How to Wear Black

The last few seasons have been full of colour, on the catwalks and in the shops. Those of us who love colour have been spoilt for choice. But there are still many women who either feel ‘safe’ in black or who may have to wear black at work. If you are the second of the two and have to wear black, even if you know it doesn’t suit you, there are some options. The first is to wear makeup. Make sure that the colours you wear on your eyes and lips are complimentary. If you can, break up the black with a top under a suit or with a necklace – again make it one of your best colours. (If you don’t know which colours suit you, please book a Colour Consultation)
If on the other hand you have some great black pieces in your wardrobe that you want to wear, below are some options for how to make them work for your colouring, here based around the ‘little black dress’ worn to party or work:

The Light Woman – try to keep the black as far from your face as possible. Wear a scarf or necklace in one of your best colours and add a coloured jacket in light aqua a blush pink or an apple green. Don’t make your lips too neutral or you will look washed out, wear a rose or light coral – check out the latest collection from Chanel, or find equivalent colours in Boots.

The Deep Woman – You can wear black but you look good with combinations of rich strong colours, black on it’s own is boring so liven it up with a pop of red, true blue, or teal. Deeps are great in drama so wear your best red lipstick and nail varnish to make an entrance.

The Warm Woman – brown is a much better neutral for you but if you do wear black this season is a bonus for you as there are plenty of warm earth colours in the shops. Wear your black with orange, yellow, rust and lime green. This seasons makeup colours have gorgeous golds, corals and greens to complement your golden colouring.

The Cool Woman – You can wear black but you look best with contrast. So mix your black with pinks from baby to fuchsia, lavender, violet and light blue. Wear a great rose or fuchsia pink lipstick and keep your blusher pink rather than peach.

The Clear Woman – Back will be a staple in your wardrobe, but like the cool woman you need contrast, so wear it with a bright or a light colour. You can do black and pure white – one of the trends of this summer season, but equally there are plenty of brights around for you to try too.  You are the woman who needs a strong lipstick colour to highlight that contrast between your fair skin, dark hair and jewel like eyes. Why not try a bright purple eyeliner?

The Soft Woman – Black isn’t great on you, your colours should be muted and blended so if you do wear black soften it with peach, beige or if you want to go for a colour blush pink or a light sage or moss green. Wear blends of soft neutrals and make sure your lips are defined in a soft neutral brown beige or pink. This season has plenty for you with all the soft neutral tones which give such an expensive look.


I hope this has given you some new ideas on wearing black and making it right for your colouring.

Dress in all images – Jersey Tea dress from Boden