https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:08:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1964024 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:11:49 +0000 lisaflex 1964024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i too am so over black!!!gray charcoal navy are now my go-t's. not everyone looks good in black once we hit a certain age...lol..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1964006 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:48:58 +0000 Jessikams 1964006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firecracker that sounds like a solid strategy for building up a color that you like. I’m definitely going to make some budget room for brown items - hopefully I can find things in the color AND silhouettes I need. The more you learn about fashion, the more variables to think about! Lately fabric texture has been on my radar too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1963957 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 04:19:42 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1963957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I have tried to move away from black, but I have found it hard to do. I find black so useful. I know not all blacks are the same, but in my experience, more of my blacks go with each other than do other neutrals I've tried: browns, navies, taupes, grays. All have been frustrating to try to amass and coordinate in my wardrobe. Black remains one of the neutrals I wear pretty often. I do not wear it head-to-toe, though.<br /></div><div>My favorite dark neutral is a cool olive, and I have had some luck there. When I see an item that I like in the right olive color family, I buy it, whether it was really on my radar or not. In this way, I've managed to build up a pretty good olive-based collection. I have a bag, a leather jacket, two rain coats, tall boots, trousers, scarves, an umbrella, and lots of tops that work in olive-based capsules. It took several years, during which olive was a popular color and kept popping up in the stores. I've made some mistakes along the way, buying items that weren't quite the right shade and didn't end up fitting in with the others; finally I realized it was easiest just to let them go. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1963952 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 04:00:38 +0000 elpgal 1963952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have transitioned to navy and burgundy for similar reasons and it has opened up a lot of other color options to pair with them. I am no longer tempted by black. Golden-brown is a great color and there is so much of it around now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1963885 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:57:17 +0000 Sydney 1963885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I moved away from black a number of years ago. I found it too harsh for my colouring. My wardrobe is based on navy and grey. Still working on editing, but I love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1963883 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:30:05 +0000 BrieN 1963883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stopped buying black clothing about when I found YLF. I have some in my closet that I wear in the winter— Dec to Feb. I currently find it to be practical in tough weather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible/page/2#post-1963234 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:25:04 +0000 cindysmith 1963234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy a lot off navy &amp; grey. Lately, I've been adding light, icy purples.</p> <p>Black is not kind to my complexion, and it also attracts a lot of lint. I still occasionally buy it, but only if it's a spectacular piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963183 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:05:04 +0000 Anonymous 1963183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second what Mainelady said. Finding a new dark neutral is hard, especially if you look best in warm colors. Those cool dark blues or purples may not work. Also, blacks seem to be easier to " match" in a wardrobe. I found that navies and greys come in a multitude of shades and it is difficult to find pieces to work together unless you buy the same color in the same brand in the same season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963173 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 13:46:53 +0000 lyn67 1963173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE black and always find it professional, elegant, slimming and edgy:-).&nbsp; But I am a no contrast blonde girl so have pay attention where and how I am wearing it. I wear it mostly on bottoms in the colder season and on top in summer, love it in (usually monochromatic) geometric or nonfigurative&nbsp; patterns with other neutrals like greys and creams) and I like it as an accent, too. Flat black is really very harsh but I love black with some texture (boucle, tweed, slub, fluff) and grinning (lace, mesh) or other details (cowl neck, drapes, pippings,etc). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963160 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 12:59:30 +0000 Helena 1963160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I eliminated black almost completely for a good while, and am just now adding it back in, for love rather than by default. I would suggest just choosing another dark neutral (I use ink blue) and using it wherever you would normal default to black! Combining black with your new dark neutral is a great transition strategy, as well as a good way to continue using black with intention, when it truly is the best choice. Good luck and have fun with it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963132 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 10:35:39 +0000 Anonymous 1963132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Im moving away from blues now, but thats my strategy with them! Just because something is "a neutral " doesn't mean its neutral to you. And something that is not "a neutral " , like blush, orange, or yellow) may be.<br /> That being said, there will be a lot of unicorn hunting, especially for workwear... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963123 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 10:03:16 +0000 Jessikams 1963123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black with neutrals instead of black AS a neutral: brilliant, Suntiger!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963121 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:51:07 +0000 Mainelady 1963121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can do it. True, you need to be intentional about looking for and choosing other dark colors. I learned that when I stopped coloring my hair. I love black and can still wear it, but find that a dark blue looks better with my new coloring. A challenge I find it that black is almost always available and the other dark colors I want, often are not. Good luck! I look forward to seeing which colors you choose! