https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:24:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1396232 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:29:15 +0000 tulle 1396232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many thoughtful responses and good ideas here--black as projection of dread, black going blah outside the big city, simply too much black Winter-wear everywhere--I'm with you all!&nbsp; But I also think that fabric and dye quality have declined sharply in the last few years, and there is a lot of really yucky black clothing out there that looks faded and depressing before you even take it home. It's worth the time to seek out the best and blackest pieces, in textures and fabrications that are as lustrous as your raven-wing hair. (Think black silk velvet, black alpaca, fine black suede . . . ) Then add your goofy citrons and metallics--and get thee to Hawaii at the earliest opportunity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395875 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:04:40 +0000 Adelfa 1395875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Shiny in that I'm gradually ending my fling with ink. I'm also not trying so hard to wear not-black and am going back to a frequent FFBO of a black silk top. Heaven. But when my black glasses frames broke, I replaced them with tortoise, realizing that black was too harsh for me.</p> <p>Do what you feel like doing with your colors! And black will always be there for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395729 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:57:42 +0000 Greyscale 1395729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had years where I wore a lot more grey than black. And this past year has had much more white than ever before. Sometimes you just feel better changing something. I'm trying not to get too caught up in rules or assumptions about my style (though rules can also make life easier sometimes).</p> <p>If I lived in a cold, grey climate I'd be tempted to get a super bright wool coat to go over all my black layers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395726 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:54:02 +0000 Lisa 1395726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great in black.&nbsp; But I like the idea to build in another core neutral color so that you are not stuck always sporting black.&nbsp; Grey is a great idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395579 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 22:16:48 +0000 Thistle 1395579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jim didn't really read through all of the responses, as I didn't want to color my thoughts. So, apologies if this is repetitive.</p> <p>1. I still see black fitting in with your style. I don't think it is an age thing, especially as you look good in black.</p> <p>2. Your winters are beastly long, dark, and cold. I can see the need for color to added some cheer. Kinda like Christmas lights make December feel less dark and dreary than January.</p> <p>3. Your new job allows a bit less UWP, so perhaps this is also weighing a bit.</p> <p>Perhaps a few brighter pieces to mix I to your already well curated wardrobe would help. Also, perhaps a few fun scarves, or even bright tanks to wear underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395572 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 22:06:02 +0000 biscuitsmom 1395572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved black for yrs and now find it too harsh, but I'm way older than you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395525 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:23:14 +0000 rachylou 1395525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I debate with myself over every purchase of a black item. It's an important colour, or non-colour as the case may be. Theologically, philosophically, tribally, etc.</p> <p>But here's my probs: <ol> <li>It's embarrassing to be a PIB - god forbid thinking you're sophisticated when you're not</li> <li>It's esp. embarrassing to be a PIB outside the heart of Gotham - what are you gonna do? Join the one *punk* (aged 16) in the one coffee shop? Even if you don't go urban grit, even if you go Chanel - outside the Big City, sophistication loses meaning...</li> </ol> <br />On the other hand, sometimes it isn't really about the black, but the style of what you've got in black. I keep thinking about getting this black tunic with a white cowl neck. I keep putting it back, because as I walk around the store with it, I realise it's "put a bird on it" Quirky Waif. I've moved on to "country punk" Quirky Waif. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395429 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:59:04 +0000 shiny 1395429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I took a bit of a break from black - tried to incorporate more navy and also blue (as in denim). As for navy, I did not have much luck because of petite reality (core items are offered most reliably in black, not navy). I had much better luck with denim blue (one positive of my weight gain this past year is that I find it easier to find jeans). But you know what? I'm already bored of navy &amp; denim!! I found myself missing black... around the middle of the summer...&nbsp;</p> <p>I have no idea if it favors me but dang it is practical for packing and frequent business trips/travel.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for aging + black, I could be wrong but I think it was my hair color that was more aging than the black clothing. For years I've been able to pull off very light blonde.... but more and more this year, I felt like the same usual highlights were washing me out and looked aging. So I have recently chosen to add in deeper lowlights - caramel, red, gold. Those never looked quite "right" next to my skin in the past... but now they do.&nbsp;</p> <p>The only problem is that they seem to lighten right back up again in no time at all ... though I still am only maybe 20% gray(white), something has happened to my hair in recent years, as it's naturally more light blonde than ever... according to my stylist.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know if this applies to you, Una. For me, the difference is very subtle --&nbsp;but with lowlights rather than highlights I'm finding black works again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395334 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:54:10 +0000 Elly 1395334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh-- It is the winters. I love my black, but am a bit worried that my closet is SO dark and SO neutral this year, despite all the fun shapes I've been trying out.