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Trendy, BLACK, love it- crazy?

unfrumped

Veteran

I have a thing for tops with a frill or ruffle collar or sometimes stand collar, because I think that for me, they give just the right “ feminine/ dressy juxtapose” with my collection of pants/ bottoms, which are typically either more tailored or are joggers, track pants, chinos, jeans. But prefer not TOO ruffly, no smocking , not ditsy/ prairie style. I have a collection of regular straight/ collared button front shirts from silk to flannel, but a lot of times then the overall outfit looks too…tailored, masculine, maybe stodgy.

So I will do searches re: ruffles to see what turns up. Note that BLACK is not a good face color for me, except a few types where skin shows- black cotton SS tee, boatneck top. No long sleeves or turtlenecks. Saving a couple of classic black jackets mostly for evening/ funeral (!) , but not buying more. Black is not weird/ sickly, it’s just a bit strong since my hair/ coloring has gotten more muted.

Enter & Other Stories ruffle collar silk/ cotton blouse. But in BLACK! It also comes in a print whose colors are bad on me, and white, which also I avoid except a summer T. Sorry my web blocker won’t allow Finds.

Well, I love it! It works tucked or boxy- untucked. I would wear sleeves pushed up like stock photos, so that plus neckline gives a bit of skin. It is a warm- weather top for me, but can wear a light underlayer to extend season. So, chinos, joggers, jeans, ankle pants in grays, summer beige/ khaki/tans, denim. It’s really versatile in a weird way— I love it with dressier pants and yet it looks, um, great, with my exercise sweatpants with black tuxedo stripes. What IS that?

But no question, a more medium-color solid would be more conventionally face- flattering. OTOH, my conceit is that the black gives the trendy style more legs, longevity, especially using with neutral bottoms as described. Maybe?

Need 8- hour lipstick! Maybe wear a hint of blush again- I had quit wearing in retirement, though I wear mascara, and for me blush must be so subtle. Or just— who cares?

Not sure if this is a trendy infatuation , or it truly hits my style goal in a great way, or if will have black- top remorse. Or if ok to wear for a couple of years & move on.

Have you had similar situations, and how did it turn out? No right or wrong answers, but just sharing.

21 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Katerina

Veteran

Interesting post and question.
I think a black top can be altered (lightened up) with jewelry or a little scarf, if you would change your mind about it later on. IMO there is a huge difference between a solid black next to the face and black with a touch of metallic shine through jewelry, a brooch perhaps, or a little scarf next to the face.
Personally, I love black and I wear it close to the face almost every day. Black gives my outfits the needed depth, especially when I wear lighter colours. There was a time when black was not popular. I always liked it and always wore it, and I think I always will.
I sometimes fall in love with colors which are not the most flattering for my colouring. An example is dusty pink, or soft pink. Not my best color, but I love it and wear it a lot. Actually, who cares … I love the colour…
As for getting into trendy colours, I am very into greens right now, especially various shades of olive. I think it is a phase though. And I think it is absolutely ok to wear something for a couple of years and move on. Things change, evolve, style evolves.

Lisa

Veteran

I am with you, black especially when worn near my face washes me out. It's why I'm planning to shift my wardrobe to a different core neutral moving forward (which is going to take years).

While I shift, I plan to wear black with colors more often, versus other neutrals to help lighten up my outfits while I transition. Even something simple like a colorful bag and sneakers/shoes should brighten up black in an outfit. I'll be making the black more of an accent to the outfit instead of the main piece of it. We shall see how that goes!

I also don't think there is anything wrong with owning a piece for only a season or two then moving it on to a new home. Style preferences change and passing things on leaves room for new trends to try.

Star

Veteran

I get it! On my list of 'not for me' are florals, as well as mango yellow and mustard, not my flattering colours at all. Well this Spring I found a mango coloured floral peplum tee at the thrift store, which I realised immediately should be a no-no but it rang my bell, and it turned out to be a summer workhorse. Sometimes something just works! You seem excited that this top is going to fit seamlessly with what you have, also that black is not awful on you, so I think it would be crazy not to get it. Also sometimes something is 'just flattering enough', right?

unfrumped

Veteran

Thank you, Katerina, Lisa and Star!

. I have struggled with both buying something uninspiring just because it’s the “ right” color, and avoiding something fun , and also wearable, because it’s the wrong color. And black is something of a special color because it’s a neutral, ubiquitous, and actually lots of people wear it even though, to my eye, it’s a bit harsh on them also.

I usually wear pretty ordinary items—just always thing of practical and not trying too hard. but I also like wearing something that’s unexpected , as long as it’s “ me” by whatever criteria my “ eye” is using. Sometimes that causes me to buy tops, or even trousers, that I am not likely to wear for places & people who are very casual. So then I have outfits that I think reflect my style direction but don’t get worn. The appeal here is that I can wear it with casual bottoms and sneakers, which then feels less precious and but still a bit bolder than my environmental norm.

Well, we shall see!

Runcarla

Veteran

Like Katerina I like black, and wear it up close to my face. Black has always been one of my better colours. When my hair was more vibrantly red, and with my always pale skin - it was actually striking. I also wear black hats, and wore my very old black fisherman’s hat earlier this week when I was also wearing a black turtleneck:-)

LOL! I went shopping at a Big Mall yesterday, and was hoping to get a wine coloured merino sweater at Uniqlo. They were sold out completely - even on-line! I brought home a black one instead

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Jules

Veteran

I was hoping for some pictures of this magic blouse! The track pants outfit sounds especially fun
I’m sure I’ve had experiences with unexpected workhorses although none come to mind at the moment. I have recently re-embraced black on top myself, although still not a personal fave it certainly has its uses.