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963114 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:42:38 +0000 Anonymous 1963114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very insightful post. &nbsp;If I had thought to post the same question, I might have had more success. &nbsp;At the very least, there would have been some boundaries in place. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963106 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:36:36 +0000 Anonymous 1963106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lot of good advice here! I do wear a lot of black, with some of the above strategies (sheer, matte, lot of skin), though im dark enough to balance it. I did move away from it briefly about 15 years ago while browns were available, but unfortunately they aren't always. </p> <p>My addition for you would be think of black as a non neutral, so being sure you include one of your neutrals when you wear black to balance it. Or make sure black isnt the highest proportion of the outfit.<br /> You may be able to avoid it permanently, but some years will definitely be harder than others! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963104 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:35:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 1963104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, black is New Zealand's national colour. Our most famous &gt;100 year old sports team are called the All Blacks.<br /> I find black and white really helps me get off it. And dark navy, and khaki/olive, which mixes well with black but tones it down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963100 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:16:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1963100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>You're an architect? That explains it, lol. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, the b/w scarf in your profile pic is good. Why not pair it with a solid color, or if you want to get edgy, with another pattern?</div><div><br /></div><div>And may I suggest you get the black out of your finds and fill it up with things in the direction you want to go? I've been sticking "someday" things in there, and wouldn't you know, it's now fiendishly tempting me to put all together, like these 3 pieces, from entirely different makers that ended up next to each other &amp; I now want to wear together. Must. have. self. restaint.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963095 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:04:29 +0000 Jessikams 1963095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, for sure, environment plays a huge role. Berlin, NY, etc- black becomes like a uniform.</p> <p>Now I’m thinking about the WHY. I loved bright color as a kid, but started wearing black as a young adult because my mom (who of course bought stuff for me) believed it to be the most elegant and professional color. It’s only now I realize: she was a dark brunette who looked great in black. We could never figure out why it did nothing for me! Difference in coloring, helloooooo...</p> <p>Then I went to architecture school, and you can well imagine...architects, like Berliners, love black.</p> <p>Now that I’m thinking more carefully about fashion, though, I don’t want to fall back on black’s easy solution all the time. Onwards! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963082 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 06:51:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1963082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it wasn’t a question of how to stop buying, but how to start wearing it. Black black doesn’t work for me, but I found that charcoal grey and similar colors that are nearly black do. Do they work for you? </p> <p>I started wearing it when I was in Berlin in the 90s, and cut back naturally when I left. Now that I’m back in the city, I wonder if I will soon be.... you know the AC/DC song, right? </p> <p>And I don’t mean this in a snide way, but if it doesn’t look good on you, why do you buy it? I’d think that when you tried it on and looked in the mirror, you’d see that your lovely complexion is flat, and put the black back on the shelf. As you and La Ped have both observed, this season there is bound to be something right there that will flatter you very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963072 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 05:07:36 +0000 Jessikams 1963072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW you guys are like a whole team of wise stylists! Thank you, thank you, thank you to each one of you for taking the time to write such detailed and specific thoughts. I will be referring to this post for guidance for a long time, I think.</p> <p>Sal and Suz and TheCat, nodding along. I believe I will start to wear black differently. I do like it as an accent- belt or shoe- especially as a jarring or “wrong” note in an otherwise soft pretty outfit.</p> <p>LaPed, you are so right, this season my colors are well represented, very tempting to stock up.</p> <p>Angie, good point about intentional shopping. Earlier this year I developed a poison eye for bright red. I purged it from my closet, and it has been an interesting challenge to avoid buying it. Sometimes I almost forget- I spot a print I like- then I realize “too much red!” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963049 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 03:04:12 +0000 Jaime 1963049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't avoid black completely but do stick to black and white combinations near my face. One look at a navy top next to me compared to black was enough to get me off solid black. I would play in a store with different browns now that they are trending to see if something sparks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963026 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 01:58:36 +0000 Anonymous 1963026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have gotten very picky about black as I get older. There are different shades of black and I like it best as a sheer or lace where skin can dilute the blackness. Also textured blacks rather than a solid black can look softer. A big exception for me is black velvet. It is just too concentrated a black.<br /> As Angie says, use other dark neutrals...charcoal grey, navy, dark taupe, brown, even burgundy or plum or eggplant can serve as a dark neutral. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1963010 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 01:16:49 +0000 Suz 1963010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along with everyone, especially <b>LaPed</b>, <b>Angie</b>, and <b>The Cat</b>. You have to be deliberate and patient but it's worth it. I did this shortly after joining YLF and haven't looked back.