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black/page/2#post-1395332 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:41:32 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1395332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And, wouldn't the world be better if there was a Skittles color collab out there for coats and sweaters? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395317 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:02:48 +0000 catgirl 1395317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once again, the collective wisdom of YLF to the rescue! </p> <p>Angie, I am glad you are on board with me wearing black! That in itself is a relief!</p> <p> I don't think we age out of black per se- it's more that so many years of wearing it may be taking their toll mentally. I'm inspired by Deborah and others to find new ways to wear it, and also as Janet says to mix it up with new moody colors - not just greys. </p> <p>And yes, sweet Gryffin, one year from 50 may be approaching - and add to that with this new job I haven't been able to get somewhere warm as often as usual.... All food for thought. Deeply thankful for all of you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395310 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:55:49 +0000 Zibbets 1395310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My closet full of gray (which I usually love) isn't sparking any love in my heart right now. I totally understand.&nbsp;</p> <p>You look fabulous in black, but wear what makes you happy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395296 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:40:59 +0000 Windchime 1395296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black looks terrific on you. I suspect it has to do with a dread of the quickly-approaching winter. I also live in a northern clime (although not as northern as you!) and have heard many people comment that they're not ready to cope with winter again, after the severity of last year's winter.</p> <p>YLF has really opened my eyes to ways of brightening our winter wardrobes with white and splashes of other color. I, too, wear lots of black but intend to try to lighten and brighten it this year to help keep my spirits up during winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395293 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:37:46 +0000 Janet 1395293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I understand too. I am trying not to rely so heavily on black, and I'm really happy that I now have some other dark neutrals in my closet that I'm having fun mixing and matching. This is a good time to try mixing it up with some ink or navy or grey or charcoal... There are some fab pieces out there right now in colors other than black. </p> <p>But I will never totally give up black and would never want to see you give it up either. I don't see it aging you at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395292 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:37:10 +0000 Classically Casual 1395292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with gryffin. So here's another question: have you felt another color that wants to be expressed? (I personally am currently craving pink, which is not a color I usually wear) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395288 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:31:02 +0000 Peri 1395288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Come see me...it's 71 today!&nbsp;</p> <p>As to black, I love black with bright colors. Or fun jewelry. Do you think that would help? Or maybe it's time for some hair color fun again? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395272 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:53:32 +0000 modgrl 1395272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black can be a key part of your style&nbsp;or it can be just a base... I feel weird on any day when my outfit doesn't contain some black. I need at least a bit somewhere. Incorporate some colors, especially screaming shocking brights with a base of black so that it feels comfortable and true to your style identity.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395269 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:45:30 +0000 Angie 1395269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you need to shy away from black at all, Una. You are one of the few who wear it very well. It's also excellent bookending with your hair.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I believe it's a question of mixing it up with colour, lightening up and introducing OTHER dark neutrals - so that you don't get bored and feel weighed down by wearing black so frequently. You have a very long cold spell ahead of you and you need AMPLE variety.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395210 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:07:03 +0000 viva 1395210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm feeling this a little bit too, although for me I think it is a combination of winter-anticipation and neutral-options-overload. Both the stores and my closet are depleted of color, and we are just at the very beginning of winter. Although there are things I love about this season, I think I am already anticipating some of the downside, and as a result am reaching for .. or searching for .. some of the color that can help offset the dullness of the season. In addition to the citron sweater, I bought a bright turquoise beanie (perfect combo of thickness and slouch), and some bright Chanel cream blush to ensure a constant youthful cheeky glow. Too much black, right now, is loaded for me ... with the promise of six months of cold and dark.</p> <p>I realize it may not be so emotional for you ... but I believe generally, we should follow our instincts. I doubt you are leaving your blacks behind, as they are so much a part of you. But to break them up a bit, to make them <b>a</b> player rather than<b> the only</b> player, seems like an evolution. Maybe it's seasonal, maybe it's longer-term ... but it could be quite exciting. I've really enjoyed some of your outfits with the lighter colors, which look amazing against your natural coloring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395205 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:02:57 +0000 rute 1395205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The same has happened to me since last year!<br />I loved all black looks especially in the winter, but since last year I've noticed that I don't feel like wearing black anymore and yes, it ages me, our coloring changes as we get older.</p> <p>I don't wear very bright colors (except red) but I go for navy, grey, cream, white, brown. You have lots of options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395203 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:58:09 +0000 Tania 1395203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somewhat related to what Gryffin said...clothes&nbsp;reflect so much of&nbsp;our internal state.