https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:41:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1073110 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:40:47 +0000 MsLuna 1073110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black is my neutral of choice. It works best with my complexion and it adds a lot more polish to my look. It is also a very good canvas to mix with my colours of choice, which are vibrant jewel tones. 80-90% of my clothes are black, with the exception of a few bold/vibrant prints and solid colours here and there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1073106 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:27:49 +0000 gryffin 1073106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, everyone such great post and thoughts.&nbsp; Thanks so much for sharing!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1072110 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 14:03:18 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1072110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YLF inspired me to bring black into my wardrobe, especially seeing how Deborah styles black. With low contrast coloring (teal eyes and brown hair), and neutral (neither definitively warm nor cool) skin tone, black was never my best choice. Now with silver hair, I have discovered black with most shades of grey is my best friend. Just not black against my face. I learned here to be attentive to bookending, and find black boots and booties difficult to style although black sandals (with silvery toenail polish!) and black pumps/flats with sufficient skin showing are more pleasing to my eye. I like black bottoms with cognac footwear, mixed with greys and my most flattering color, teal. With any combination, I always need one of my light neutrals near my face. IK's recent post about tightly editing color choices was illuminating too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1071911 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 03:07:28 +0000 Mia 1071911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have high contrast colouring and black is good for me even next to my face.<br />The blacker the better actually. &nbsp;&nbsp;I often purchase high ticket items in black because of the longevity factor.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1070681 Fri, 01 Nov 2013 02:55:14 +0000 pastrygirl 1070681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black is not a great color for me, but I keep buying it because it's easy. So for me, black clothing is lazy rather than effortless. I derive warmth and depth from richer colors like brown and cream rather than cool black and white. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1070385 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 23:37:44 +0000 HiggsMistress 1070385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black was always in my wardrobe - can't help it especially growing up in the Northeast.&nbsp; For years&nbsp;I wore black with high heels&nbsp;from head to toe. &nbsp;IMO, it gave me the serious look I wanted since I'm short and looked young for my age. &nbsp;</p> <p>I still wear black but less of it as I get older. &nbsp;I'm liking grays a lot more these days&nbsp;and am wearing colored tops and scarves near the face. &nbsp;The major downside of black&nbsp;is all the yellow hair it collects from my lab. &nbsp;I guess that's why I buy lint brushes in bulk from Costco :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1070291 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:56:16 +0000 BeachBikeGal 1070291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love black and actually have a large section in my closet dedicated to black basics.&nbsp; Black pieces seem to be available in abundance in stores because they sell well.&nbsp; I make an effort to inject brights, textures and other neutrals to keep the outfits varied and interesting.</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1070137 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 20:00:26 +0000 karymk 1070137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab discussion! I do NOT like black up on top as I age. &nbsp;It just looks too harsh . &nbsp;I am trying to switch to lighter neutrals in my closet so am amping that up right now.</p> <p>Color reigns for me and always will, black has its place though, most certainly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1069496 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 07:37:34 +0000 ramya 1069496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dark hair girl here. Have black shoes n bags but I find it very difficult to use the black bottoms I have.<br /> My choice for neutral would be denim:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1069489 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 07:01:19 +0000 crystalj 1069489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black outfits are my best-friend. I feel classy and able to pair different styles from blazers to tanktops to pants.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1069473 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 06:09:57 +0000 LoveSarahDub 1069473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting post! I've loved reading all the different perspectives! How unique we all are; that's why I am so happy I joined the greatness that is YLF! :)</p> <p>To me, black is EVERYTHING. When I really started coming into my own style-wise, black was what I was drawn to in almost all regards. It was flattering, easy to accessorize, and 'always appropriate'. These opinions have scarcely changed; its probably safe to say its the most reoccuring color in my wardrobe. </p> <p>But while I wonder to myself 'Is that boring?' on that last thought, the truth is, its really not dull in the least. I play with texture, with different accessories, and variations in design and detail. While some find black to be harsh, it surprisingly works well with my features