Known to be a shade, and not actually a color, black is at times both ubiquitous, and unacknowledged within fashion.
From the Wall-Street banker, to the leather clad Rock Star, those that state that something “is the new black” fail to acknowledge that it has no substitute. However, it’s not as simple as it looks.
There’s a certain element of nuance when it comes to wearing black in a way that celebrates both the shade and your fashion sense.
Play With TexturesHey, we understand, you love black; but if worn the wrong way people will mistake you for the guy who works at a funeral parlor.
Create a Visual FoundationThis means avoid falling into style genre’s that are typically associated with the shade: think goth and metal.
Your goal is to use black within your own personal style, and as a counterpoint to other colors, textures: a means of introducing a visual ‘foundation’ to your looks.
Mix Textures and MaterialsWith the exception of suits, you want to mix up the textures and materials when wearing black. Yes, this means to refrain from wearing your black leather jacket with your black leather pants (if you own both, an assessment of your general style staples should be done, STAT).
Instead, sport your black jeans with your favorite black leather jacket.
But be careful, since combining blacks of similar shade, texture, and material can often result in a washed-out effect where items blend together and overshadow the individual wearing them.
"You want to mix up the textures and materials when wearing black"
Shape UpBlack clothing doesn’t provide the kind of visual distraction and ability to ‘break up’ the shape of a person that other shades do, so when selecting an item, its fit, and silhouette are key.
For example, when buying a black t-shirt, you might be advised to try a size smaller than you normally wear (if your shirts tend to be loose fitting), a reasonable amount of body-hugging effect will flatter guys that haven’t seen the gym in years.
"When selecting an item, its fit, and silhouette are key"
Watch for WearA great piece of black clothing can really set off an outfit, but over time it’s going to fade and wear-out.
Faded Can Be GoodWhile this can sometimes be a good thing – think a leather jacket, or a black concert tee – a faded item of black clothing can come off looking shabby at best.
Black Clothing CareTo protect your black clothing, invest in a liquid (not powdered) detergent specifically designed for the shade. It won’t keep them looking their best forever, but it will prolong the life of your items when compared to a all-purpose detergent.
Also, line drying clothing as opposed to putting them in a dryer will keep them from lightening to a hazy gray/black.
If all you wear is black, it makes sense for you to have long-lasting black fabrics. Black cottons are known to fade more quickly than wool blacks, which hold the dye better, and natural dyes stay more true to tone over repeated washings than synthetic ones.
"To protect your black clothing, invest in a liquid (not powdered) detergent specifically designed for the shade"
Summary
Like the old saying goes, “Only boring people do boring things.” And black isn’t boring, at least, not when you wear it correctly:
Play with different textures and materials
Pay close attention to the shape and silhouette of black items to maximize its slimming effects
Take care of your black to preserve the shade, and know when to say goodbye to a faded piece
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