Although not technically a colour, black is enigmatic, elegant and luxurious, so it is no surprise that it is a favourite. Although all-black monochrome will always be a winner, it is sometimes forgotten that black goes with many other colours. Here is a reminder of 10 go-to timeless, chic black outfit colour combos that will fuel your love for black clothing.
Black
All-black outfits are a classic that will always stay in style and retain popularity; all-black is the safest choice for a monochrome outfit, and for a good reason. Black is flattering, professional and chic, and black looks good on every skin tone and looks great with any hair colour. To elevate your all-black outfit and avoid looking one-dimensional, contrast different textures and materials to create depth. Also, play around with fits to make your outfit more interesting; pair skin-tight crop tops with baggy low-rise jeans to elevate your style. As you can’t play with shades as freely as other colours, Feel free to use some makeup to add some personality to your look. A nude lip with a black monochrome outfit will look elegant but pairing a bold red lip with an all-black ensemble will instantly spice up your outfit.
Brown
Wearing black and brown used to be considered a fashion faux pas. However, it is now a trendy colour combination and provides an elegant aesthetic when done correctly.
Black and brown look gorgeous when styled together in Autumn. If you want to throw another colour in the mix, I advise you to stick to a neutral shade such as white. Although black is also neutral, I usually avoid throwing in too bright colours when pairing black and brown together. I feel it can remove the finesse of the colour combination, which can be achieved flawlessly if the focus remains on a neutral palette. When pairing black and brown, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of the garments; the better the quality, the more expensive the aesthetic will look.
Blue
You are probably familiar with the fashion rule of not wearing black and blue together. That rule is outdated; black and blue look beautiful together. Using blue as a contrasting colour works well; baby blue with black is stunning. Navy was especially frowned upon when discussing colours you cannot wear with black. This stemmed from preconceived notions that pairing the two can look like an accident: like you got dressed in the dark. However, navy and black are a very sophisticated combination. There is a reason why this duo is seen all over office wear. Also, don’t be scared to pair black with brighter blues such as royal blue or cerulean; it will work, especially if the blue is used as an accent.
Grey
It sounds basic, but grey and black are a timeless, chic duo. This combo is popular for professional settings due to the sophistication it exudes. You can play around with different shades of grey to lighten up the aesthetic and dilute some of the seriousness for non-professional settings. This neutral pairing is elegant, always works well and will never go out of style. I recommend lighter shades of grey if you want to have dimension and contrast in your outfit, as very dark shades of grey can look like black and make your look fall flat.
White
This pair may sound boring, but it is the most elegant, sophisticated and fool-proof of other combinations; this look will never go out of style. Of course, they are technically not colours, but the two are polar opposites of each other, and you know how the saying goes. This combination creates the perfect sleek contrast, bringing out the best of each other in perfect divergence. The light, cleanliness of white is a breath of fresh air to the dark, intense and moody black.
Green
This combination can be elegantly chic or highly contrasting, depending on the shades of green you use. Using sage and accenting with black can lend to a soft, elegant look, but using a neon green will bring a balanced, vibrant look as the black will soften the neon green. Remember, black goes with everything, so have fun and choose a shade of green that you wouldn’t usually pick. Ensuring a good level of contrast will prevent the combo from looking muddy.
Pink
Unsurprisingly, pink goes with black as a playful but chic duo. Black tones down the playful girliness of pink, making a feminine but elegant combination. As black is neutral, feel free to play around with shades of pink to get your perfect look. You can combine multiple shades of pink and balance out the proportions with accents of black.
Red
Although an obvious choice, black and red look great when done correctly; due to the boldness of red, the pair can look a bit dated if done monotonously. Play around with shades; instead of a bright tomato red, opt for a deep burgundy, maroon or mild tomato. Also, play around with textures and materials; a red leather biker jacket will look daring with a black LBD and a bold red lip. You can always leave red to the accessories, such as a silk scarf and handbag and keep the base colour of your outfit black if you want a subtle approach. Additionally, patterns will change your aesthetic for different seasons; for example, red florals will look great for spring, and polka dots will be cute for summer.
Purple
Black is a classy colour to wear, and it goes with most colours; purple is a vibrant colour that used to be reserved just for royalty, but when these two colours are paired together, they either look chic or inexpensive. So you have to be careful with tones and proportions for this pair, but if you get it right, you will have an eye-catching, elegant outfit ready. Ensure that one acts strictly as an accent, or the look may start to look Halloweeny, which you may not want for a sophisticated event. Consider the different forms of purple when thinking of the look you are going for; lighter pastel purples and lilacs will have a softer feel, but deep purples will offer a noble, majestic and vibrant aesthetic.
Beige
A sophisticated pair and a go-to for a minimalist aesthetic, the pair is chic and timeless. Black works with all shades of beige but plays with different tones for different vibes, cooler beiges will offer a relaxed, effortless aesthetic, and a warm beige will achieve a softer style.
Until next time,
Unique