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unfrumped

Veteran

Thanks, Runcarla. I admire your wearing what you want ! am still trying to avoid buying black “ basics”, or maybe essentials, since I already have a few that I’ll keep wearing until worn out, & then see. But having trouble toeing the line on this interesting style.

Maybe it’s in the vein of “ trendy basic” , though for me it seems a style direction I got interested in over 5 years ago when Boden offered some ruffle- collar knit shirts and I found they just did something I liked.

Jules, sorry no pics.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Unfrumped, can you please supply a link to the top you're talking about - when you have a moment

If you love the black top, and feel great it in - WEAR IT! Follow those feelings and your current style mood.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Is it this? Sounds good, from what you’re saying…

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unfrumped

Veteran

Jenni NZ, than you, yes, that’s it.
I’m not doing the one sleeve up/ one down or the shades!

Angie, that’s how I’m thinking.

Runcarla

Veteran

Wow! That looks like a magic blouse! Elevated, but also something you could wear every day. I see it’s available in white cotton and off white organic silk - but the black is the winner, IMO.

Star

Veteran

I am not usually into ruffles but this top has pizzazz IYKWIM, definitely something special about it, and yes I can imagine it being dressed up or down. I can see it fitting into my Grownup Tomgirl wardrobe seamlessly as well - the feminine aspect. Will look stunning with dark jeans. I also think it being black is what makes it work in this magic way. Your thoughts seems somewhat similar to my recent revelation about wearing what I want vs what I think I should.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have started getting a little worried about my future retirement wardrobe just recently. I went back and read your 4-year old post Unfrumped about your retirement- but it was right before the pandemic so the wardrobe changes were affected by that. I also read Dee’s recent post and an old post from Runcarla. I had been happily thinking that since most of my shoes are now flat that I would still wear them in retirement- but I realise that on my days off in the week (2 days, I work 3 days) and my weekend days I mostly wear my Skechers! So the dressy flats are mostly for work at the moment and otherwise for the rare dinner out or other dressy occasions which are few and far between. I might work another year or two? (Turn 65 in 18 months which is the NZ “retirement age” when you get the Government pension- but you may retire before or after that depending on finances.) I suddenly realised I need to plan ahead on what I buy in the next year or two for this big change as well. At least it stopped me buying more pretty dressy flats today!

Katerina

Veteran

Wow, that is a great looking blouse!

pirouette

I like the blouse but I am biased as most of my wardrobe is black and I can’t ever see me changing I have always loved black. It’s so hard in my experience to find something in the shops that makes you feel good I would definitely wear it. It’s nice to have a change from time to time.

unfrumped

Veteran

Jenni NZ, best wishes for retirement wardrobe planning!

The biggest issues for me have been related to no longer going into a professional setting 5-7 days a week, and some temperature-related bits.

Since I had to “ dress” every day , I needed ( or could justify ) a bigger wardrobe, more versions of pants, skirts with tights, many different tops, some jackets to go to & from the parking lot. It was “ business casual “ in essence, but I could do an elevated version whenever I wanted.. Since hospitals are often cold and more so to me , I could wear Better fabrics, wools and nice sweaters.

The retirement changes affect my views even on purchasing this blouse because while this top doesn’t really fit in my past ideas about workwear, I have fewer times to wear something besides gardening clothes! And I am likely to pop off to the grocery store in joggers & sneakers! So was glad that it does work with that type of support act.

Thd temperature thing is that in contrast to dressing for summer arctic a/c work environment , my home a/c setting is much warmer and I wear different fabric weights. But get good use from casual summer jackets for errands into a/c.

So nowadays when something like a top can work with a whole slew of bottoms & different levels of dress, it seems a good thing , EXCEPT that I don’t have as many times per month to wear something in different settings! Beware, you may be frustrated in getting in 30 + wears per year or even per garment!

Roberta

Veteran

When Jenni posted the picture, I laughed out loud - it is a near duplicate of a black blouse that I have owned for at least 25 years. Solid black, ruffled and embroidered, long sleeves. The details (of yours and mine) lift it out of severity and give it movement and texture. For years it has been my "going out" top, with jeans or velvet pants.

I hope your lovely, dramatic top gives you as much pleasure!

unfrumped

Veteran

Roberta, how funny! Thank you for sharing. I too am hoping the floaty fabric, and more frothy than severe ruffles, will help the black aspects.

DonnaF

Veteran

I love that blouse for you! Have you considered pearl or other light/bright earrings with it? That’s my trick for solid black around my face. The blouse’s ruffles reflect some light so it is not as harsh as a solid swathe of black.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thank you Unfrumped. I think your sentence about “fewer times to wear something other than gardening clothes” is something I will really need to bear in mind. It won’t be gardening clothes that much but maybe granddaughter care clothes, and I already find I spend a lot of time at home on my non-work days. So ongoing reduced purchasing is in order.
I do hope you enjoy all the chances you get to wear this new blouse!

unfrumped

Veteran

DonnaF, thank you for the idea. I don’t have pierced ears, and long ago used to wear clip-ons, including several pearl types with black for just your reason , but now don’t feel great about the clip- on style.

I do have some pearl in necklaces, and silvery metals, so may try that.

Unfortunately( or not) can’t unbutton as low as the model, which of course adds more skin!