Can 'autumns' wear black? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Can 'autumns' wear black?

Marion

Just bought two black drapey sweaters on sale, one a lovely cosy winter asymmetric tunic type, and one a fine knit with unusual lacework on the back. Only problem: I'm supposed to be an 'autumn' and not to wear black. Have I been foolish, or are there any cunning ways we autumns can get away with black?

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Marion

Golden

Veteran

I think most everyone looks fine in black, I think if you feel confident wearing it you can! I probably should not wear black but I like it a lot and therefore I wear it!

Grey Rainbow

I'm not an autumn so no help there. But I know that black is unflattering on my skin -- CSTs shadows and makes me look drained. Yet my wardrobe is mostly black. I love it, not going to give it up. I found Imogen's tips helpful, here with links to earlier posts as well: http://www.insideoutstyleblog......olour.html

My main trick is to wear a scarf when my top is black. But I'm a scarf girl; it's a signature and almost daily wear regardless of outfit color scheme. If it's a black jacket or cardigan, I wear a shirt underneath that's lighter / in a more flattering color, and it's JFE for me. I really like black with rust-cognac shades and ivory. Also black with teal or jade and ivory to lift it. As long as the rust, cognac, teal, jade, ivory are the right shades, of course. As others more knowledgable than I have commented here before, texture of the fabric makes a difference as does overall contrast in the outfit.

Anonymous

I'm probably a dark autumn (which I guess means it's little easier since my coloring's already darker), and I wear black all the time.

I wear it with a lot of the shades Grey Rainbow mentioned, and tend to go for softer shapes and nubbly textures anyway, which I think helps make it look less harsh. I also like wearing jewelry in warm metals with black, even if it's just small earrings.

kkards

Veteran

well, by the way you say I'm supposed to be an 'autumn', makes me think you don't think you really are an autumn. so, do you feel good in the black sweaters? do you feel comfortable and confident? then i say, yup, you can wear them.

Marion

Thanks all. Rushing off now to try your suggestions.

JAileen

Veteran

When I was in my 20s I was told I was an Autumn. I think it was true. And black looked really awful. But olive looked fab. Now, 30 years later, my hair is silver and I've been told I have "cool" coloring. I still don't wear black, but have embraced grey.

Here's my thread on "can your coloring change":

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rm-to-cool

Aida

Veteran

I'm (probably) a Deep Autumn and I wear black quite well. My sis is more of a Warm Autumn and doesn't wear much black at all; charcoal looks MUCH better on her.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I've never felt great in all black & have always worn some other neutral or colour near my face when wearing it. I have recently found out I'm a soft autumn, so my feelings make sense - black is one of my worst neutrals

Having said that it's my belief that if you really want to wear black (or any colour) you can make it work for you. If I were you, I'd trust my instincts on this. If you feel great in black wear & enjoy

Gigi

Veteran

I am a Deep Autumn and wear black a lot. It's not my most flattering color, but it's certainly not bad. If you are a Soft Autumn, it may be more difficult. But you can add a scarf in a more flattering color up by your face.

Helenedith

I am an autumn and find if I don't buy the occasional black piece then I would be without anything to wear! And black goes with my ' autumn colours' better than other cool based colours. When wearing a top in black I need to show plenty of skin, ( I am big breasted, so always try not to wear anything with too high a neckline) . I use black as a colour and not a neutral. I notice when I go to the hairdresser and I am draped with a black cape up tight on my neck just how awful it can be on me
If black works for you then wear and enjoy

karymk

Veteran

I did color training with Imogen Lamport and I know why she doesn't like black on autumned colored people. It's because black is a cool color and harmonizes better with cool coloring. She likes deep browns, burgundies, plums as dark neutrals for women with deep, warm coloring.

Knowing that, she has always said anyone can do black if you show a lot of skin on the neck, arms, décolleté, OR use a scarf near the face that harmonizes with the personal coloring of the wearer, eg, eyes, hair, skin.

MsMaven

Veteran

If you feel good in black, and people compliment you when you wear black--

Why not wear black?

I find there is a lot of crossing over on the color systems. Also, black varies according to the fabric.

I am supposed to be an autumn, but I do wear black, especially in fall and winter. In summer I do wear black in sheer and lighter fabrics.

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm a soft autumn with medium fair skin. I don't particularly like black near my face. I agree with everyone's advice. I just wanted to add something about black when it is in patterns. I have a few items that have a fair amount of black contained within the pattern but because they also have brown, teal, ivory or some other mix of flattering colors, they seem to work well. I think I read the general rule is 80% complementary to your skin tone, but I have found that I need less than this to make it work. (I avoid solid black near my face, but I love black shoes and boots. Love them!)

megtastic

I'm sure you'd look great in black - it's classic!

Marion

Thanks everyone - my first post on here, what a helpful lot you all are!