Black for summer ? Of course ! Here’s 20 fabulous pieces #neednow.

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Here’s the thing:
Wearing head to toe black actually works …but only in summer.

Please explain.

Wearing all black in winter can be too dark, too boring, too non de la non.
Black in summer ?
It works because you’re going to break it up with lots of fresh summer skin.
When you have bare legs and bare arms.
Suddenly black looks fresh, sophisticated and chic.

Styling tips:

Make sure you choose black pieces that have something exciting happening.
Think texture, shine or embellishment.
Or black in new modern, exaggerated shapes.
Black is perfect for table top dressing.

Meaning?

Invest in fabulous standout pieces – in any FiFi approved colour-  on top, like blouses and tees.
And keep the bottoms like skirts and pants (hidden under the table) in black.
These are core wardrobe basics you will wear again and again.
Invest in these pieces, mix back with what you already own.
Best news: cost per wear will be zero.

Your shopping list:

A black dress:

Make it short sleeve or sleeveless. Puff sleeves or cutaway halter neck. It should be long over the knee. Mid shin. Most flattering shape? Fit n flare. That’s a fitted top that flares into a skirt or tiered into layers.  Your chunky flats sandals, sneakers or strappy heels will all look great with this shape.

Black tank:

You need a black tank if you want to show your arms. You need it cutaway shape like this one from JacJack. Highly flattering. Works tucked into high rise pants or a flirty skirt.

Black pants:

Hope you have updated your black pants in to the new shape? Baggy, slouchy, high waisted. Go for the flat front and ankle nipped in like these at COS. Totally versatile they work with sneakers, flats or with your strappy heels.

Black skirt:

It should be long. It should have with volume. Buy a size bigger if it’s pleated (or a full skirt) so it won’t fluff out over the muffin’ situation’.  These skirts love flats more than heels. Looks so modern with a chunky flat sandal.

The tops:

You need something with drama. It might have a major short sleeve (this one from Camilla Marc is great). You need some skin to lighten the look. It might be a pretty ruffle or lace or have a cut out. Then invest in a shoulder pad tee to wear with everything. Toss with everything from jeans to cargo skirts to chinos.

Shorts:

When I say shorts I means Bermuda shorts. Meaning? They’re longer than hot pants. HA! I’ll be wearing shorts to the knee with heels or mules or strappy sandals. Love shorts in leather for summer. Why not? Pull on a shoulder pad tee and grab a tan shoulder bag. It’s a great look.

Shoes:

Invest in black chunky sandals, black slides or black strappy sandals.  If you’re wearing all black including shoes it’s a good idea to break it up with a tan/white/silver raffia bag.

Wear these black pieces back with everything you own !
More on the SHOP pages.

FYI: Not worth investing in a black blazer. It’s too limiting. It’s too boring. Invest in a white/brown/tan/navy blazer and you can wear any of those with black pants.

Black pants + black blazer = boring black suit.