understand what you are saying and recognized it and it looks wonderful on you. I'm happy just playing with black but have tried to add more charcoal, pearl (when I can find one that works) with some touches of white. That gives me enough trouble!!

crutcher

Veteran

Ok...I just love black...I feel put together, mysterious, chic, fashionable in all black...I have not made this association with navy, gray or white..I do wear the other monochromatic neutrals but black is my color .. I feel good in and enjoy wearing it...I like having a black canvas to add a special accessory...pearls, my rhinestone choker, a silver cuff...I respond to the starkness...In coloring, I am a winter so perhaps the starkness does have a basis......I like the way I look in black and if it ages me, so be it...I am tall enough to pull off a somewhat dramatic style...which does seems more so in all black...When I wear color, I feel like an imposter...I keep looking at myself and wondering, "Who are you?"...I bought a golden yellow woolen coat several years back and never wore it...When I put it on, I just didn't look like me..does that make sense?...
Trying to understand this fascination with neutrals....especially black...
For all of these reasons, I so related to and responded to Mary Katrontzou's quote...

ElleH

Veteran

Mine is blackout. I love white out but it doesn't love me. I have to do black & white together, which I love too but it isn't what you're talking about. I dunno if I put that much thought into it or I just bought everything in black in the past. I have thought of minimizing my wardrobe colours to simplify my life & lower my spending. I am inspired by Emmanuel Alt's minimal colours & clothing types. She only wears pants or jeans, not skirts or dresses, no handbag (can't get my head around that one cos I have necessary stuff) & mostly black but some white & different shades of blue. Once I saw her in olive. Now I doubt she has a need to lower spending (she may even get many items for free) & I don't think she keeps a small wardrobe either, given the amount of black jackets, shoes & pants she seems to have. So why does she limit her style & colour options? It would be interesting to know. She must love clothes, given her job as French Vogue Editor.

gryffin

Veteran

Crutcher - I don't feel comfortable in color either. Imposter is a good word for how I feel too. It's tough here because we are surrounded by so many great looks that there is a temptation to purchase things I would never be comfortable wearing in real life. I think we have to embrace our own individual sartorial north star and enjoy what we love!! Budging over to make room for you on the black bench!! PS your accessories sound divine!!
Elle- I totally empathize!! I was looking at a picture of EA and she has in black with a white tuxedo jacket - stunning. I actually tried on a white tux jacket - I didn't like it. I felt washed out and blah - although I think it's a gorgeous look on others. I think bottom line we need to embrace who we are, what we love, and what loves us!! Saving you a spot on the "black-out" bench!! PS maybe we can ask EA for all her Balmain castoffs!!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

My black ou is navy, with textures going on.

gryffin

Veteran

Columbine - I love navy and it's so flattering with a lot of depth. It's just so hard to find to build a wardrobe around. If you've manged to do that, well that is so awesome!! PS don't tell Caro she may swoop by to steal all your pretty tihngs!!

Deborah

Veteran

Crutcher I would love to read about EA's personal style philosophies:).

Gryffin, Crutcher actually touched on something that is a bit of a sensitive issue for me:). Many women who write about fashion (Angie not included here- I find her very thoughtful and sensitive on this issue) make very throw away and blanket statements about black being aging and that (all) women over 40 shouldn't wear black. I would think that any colour that doesn't work for you could potentially be aging. Yellow for example has a way of draining all the life from my skin tone which I feel "ages me". Black worn well - and by well, I mean in a way that works for the individual, does not necessarily "age" women over 40.

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