https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:01:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-806129 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 10:22:41 +0000 Deborah 806129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jen, I started to travel this road in 2012. My wardrobe has been predominantly black most of my adult life. It was Angie who helped me see how introducing colour and substituting blue for black were flattering choices. I shopped very intentionally this year and limited the amount of black items I bought (very few). I considered moving right away from black but I realize that I do LOVE black. SO my goal is now to work it in ways that are softer and more attractive. Once again I expect to buy few garments in black in 2013. I agree with your comments regarding the availability of black alternatives...they are sparse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805952 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:17:58 +0000 Aziraphale 805952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JenandEd -- oh, that's all right then! My black wardrobe takes back the raspberry. hehehe</p> <p>And a very Happy New Year to you too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805918 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:42:42 +0000 Jjsloane 805918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually had weeded most of my black (except a pair of pants and some shoes from my wardrobe and added a lot this past year. I guess it's a cycle as I wore tons of black in my college (NY) days and again in my 30's (slimming). I think I'm set for awhile so I might try to refrain from black as well this year and see what happens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805909 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:14:13 +0000 Jewell 805909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My plan is pretty simple- no new purchases in black. I have more than enough in my wardrobe already...something like 8 black tops, 4 dresses, 4 pairs of trousers, and 4 skirts and that's after purging a bunch of black pieces last year. If I find an item I like I will force myself to purchase it in a different color or not at all. My only exception will be if I come across a great pair of flats or low heeled pumps as these are holes in my footwear collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805835 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:37:28 +0000 jenanded 805835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Elisabeth... no I was just pondering the approaching new year and resolutions and anything that makes us feel elegant (well that is my personal goal!) is in order in my books Happy New Year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805821 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:48:04 +0000 Aziraphale 805821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a little confused about your statement, "Here's to a more elegant 2013". You mean no black is more elegant than wearing black? That doesn't seem right. I'm fine with people not liking black -- I mean, you like what you like, and there's no right and wrong when it comes to colour preference. But saying that not wearing black is somehow more elegant than wearing black makes no sense to me. Objectively it's probably one of the most elegant colours. </p> <p>I can only think of two good reasons not to wear black: (a) you don't like it; or (b) you like it, but don't like the way it makes your complexion look. But because it's not elegant? Pfffffft. My sleek black wardrobe blows a raspberry at that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805812 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:15:25 +0000 unfrumped 805812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in for a partial ban. No black tops, blazers, or outerwear . more color up top!<br /> Have not sworn off black footwear, pants or skirts because it's still easier to find good fits that way and combine with failed, medium brown's, grays, and colors. Also collect items done in tiny patterns ( tweeds, false plains) as a mix of black and "tan" (any of a range of khaki, taupe, brown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805791 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:09:59 +0000 ironkurtin 805791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love black. I don't plan on ever giving it up, to be honest. That doesn't mean i don't wear other colors. Just that I see no reason to ban it. It's very useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805729 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:37:59 +0000 Anonymous 805729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would also like to impose a white free ban this year, too. Ivory is much better suited for myself....BUT I can never find ivory tops (especially crisp button ups that I crave...or the elusive ivory tunic that I have been hunting for).</p> <p>Why does the fashion industry those who prefer warm colors? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805682 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:57:13 +0000 kkards 805682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think the best way is to go slow, and take it one week at a time....i'm going to start by not wearing an all black outfit more than once a week.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805633 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:56:45 +0000 jenanded 805633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ended up spending a few hours in the changing rooms at our department store seeking to find a navy set of pieces that I could work back with my wardrobe and ease out of the black. Firstly there are very few styles available and they did not look great on me. The assistant offered some better styles and I came up with some cute outfits. ALL IN BLACK - sigh... Two other insights when we are talking about finding/freshening up my style... Firstly, I LOVED the looks but they are quite formal and really only account for 5-10% of my wardrobe needs... second, I keep trying on different styles but I really do look better in what I know works - wider leg, dark pants, slimmer/usually knit or jersey tops, longer jackets, black and brights or black and white, no/few prints... sigh sigh sigh... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805624 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:15:44 +0000 Anonymous 805624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do wish that stores offered more neutral color options as well. I was out today, and managed to leave the mall without any purchases! However, I noticed that almost eveything I was interested in was black, and I had to remind myself to walk away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805491 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 02:00:11 +0000 Thistle 805491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ink blue, navy, taupe, camel, all work as great neutrals. I think you can do it if you really want to go that route. It will take a bit more work, but styles have gotten a lot friendlier. As the population in the US continues to get more grey, I think you will see this trend continue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805489 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:53:27 +0000 morethanbeige 805489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have discovered navy and can't seem to get enough! And it seems to be everywhere. Maybe it will help you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805481 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:42:54 +0000 lyn* 805481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost have no black .... I bought a skinny black belt today :)</p> <p>I go with a lot of greys and navy as my neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805480 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:36:38 +0000 carolbee 805480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck, hope you can make this work. I loooove black and struggle to get other colours in. Its nice in our Aussie summer to wear fresher colours and I managed this for a few years. But only realised the other day when reviewing my upgraded wardrobe - its virtually all based on black again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805455 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:53:52 +0000 Nicole D 805455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Weirdly enough I am going back to black a bit more after being in a grey, navy and camel groove. I think it was an article called"Just add black" in Oprah magazine that made me become really careful about always using black as a neutral.</p> <p><a href="http://www.oprah.com/style/New-Clothes-and-Trends-for-Every-Shape/8" rel="nofollow">http://www.oprah.com/style/New.....ry-Shape/8</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805453 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:51:26 +0000 Jules 805453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I'll never give up black FOOTWEAR, lol. Although... It would be interesting not to replace my worn-out black walking sandals that go with everything this summer. Hmmmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805450 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:48:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 805450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small capsule of black clothes left (mainly fairly avant garde stuff that so far hasn't dated). It seems to have been a lot easier to replace black the last couple of seasons imo. I've replaced it with grey &amp; blue &amp; I'm loving it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805446 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:43:27 +0000 Keix 805446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much useful advice, but I wish you the best of luck with black-free 2013! Personally my black footwear will be pried out of my cold, dead hands, because it goes so well with jewel tones and also bookends my black hair. For lighter colorings though, I can definitely see why a black-free wardrobe might be desirable. Cognac brown is also a nice neutral, in boots for example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805443 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:39:16 +0000 Jules 805443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't bought any black other than jeans and tights in about 2 years, without much effort. I wear existing black pieces (wool coat, turtleneck, tshirt) less and less. I don't think I've really settled on a replacement neutral, currently into navy but also have grey, chocolate brown and taupe in my wardrobe - which is not that crazy big either ;)<br /> Once you lose black, you never go back? I just don't feel good in a lot of black anymore. It was never really my colour but age made that more obvious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805430 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:14:38 +0000 Angie 805430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah! I have a handful of clients with black-free wardrobes. It's become really easy over the last few years with the rise in popularity and availability of ink blue, navies, taupes and greys. It can be done quite painlessly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/black-free-shopping-in-2013#post-805410 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 23:12:15 +0000 jenanded 805410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see a few YLFers are, like me, trying to make a black free commitment for 2013. This will sounds a REALLY dumb question but HOW do you get rid of black? It dominates the stores, especially for basics, it largely will match back even when you buy pieces over time, the stores seem bereft of enough other neutrals to make up a wardrobe... To confirm our commitment, I am just reading a novel I guess written at the start of the black clothing era, which makes the insightful comment about young women wearing all black - like the most conservative greek etc grandmas and widows at the time young women were beginning to be able to make other life choices....Here is to am more elegant 2013! </p>