Images: Imaxtree
Black is timeless, black is chic and black is flattering. If we’re being honest, black can also be a little boring. “Classic” black can really just be a nice way of saying “boring” black. Additionally, an all-black look doesn’t have the same impact as wearing head-to-toe Gen Z yellow or hot pink. But we get the appeal of the inky shade. It can hide a multitude of stains, is flattering, safe and appeals to the teenage mall goth in us. We’re not here to encourage you to break away from wearing black completely — we just want you to kick all-black looks up a notch. An all-black color palette is the perfect opportunity to experiment with accessories, fabrics, finishes and silhouettes, And if you want to add a spot of color into the ensemble, we highly encourage you to do so. Think black and think bold and draw inspiration from these 20 unique ways to wear black clothes.[ Next: How to Pull Off 80s-Inspired Puff Sleeves IRL ]
20 Ways to Wear Black That Aren't Boring
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Sheer Thoughts
No one would ever say that an unlined lace dress with a crop top and bike shorts underneath is boring. Add in a cylindrical metallic bag, neon green sunglasses and fashion's favorite sneakers and you have an extra look.
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Leather and Feathers
There's no comparison between a black leather (or leather-look) trench and a beige twill one. For extra styling credit, finish the luxurious coat with oversized sunglasses, no-fail hoop earrings and texturized shoes. Fuzzy, furry and feather footwear options will all play off the heavy fabric of the coat.
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Snuggle Up
The hoodie has replaced the sweatshirt as the comfy piece of choice for fashionistas. Elevate the style by wearing a black supersized version (possibly borrowed from your bae) with patent black ankle boots and a mini hemline hidden under the hoodie. Shorts, a skirt or dress will all work. Don't forget the black bag and sunglasses.
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Très Chic
Make like our Gallic sisters with a black blazer, beret and cat eye sunglasses. Add un peu color by cinching the waist with a logo belt with an extra long tail. Don't stop there. A fringed dress peeking out from the hem of the blazer, sexy lace-up over-the-knee boots and a transparent bag will take it to the next level.
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Get Red-y
Adding color to a mostly black outfit isn't cheating. The contrasting hue adds dimension and interest, which are keys to an on-point outfit. The sweatshirt with sheer skirt is a striking juxtaposition. The way the contrasting red has been played up with the sunglasses and phone case(!) shows no detail has been overlooked. The cream boots are a refreshing take on popular white boots.
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Hot Hat
Wearing a cap at a jaunty angle elevates any ensemble. The rest of this monochromatic black outfit is equally striking. The sheer sleeves, sailor button detail and mixed fabrics stop it from looking too one-note. Add a literal kiss of color with cotton candy pink lipstick.
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Va Va Volume
Sporting a voluminous trench with a full pleated skirt in the wrong color could look contrived or dare we say costumey. Black keeps it elegant. There's plenty of drama with the sweeping hemlines. The addition of plaid draped over one shoulder ensures you'll turn heads coming and going.
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New Uniform
A black blazer dress with matching over-the-knee boots has become a go-to uniform thanks to the way it goes from sunrise to sunset. Here, the red lug soles and coordinating crossbody bag add some fire.
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Mix Master
Keep the color palette cohesive, but mix different references for a head-turning outfit. See the unexpected combination of a sports jersey, midi skirt and printed boots. Bonus points for color coordinating with your significant other.
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Shine Time
We understand how hard it can be to add color to a mostly black wardrobe. But adding different fabrics and finishes shouldn't be that difficult. Try a nubby printed sweater with a high-shine skirt for a dressed up daytime look. Chunky sneakers and white socks prevent the dazzling piece from looking out of place when the sun is still up.
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Biker Babe
Bike shorts are the unexpected trend of Summer 2018 and they show no signs of going away. Working them into an athleisure look is the easiest route, but we encourage creativity. This biker babe look combines a baker boy hat, leather jacket and the sporty shorts for a strong glamleisure finish.
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Black and White
Mixing neutrals can be as impactful as mixing black with color. Opaque white tights against a black midi skirt and cozy sweater have a refreshing effect. Just be very conscious of dirty puddles.
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Home Run
With a statement coat like this, the wearer will always make a grand entrance. But that's no reason to slack with the rest of the ensemble. Go against the expected with a baseball cap, hiking boots and a nonchalant attitude.
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Black Magic
Black velvet is classic yet there's nothing basic about a black velvet dress with an up-to-there slit and matching thigh-high boots. Go as high with the slit as you dare. Make sure to add in a baseball cap and statement choker.
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Business Meets Casual
Here's a new jacket styling hack to try instead of shrobbing. The sporty black crop top and biker shorts with the printed socks and red bag are a cool athleisure ensemble. The blazer gives new meaning to business casual. Black lovers can wear their darker jacket instead of the cream version.
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Black Tie
Don't wait until evening for statement black. Go glam with an inky, belted coat, strappy sandals and one dangling earring. Dark oversized sunglasses add mystery and play into the color palette. And you can never go wrong with red lipstick.
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Red Handed
A hint of red leather gloves just visible from underneath an all-black skirt suit oozes sophistication. A tan bag and two-tone boxer boots finish the look off in high style.
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Beige and Black
Wearing a flared black midi dress with straight-leg pants and loafers is anything but ordinary. Feel free to stop the look there. Or top it with a shrunken jacket. It's your call whether you want to wear beige, black or another color.
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On the Fringe
Embellishment makes any black item special so don't bring it down with the rest of the outfit. The distressed fringed top tucked into the pleated black shorts is effortlessly cool, especially with the baker boy hat and motorcycle boots.
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Back to Black
Less can be more when it comes to a showstopping black ensemble. See the longline blazer sans shirt paired with shorts. The crossbody fanny pack helps keep girls secure. The red sneakers balance the sexy vibes and add a shot of color.
