And, wouldn't the world be better if there was a Skittles color collab out there for coats and sweaters?

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.

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 & denim!! I found myself missing black... around the middle of the summer...

I have no idea if it favors me but dang it is practical for packing and frequent business trips/travel.

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.

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.

I don't know if this applies to you, Una. For me, the difference is very subtle -- but with lowlights rather than highlights I'm finding black works again.

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.

But here's my probs:

1. It's embarrassing to be a PIB - god forbid thinking you're sophisticated when you're not
2. 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...

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.

I loved black for yrs and now find it too harsh, but I'm way older than you

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.

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.

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.

3. Your new job allows a bit less UWP, so perhaps this is also weighing a bit.

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.

I think you look great in black. But I like the idea to build in another core neutral color so that you are not stuck always sporting black. Grey is a great idea!

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).

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.

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.

Do what you feel like doing with your colors! And black will always be there for you.

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! 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.