&nbsp;</p> <p>I <b>do</b> still have black represented in my wardrobe, but more as an accent than as a neutral. I own black footwear and a black belt, a black tux jacket, black trenches, black trousers and some patterned items with black in the pattern or as the background of the pattern, as well as one turtleneck and a few summer tops. I actually find black works better on me with some skin showing to lighten the overall effect, so I much prefer it in summer. In winter I tend to wear it with ink/ navy and white or light grey and usually as a foil to a pattern that includes black.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I decided to go this route, I deliberately chose navy as my dark neutral, taupe as my medium neutral, and light grey and winter white as my light neutrals. Back then my hair was dark blonde. Now that it's grey, I've phased out taupe and added a bit of charcoal, and I find that black actually works better than it used to, but it's not great in quantities near my face unless it is a very rich or bright black. Anything with a brown or faded undertone is awful. Charcoal, weirdly, is brilliant.&nbsp;</p> <p>My eyes are blue and my colouring is really cool, so camel and toffee never worked on me. I think they'd work brilliantly on you, though.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962994 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:06:55 +0000 Anonymous 1962994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been gradually phasing out black in my wardrobe. As I get older I find it washes me out.<br /> I do have one suit and 2 dresses that are black that I hold onto as a “ funeral capsule” ( I know it sounds morbid but I have any elderly relatives so I am not about to buy new black items but these are serviceable should the occasion present.<br /> I have a tight palette made up of colors I love and look great on me. Navy, gray and denim are my go to neutrals but recently added white denim. These gives plenty of options in pants, dresses and blazers with my accents of blues, greens, purples and white filling roles of tops and accessories.<br /> It works for me.<br /> I find a lot of times capsule dressing pushes black, white, khaki palette and while great for some it is not for everyone. Good luck with your phase out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962968 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:41:05 +0000 Anonymous 1962968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Truthfully, I wasn't able to do it. &nbsp;I tried hard to translate my black to navy over the course of the past two years. &nbsp;The end result was two equal neutrals in my wardrobe (black and navy). &nbsp;My problem stemmed from accessories. &nbsp;ALL my accessories were geared toward black. &nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962962 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:32:07 +0000 JAileen 1962962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Except for a small holiday capsule, I don’t wear black. Instead I have grey and navy. I have little contrast between my hair and my face, and black seems too harsh. I envy people who look good in black, because everything comes in black. Here’s how I avoid it: I just don’t buy it. I just refuse to add a color that doesn’t work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962960 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:30:44 +0000 Sal 1962960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have had really good advice here and I agree that you look wonderful in the mid tone neutrals.</p> <p>I am still a black fan but I wear it differently - I wear black clothes with lighter shoes and bags for example.&nbsp; I have added very few black footwear options in the last three or four years (one pair pumps, one pair of heeled sandals) and I do not own a black handbag.&nbsp; However I do like black pants and black dresses, and I find black tees and tops super useful.&nbsp; I don't have a black coat.&nbsp; I do like black with a pattern - both monochrome, neutral and colour.</p> <p>Not defaulting to black could be helpful eg needing a puffer jacket - look at the other colours available - needing boots - consider the browns and the leopards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962959 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:27:53 +0000 Bennett 1962959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black is a fairly equal player with the other colors I am drawn to, but I only ever pair black items with white pieces because I like the graphic statement it makes. Never head-to-toe black. And now that I think of it, I have ZERO black bottom pieces. Hmm...&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962955 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:16:16 +0000 The Cat 1962955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I moved away from wearing a lot of black some years ago. A few tips:</p> <p>1. Decide whether you want to gradually move away from wearing black completely, or rather to mix black items with colours you know to be more flattering, interesting, fun or whatever. In my case, I decided to stop wearing large amounts of black very close to my face, so I purged black turtlenecks, scarves, shawls, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas--and replaced them with items in lighter and brighter colours. </p> <p>2. Though I will probably always want to have SOME black bottoms, tops (crewnecks, etc.), shoes and toppers, I have chosen to limit the number of black items in each category (like pants, skirts, boots and jackets) to 2 or 3. I sometimes get some beautiful black items as gifts, but I don't want a too black-heavy wardrobe, so whenever I have more than 3 in any category (except underwear and hosiery), I'll keep the best and purge the rest.</p> <p>3. Instead of always buying items in black, identify two or more other neutrals that you want to focus on when buying essentials (i.e. pants, shoes and coats) for your wardrobe. In my case, it was grey and white plus, more recently, cool brown and rose beige. In your case, it might be toffee, olive and other earth colours.</p> <p>4. If you want to continue wearing SOME black, decide HOW you want to wear it. In my case, I have decided to always wear black with a non-neutral, and I will often also include a third colour (neutral or non-neutral). With your colouring, beautiful options could be to wear black with camel / rust / toffee / mustard / olive, and/or chunky jewellery in gold / brass / copper / amber.</p> <p>5. Patterned black items might be easier to wear (than solids), in particular if one or more of the pattern colours are repetions of your colouring (your hair colour, skin colour or eye colour). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-black-is-it-possible#post-1962757 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 14:44:12 +0000 LaPed 1962757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, you've picked a really good season to look for golden-brown colours! They seem to be everywhere -- you might want to do a judicious stock-up while the trends are in your favour. </p>