One of the first things you’ll notice about me is that I dress like I work at a beauty counter — as in, my daily uniform is typically head-to-toe black. This was definitely a sartorial leaning I grew into. My first gimme clothes were trippy ’90s-patterned dresses from dELiA*s and punky Roxy Quicksilver tops in colors that looked like a SoCal sunset. In high school, when I wasn’t in my plaid skirt uniform, I was decked out in neon all about that electroclash blip, which transitioned nicely into a sort-of-more-sophisticated mod look. Then, around sophomore year, I saw a picture of singer Patti Smith in a black leather jacket and thought, this is it. Since then, I typically steer clear of color (unless white and gray count — my boyfriend calls my aesthetic a “storm cloud”), because I feel most confident — and only a shadow of a sliver as cool as Patti — in all-black-everything. For most of my co-workers though, this could not be a more opposite style POV. That’s why the other day, it was a total surprise when a whole group of us showed up for work #twinning in all-black outfits.
As more and more girls came into the office in the moody hue, we knew we had to capitalize on this rare occurrence. After all, with winter fast-approaching and darker-hued clothes creeping closer and closer to the fronts of our closets, we could all use a little inspiration on how to style the classic color. So, in an effort to invigorate your cold-weather closets, we’re sharing how six different women — most of whom are self-proclaimed color lovers — style all-black outfits. Ahead, real girl tips on how to refresh black wardrobe basics and make the hue feel way more “you.”
BETH WISCHNIA, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
What inspired your all-black outfit?
“I love wearing black because it’s classic. It’s not typical for me to wear black from head to toe, but I’m down if it’s a dress. Otherwise dressing in all black is a little intense for me. I chose this dress because I love the high neckline and slight A line at my waist. I felt pulled together and work-appropriate in this dress!”
What is your signature black piece of clothing?
“A big black purse right now by Rebecca Minkoff. It’s practical and goes with everything. I never buy big purses in colors other than black because I get worried something won’t match — I always find that a big black purse works for me. Clothing-wise I would say my black leather jacket because it’s the perfect weight for SF weather — light enough to throw on but thick enough to where you are warm. I love it because it flares out a little bit at the waist. I wear it all the time.”
What are ways you personalize an all-black outfit?
“I add jewelry like pearls. I loved the pearl necklace I was wearing with this black dress thanks to my coworker Lisa — we actually swapped necklaces for the day because I *needed* pearls with the black.”
Ashley Perlman, Digital Sales Planner
What inspired your all-black outfit?
“I just got this gray/black dress. I love it because it’s super soft, it has a slit on the sides and it’s the perfect length for my 5’3″ self. I actually have a hard time wearing all-black everything. I rarely do because I LOVE COLOR. I’m also always afraid that if I wear multiple shades of black it won’t look good. It’s hard to find different pieces of black clothing that look good together. Maybe that’s because I’ve never lived in NYC! For this day, I felt like I didn’t want to add any color to the outfit because I didn’t want it to take away from the dress. Instead I have a super bright purse and statement necklace that act as my color for the day.”
What is your signature black piece of clothing?
“I have a high-waisted black skirt that I LOVE. It has a long slit up the side and it’s very versatile. I can wear a long shirt or a crop top, or tuck in a tank — it all works. It’s soft cotton, so I can either dress it up or dress it down. I also have these black booties with fringe on the side that I wear all the time. They look good with skinny jeans, dresses and skirts. They help add a bit of fun to an outfit that may not be a standout.”
What are ways you personalize an all-black outfit?
“I’ll typically wear black pants with a colorful top or a black shirt with colorful bottoms and a statement necklace. What can I say — I like to shine bright! However, as it gets into winter, I do feel myself leaning more toward the gray and black tones to match the weather, and sometimes my mood when the sun hasn’t been around in awhile.”
Lisa Raphael, Editorial Director
What inspired your all-black outfit?
“I am not OPPOSED to all-black outfits (I am a NYer at heart, after all), but it is not my typical uniform. I am a huge Le Tote fan — okay, I’m a power user — and this dress was one of the items they sent me in that box, as was the tassel necklace that I ended up swapping with our Associate Editor, Beth. Beth was wearing almost the exact same outfit as I was but we both liked each other’s necklaces more. It pays to have stylish coworkers.
This outfit made me want to own more work-appropriate LBDs and statement necklaces. I think the combo makes for SUCH a stylish, powerful work-to-night look.”
What is your signature black piece of clothing?
“You know, I don’t have a signature black piece, but now wish I did! I mostly wear dresses and skirts, but have a pair of black Zara jogger pants (you know, the type that are dressy AND super casual at once??) that have become a favorite piece to wear to work, on dates, on the weekend. They look great with a blouse tucked in and are surprisingly sexy with a crop top.”
What are ways you personalize an all-black outfit?
“A great pair of shoes (likely with a pop of color) and a statement necklace are my go-tos. Possibly a red lip.”
Marisa Kumtong, Junior Designer
What inspired your all-black outfit?
“Nothing out of the ordinary inspired my all-black outfit. I typically wear all black when I feel really rushed in the mornings but still want to look professional, sleek and a little sassy.”
What is your signature black piece of clothing?
“My signature black piece of clothing is my blazer. You can instantly dress up any outfit — it’s a savior!”
What are ways you personalize an all-black outfit?
“I love really ramping up my cat eye game on the days I wear all black. It adds just a little more attitude to my look that day! :) ”
Cecelia Cox, Head of Marketing
What inspired your all-black outfit?
“I love wearing black because it’s always dressy and always classy. Black is my power color. It makes me feel confident and professional. I often choose to wear something black for important meetings and occasions. It’s perfect for #girlboss moments when you need to be on point.”
What is your signature black piece of clothing?
“My favorite black pieces are shoes and dresses. I have more black dresses than anyone should own and I love rocking black boots and heels on a regular basis.”
What are ways you personalize an all-black outfit?
“I like to keep it simple: A statement necklace and a classy flat makes me feel on point.”
What ways do you style all black everything? Share your tips with us in the comments below.