and skin. And since my style has quite an edge to it, its basically part of my internal make up. :)</p> <p> I think I enjoy it as much as I do because of its fabulous ability as a base to an outfit; building a killer look is much easier when you start with black. I rarely go head to toe black, and this is not to say I never wear colors. I LOVE gray, especially in chillier months. And there's plenty of red, white, and (call me crazy!) yellow in my closet. My newest addition, a gift from my FABULOUS mother, is a fabulous tunic-length sweater is an amazing jewel-tone green. But I instantly picture that sweater paired with black leather leggings and my black croc-embossed booties (with sky-high heels, no less!). Black just always feels right. </p> <p>Style among all of us is so varied, yet brings us all together. Thank you for all your amazing opinions and inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/3#post-1069444 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:36:22 +0000 rachylou 1069444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black is very easy to me - too easy - and I'm careful about becoming a PIB (Person in Black). I am West Coast and not a New Yorker. It's just not ok for me to become a PIB... hahaha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1069333 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 02:56:46 +0000 annagybe 1069333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can wear black. See this Killer to the Power of Killer outfit<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/post/wiw-418-dinner-edition">http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/po.....er-edition</a></p> <p>I have a lot of black in my wardrobe, recovering goth. But I also look good in navy and grey. I try to mix it up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1069317 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 02:40:13 +0000 Caro in Oz 1069317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like all black outfits on me anymore - they feel harsh &amp;/or heavy. Unfortunately, the type of avant garde clothing I love seems to only be made&nbsp;in black, white &amp; if I'm lucky grey </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1069210 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:06:53 +0000 Kristin L 1069210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love black. I always have and I think I always will. It goes with almost everything and it hides a multitude of sins. And it reminds me of my high school goth-esque phase. Yes, this causal, classic gamine had a goth period. :)</p> <p>I've realized I have to be careful because if I don't watch myself, I'll end up with a wardrobe full of black clothes! I'll always have the classics for me, like my black pencil and black dress pants, but I'm working on mixing it up with other neutrals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1069177 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:54:33 +0000 Golden 1069177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like black, it's easy although with my coloring it is probably not the best but I still wear it and can't imagine banishing it forever! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1069015 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 23:24:40 +0000 poirot0153 1069015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a fan of me in black. It feels low energy and mundane when I where a head to toe black outfit.&nbsp; Give me color, color and more color.&nbsp; I am a sucker for a bold print and bright colors. So much so that my ex-spouse used to say that I dressed like a flag. I took it as a compliment.&nbsp; I have been in hog heaven with all the color in stores the last few seasons.&nbsp; And brightly colored, patterned pants...oh be still my beating heart.&nbsp; I have been in total fashion heaven lately. </p> <p>Regarding color, I have a 'thing' for yellow. So I have more than my fair share of yellow items (all shades) in my wardrobe...multiple pairs of yellow shoes, yellow dresses, yellow trousers/jeans. I had to force myself to NOT buy anything yellow for a few months.&nbsp; My reaction to seeing a yellow item was almost Pavlovian.&nbsp; </p> <p>But according to the stats on my Stylebook app, the #1 color in my wardrobe is blue and with green being a close #2.&nbsp; Which was actually very surprising to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068787 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:00:41 +0000 gryffin 1068787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - thank you&nbsp;all so much for your input!!! So much to ponder.&nbsp; Such great insights.</p> <p>Amy - you totally crack me up!!&nbsp; Goth babies!!&nbsp; Do baby clothes even come in black?&nbsp; or did I miss the Chanel black quilted leather onsies?</p> <p>Angie-&nbsp; Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!! You have such an exquisite ability to create harmony, balance and elegance in outfits.&nbsp; How you manage that not only in your own outfits but in those of your clients continually amazes me.&nbsp; Of course, you are totally correct.&nbsp; Sometimes too much is simply too much!&nbsp; Your insights into texture, translucency, proportion, balance have been so invaluable in helping me understand the subtleties that take an outfit from ok to OMG.&nbsp; Although I can never begin to approach your understanding, deftness and lightness of hand, your insights have really helped me increase my personal happiness factor with my wardrobe.&nbsp; Thank you for making this such a wonderful place to ask questions and receive such thought provoking, eloquent and helpful answers!!&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068776 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:54:30 +0000 cciele 1068776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I was under a ban by Angie awhile back&nbsp;not to buy any more black. So I moved onto charcoal On myself,&nbsp;I don't particularly associate it with power or edge or elegance or whatever; I just think the&nbsp;color looks good on me (if I do say so myself). However, I do associate the color with certain styles of dressing, for example,&nbsp;goth and urban east coast. I remember when I moved to the East Coast I felt out of place because I wore too many colors! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068744 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:25:46 +0000 DonnaF 1068744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I HATE that black seems to be the default color for a lot of clothing manufacturers!&nbsp; Or sometimes great colors are offered in regular ("big people") sizes, but only black and ugly colors in Petites.&nbsp; Don't get me wrong.&nbsp; I used to wear a lot of black.&nbsp; It used to bookend my hair.&nbsp; Now I've decided that solid black is too harsh next to my face, and solid black bottoms just bore me -- with the HUGE exception of my mom's Dior New Look taffeta midi skirt that I just discovered.&nbsp; </p> <p>My hair is now salt and pepper, or more accurately charcoal and cream.&nbsp; I never had jet black hair or high contrast skin and hair, and I still only have moderate contrast.&nbsp; My current love affair is with black and white/cream prints and charcoal black and gray ones; solids not so much.&nbsp; I figure this is subconscious bookending at work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068733 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:15:31 +0000 HelenInCanada 1068733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! &nbsp;It depends on my mood and the occasion. &nbsp;A beautiful black top with a patterned pencil skirt is such a go-to whenever I need to be 'dressed up'. Black pants - a fixture. I agree, though, that head-to-toe black can be harsh. In my 20s, I wore a LOT of black blazers, jeans, booties, and jackets. &nbsp;It was, as Suz said, an urban default. &nbsp;Too pretty or floral-y or romantic seemed to be a no-no, and at the time I didn't want to stick out. Then I became bored and wanted to spice up my wardrobe with colours, and went all-out crazy with pastels (not too flattering on me!), deep reds, blues, and white. Now it's a good balance - I'm all aware of the power and sophistication and timelessness of well-tailored black pieces, and make sure I am stocked with a good-fitting black skirt, dress, and trouser at every stage of life from here on in, but I don't neglect my personal need for colour!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068721 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:58:24 +0000 Greyscale 1068721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear all black, though I've been mixing in some crisp white recently. I like how it sets off my bright red hair and pale skin (luckily my skin undertones aren't deadened by black, but on my to-do list is finding subtle blush to brighten my face).</p> <p>I do wonder if I'll get tired of it, and I'm sure there are more flattering looks out there for me - but for a long time I described my style as anti-pretty. In other words, I'd rather look striking than attractive, and I would rather not be seen as feminine. With my small frame and long curly hair, the end result is probably a balance of feminine and not-feminine, and I embrace that these days.</p> <p>I'm also very aware that it can look boring or like a cop-out so I've been working harder to add interest to my clothes, with avant-garde lines, good accessories, and interesting texture combinations. I'm not sure how well I'm doing at that.</p> <p>Another funny note - my partner and I have both worn all black as long as we've been together (16 years!). Now we're both starting jobs in the same university department after living on opposite coasts for the past few years, and I'm scared of being seen as twins!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068710 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:46:27 +0000 Anonymous 1068710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wearing black just bums me out most of the time. Growing up I never bothered because our fawn pug's hair ruins any black outfit immediately! The aversion stuck with me, and honestly so did my dog's hair even though he lives at my parents'. :)&nbsp;I am with Suz, Angie, and Sveta: I like black when it is used intentionally and done well. But in general I dislike black outfits. For my demographic (liberal 24yo in a city),&nbsp;wearing all black is basically a uniform. My boyfriend spent his teens and early 20s in the punk/hardcore scene where he's abnormal for wearing color and pattern. 99% of black outfits don't inspire me. I like it in very retro/mod looks, very arty looks, or on the rare person who really fits a black leather jacket, jeans, and chucks. Otherwise I gloss over black outfits in search of color!<div><br /></div><div>I actually wore my one normal LBD yesterday and realized I was miserable in it. It's a cap sleeve, scoop neck, gathered waist dress that comes to the knee and is pajama-soft. It should be extremely comfortable and flattering; it even has a built in bra. But I felt boring and unlike myself all day so I'll be washing it and giving it away! Then I'll only have a black 3/4 sleeve shift dress for funerals and serious events, a black sheer embroidered 1950s cocktail dress gifted by my neighbor, and some dresses that have black with other colors or patterns. I use two black cardigans, mary jane heels, mary jane flats, and flat boots with tights/leggings. The only black item I'd really like to find is a pair of classic capris, Audrey Hepburn style. I'm realizing that gray and metallics are my preferred neutrals.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068679 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:20:29 +0000 shedev 1068679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black is my sartorial bff but l have embraced charcoal with my jewel tones this fall. This year l did expand my footwear beyond black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068614 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 17:16:32 +0000 catgirl 1068614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am an addict. It suits me and my style and is easy to wear at my job.