Ask Angie: And others: what goes with black pants?

I think everything goes with black pants. The only exception I would make is a black top that is close but not the same black and even that works if the texture is different enough.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Yeah... everything!

14 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

Oh yes, I wear just about anything (color or pattern wise) with black pants. What would keep me from wearing a certain top with a particular pair of black pants is the level of dressiness of either of the garments. I wouldn't wear a casual t shirt with my black dress pants and I wouldn't wear my ivory lace top with my casual knit black pants. Other people might be able to make those work but I can't. Does that make sense?

14 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

I'd avoid pastels with black.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't think everything goes with black trousers. For example, I do not prefer pastels with black. I like very saturated colours with black. And when I wear a bright like red, yellow, citron, orange, fuchsia or emerald with black - I usually wear white along with the combination so that the look stays crisp. This is not essential - I'm just personally big on crisp looks.

I really like cobalt blue and ink blue with black. Also like most shades of brown with black. I sometimes like grey with black (usually I prefer it when there is white in that mix for myself). And of course, cream and white are no-brainers.

I love metallics with black.

I like black on black too but the outfit MUST be textured.

I hope that helps!

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Huh, no pastels with black? Not that I wear many pastels, but I always thought the point of black was to be a backdrop to whatever the focal point of the outfit is - tailoring, accessories, face, star style piece top or bottom. What's the clash between pastels and black?

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have never heard that, IK. In my opinion, black is actually very hard to wear. Although it also possesses magical powers.

I like pastels with white/cream, not black. The combination is too harsh and dirty with black.

Of course, this is subjective.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

You mean I have a fashion theory all my own? I'm actually proud of myself - that theory is why I wear black!

14 years ago

Melody

Active Member

With black pants I like:
* a classic white or white striped button down
* dark red/burgundy sweater
* silver metallic cardigan
* gray sweater or button-down
* an animal print blouse or sweater
* a gray tweedy jacket with a black turtleneck layered underneath

14 years ago

Anonymous

I like a lot of things with black, but I really can't speak to the pastels, I have not owned any since the 90's when I had a pair of pink pants... which I wore with a black jacket! LOL

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

What doesn't go with black pants? ME!

All kidding aside; I think all things go in terms of colours,but i prefer neutrals or non-pastels myself. This may also be because I hate pastels :p

14 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Black is a very strong color and it requires equally strong colors to look good. So brights and white/cream are good partners because they are not overwhelmed with black. Other neutrals may work as well like grey and brown and even camel and beige if the components are just right. However weaker colors like mid-tones and pastels are washed out by strong black and look lifeless. Black is not a backdrop IMO but a star.
This is my personal opinion of course but I am glad I am on the same wavelength as Angie.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Lately I prefer to wear my black pants with other neutrals rather than with color. Eg: charcoal and mid greys, brown, navy, taupe, white and of course animal print, the most versatile neutral of them all!

14 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Interesting thought Sveta. I am wearing a black top with detail trim with faded red jeans that are a mid-range or pale color. I find when I put black with a lighter color, then black is the star rather than the backdrop but when paired with a strong or bright color, the bright takes center stage. I am not a big pastel color person either but have a few mid-range pieces.

This is a very interesting discussion.

14 years ago

Jamie

Active Member

I have found that a lot depends on your hair and skin tone.
This video helped me understand why it had been hard for me to wear black pants with a bright color. (I have light hair/light skin)

http://www.insideoutstyleblog......urs-2.html
Hope it helps.

14 years ago

Marley

Veteran

I'm not an "anything goes" kind of girl when it comes to black pants. Back in the 90's I was - and I think I got really lazy, just pairing any old top with black - because black was a neutral, right? Now - when I look back, it just seemed like I was being lazy and my outfits were quite boring. These days, I may pair a colorful top with black pants, but I like that top to have some black in it somewhere (or a black cami underneath that shows) so that the top and the bottom of my outfit are pulled together. I also love navy or midnight blue with black, as well as gray and cream. Otherwise, I stay away from the "anything goes" philosophy!

14 years ago

MINI

Active Member

With black pants, the simpler = the better for top. Basically black pants go well with anything and everything, I believe.

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

I also have learned not to pair pastels with black for me. Yet I see an amazing pastel jacket or something on someone and although it shouldn't work it so does so who knows...

14 years ago

lynn

Veteran

This has been helpful. Let me see if I have it right...it's the intensity or depth of the color that matters here. Black is an intense, deep color so that is what looks best with it. Pastels are too light in color and in depth, right? So pale pink would not be good but hot pink could work?

14 years ago

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