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I've recently been through a long phase of family and health issues.&nbsp; During that time, I've dressed in clothes that show I am ready to work...hard physical work.&nbsp; Overall, my life is running smoother now and I have been getting another look that reflects my internal state.&nbsp; Put-together.&nbsp; Practical.&nbsp; Capable.&nbsp; Strong.&nbsp; Bright.&nbsp; </p> <p>UWP has a few different connotations, but I often think of strong and tough.&nbsp; If those traits still speak to you, I am sure you will find a way to display them even with less black.&nbsp; Or perhaps other traits are becoming prominent and looking for a way out!&nbsp; Labels (like UWP, preppy, etc) can be helpful, but they also can be limiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think&nbsp;as we age,&nbsp;certain traits remain&nbsp;for the long term, others fluctuate, and&nbsp;new ones can emerge.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395198 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:46:30 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1395198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you wear makeup like tinted moisturizer or foundation, I find that adding Laura Mercier Radiance Primer underneath makes it easier to wear colors that you might otherwise find aging/draining. </p> <p>I like black and wear a lot of it. But this fall I've been on a kick for adding white/light pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395195 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:29:46 +0000 gryffin 1395195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - I'm going to just throw something out there and please ignore or tell&nbsp;me to shut up if I'm way off base.&nbsp; I know from recent posts you've changed jobs and been looking for ways to dress that are appropriate but still you.&nbsp; I've been very struck by&nbsp;the tone in&nbsp;your posts, because the last time I sounded like that I was at a big transition point.&nbsp; I'd just had my son and none of my clothes felt right(bought whole new wardrobe, 1 year later hated new wardrobe - ps wasted a lot of cash).&nbsp; My question is do you think this is simply about "black" or are you at a personal transition point?&nbsp; If it's really black than you can shoot out to the nearest mall, lighten up the palate, because you will be an UWP in whatever you wear.&nbsp; Black is a tool, it doesn't define you, you are the UWP whatever you wear will reinforce that because you are an intelligent, thoughtful fully realizedl person who expresses herself through clothes.&nbsp; But may I suggest you ask yourself if this dissatisfaction with black is a bigger issue.&nbsp; You've just made a major life change.&nbsp; Sometimes we coast through them and life evolves naturally around them but sometimes it's like an electron jumping to a higher energy state all at once.&nbsp; We are in new and unfamiliar waters, we are changing and from our new vantage point nothing looks right anymore - we've suddenly change and our dress no longer reflects this new person.&nbsp; But in this case, you need to figure out who you are now and then how to express that new you.&nbsp; If that were the case, by all means - colorful beanies, scarfs, gloves etc will help brighten up your day but the homework is really internal and rather than make costly mistakes that might not feel right in a year, you might want to step back and focus on your inner voices, the big questions of who am I now, where am I going, am I happy with this course, and how do I express all of that in my life and in my clothes.&nbsp; Sorry for the instant psychoanalysis, and&nbsp;am I said please ignore if it's not appropriate,&nbsp;but I thought it might be worth asking the question.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395191 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:13:14 +0000 crutcher 1395191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You just have a bad case of the pre-winter blues...After the incredible winter that we had last year, this season approaching is a challenge to all of us...even MaryPoppins me who is always there with a spoonful of sugar...I would suggest selecting pieces to go with your black..white, creme, colors and wear them close to your face...Perhaps find a fun fake fur coat...When all else fails, find somewhere warm, plead wretched illness and fly away.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395168 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:50:36 +0000 Anonymous 1395168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope we don't age out of black!! &nbsp;It is a staple in my wardrobe and I would be at a complete loss as to how to dress myself. &nbsp;I'll have to follow your style progression to see how you deal with this issue. &nbsp;</p> <p>What would age a person out of black? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395160 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:05:39 +0000 Deborah 1395160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure what to say here as I have never experienced this myself :)</p> <p>I would suggest incorporate the colours you like and develop ways in which you can 'light' your black. I like IK's suggestion re scarves, I do this when I feel my black needs a lift. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395126 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 06:49:51 +0000 catgirl 1395126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am happy to visit everyone - and I will find a way to bring Suz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395117 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 05:37:09 +0000 columbine(erin) 1395117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe it's time to lighten up with some ink, navy, or deep purple&nbsp;amidst all the black. Black is too useful in many ways for me to ever completely let go of it, but what pieces I have bought this year, are in dark neutrals mostly, that mix well with black footwear,&nbsp;and it is so fun, since I used to wear black in very boring ways. I like wearing navy head to toe and then putting on my deep&nbsp;aubergine wool coat, these days.&nbsp;I'm not an UWP or anything like it though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395101 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 04:24:03 +0000 deb 1395101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If any trips are planned to California I want to join. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sudden-issues-with-black#post-1395088 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 03:59:20 +0000 unfrumped 1395088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should wear some color monochrome looks for a change, with black boots and accessories. Also white mixed with black - as in the striped tube skirt look . </p>