&nbsp; That said, I have furbabies - a white husky and a grey cat that make my life miserable in terms of clothing.&nbsp; Sigh.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068591 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:55:06 +0000 kkards 1068591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>l wear a lot of black, and pre ylf, i would often dress in black head to toe. i liked to for many of the reasons you and deborah both like it. but also becuase it was the sophositicated way to dress when i was in my twenties. part of my style journey/quest is to make sure that i am staying current. and as i look around me, it clear that the 20 somethings of today do not view black in the same way. so i have been working hard to break the black habit. for me that often means adding a non black, often white or other nuetral, jacket over a black top and black pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068576 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:40:54 +0000 Sveta 1068576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess you already know about my relationship with black from my coat thread: it is a difficult one. I did&nbsp; not wear it before and I wear it now because I like the drama and high contrast it adds to the oiutfit. However I don't agree that wearing black automatically makes you look elegant and sophisticated. I think it is a very fine line between wearing balck and look elegand and powerful and wearing black and look dowdy and frumpy: it all in the execution. If black is worn intentionally and thoiught trough it may be stunning on the right person. But if black&nbsp;is worn as a fall back option "because it goes with everything" and because if you wear all black you do not have to think what to match wit what - well, that just plain ugly most of the time. And no, black does not go with everything, there are colors it looks better with and there are colors which get completely overpowered by black.<br />I cannot deny that it hides the bad quality of the fabric and dark stains very well. I had a co-worker once whose shirts and sweaters were always black - because it hides the coffee stains! :-)<br />Almost black outfit can be truly stuning if it combines different textures, exquisite in fit and style and flattering to the wearer's coloring - otherwise it is just plain, flat and boring to my eye. And I would be bored to death to wear black in big doses every day even though sometimes may be fun - I need variety in my life :-)<br />My favorite way of wearing black is with white&nbsp; / cream, silver grey, cobalt and ink blue. I am trying to discover now which other colors I like with black. I guess I am with Suz and Angie in loving black in smaller dozes when it is really thought through. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068573 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:40:08 +0000 Peri 1068573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always loved black. It makes colors stand out and it goes well with just about everything. Like many others have said, it is less my friend near my face as I age so I wear fewer black tops, and when I do I wear a bright scarf to help. But black pants will always be my standard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068565 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:30:53 +0000 Gaylene 1068565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black has always been an easy color for me to wear because it emphasized the shine in my dark hair and brought out the pinker undertones of my pale mid-European skin. Black also suited my angular body structure and personality; it definitely has worked as a power color for me because I was never in any danger of being asked to get the coffee, even if I was the only female in a room full of suits, if I wore a black skirted skirt with heels. </p> <p>But I started to pull back from black as I got older, even though it still looked good on me, because, mixed with age, black was too powerful. It became harder and harder to develop a collegial rapport with students and younger colleagues when I pulled out the black suit because I looked unapproachable. If I doffed the black jacket and wore a cobalt blue cardigan, I realized I looked less intimidating and could put students at ease when they came to my office. </p> <p>I still love wearing black, but pick my times and places more carefully--in the evening when showing a bit more skin softens the austerity, or in a city when I want some anonymity to walk the streets, or in a situation where I don't want to be shunted aside because of the invisibility factor that being an older woman can sometimes invite. Black is still useful color to me these days, but I deploy it carefully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-relationship-to-black-clothing/page/2#post-1068549 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:21:39 +0000 Sage 1068549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Several years ago my work uniform was all black – and not by my<br /> own choice. I have a quite strained relationship with black, and it<br /> has always been so. Black just makes me look terminall ill if its<br /> allowed anywhere near my face; My complexion disappears, my face<br /> turns void, and the circles under my eyes seems to covers my entire<br /> face. </p> <p>Im generally drawn to neutrals, and the colours in my closet<br /> consists of warm greys, dusty navy, camel and cognac, teal and dark<br /> reds. Black only charms its way in when it comes with details or<br /> as shoes and handbags. </p> <p>I love the colour on others though, and I almost envy the ones who<br /> look so stunning and elegant in the little black dress ... </p> <p> </p>