How to wear black if you don’t suit black

One of the best things I learned during my Colour Analysis training was How to wear black if you don’t suit black. Black clothing is so easily available in the shops and the Fashion Industry pushes it as THE colour to wear. They claim it goes with everything. While it might suit some of us, for a lot of women (and men) it’s too bold, intense and ages us. So, how do we wear black when it doesn’t suit us?

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black and I really don’t suit black

How to wear black if you really don’t suit black. Strawberry blonde beautiful lady in black dress that overwhelms her more muted colouring.

I used to wear a lot of black and one day my Aunt commented that it really didn’t suit me. She wasn’t being mean, she was being honest.

I was in my twenties with dewy, youthful skin and soft/muted and warm colouring. Even with the advantages of youth, I could see it aged me and it wore me. For me, it’s too strong, bold and intense a colour. This gorgeous lady has the most amazing hair and that’ll go a long way to breaking up the black which is far too strong for her.

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black
Lower Your Necklines

Black dress with a low neckline, lady in black dress

If it’s a dress or a top, lower the neckline so the black isn’t too close to your face or neck.

A V neck, Scoop or Cowl neck that is further away from your face can make all the difference.

If you feel there area looks bare, try the next tip and add a statement necklace.

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black
Wear a Statement Necklace

How to wear black if you don’t suit black – statement necklace

Wear a statement necklace or creamy pearls for warms and white pearls for cools, it’ll be closer to your face and negate the impact of the black.

If you prefer, choose a necklace in one or more of your best colours. It’ll draw the eyes up to see your face first and not the black of your outfit.

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black
Scarves, Shawls and Pashminas

How to wear black if you don’t suit black, scarves shawls or pashminas

Wear a wrap, scarf, shawl or pashmina in one of your wow colours, keep this between your face and the black outfit so your face looks youthful, lifted and healthy. It really can take years off you. I promise.

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black
Texture, pattern and fabric type

How to wear black, man wearing a tweed jacket to add texture and break up the heaviness of the black fabric

Instead of matt black, try textured black or black with a pattern (houndstooth checks in a tiny pattern) to break up the impact of the black and soften it. Something like this Tweed fabric uses a lighter colour to soften the black. In a larger pattern with high contrast that would be too intense for someone who is soft/muted but could be fabulous on a Bright Winter or Spring.

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black – Wearing Your Wow Make up Colours with Black

Make up helps, but lipstick can be an absolute godsend. Wear a lippy to suit you and your colouring, it’ll work wonders. You’ll notice the dark, almost black nails on this lady and they’re too strong for her, but the nude lipstick, textured faux fur hat and print wrap break up the deepest colours in her outfit.

Do you wear black even though you know it’s not your friend?

If any of these tips on How to wear black if it doesn’t suit you have been helpful to you, I’d love to hear from you.

Here’s the link to our FREE Facebook Group for TransformMyStyle, I share lots of tips, tricks and advice here in a warm, friendly and welcoming community. I’d love to have you join us. Or you can share this article on social media or with a friend who might like it.

If you’d like to learn more about our Online Colour Analysis Service,

Loraine

Like or follow us on Facebook,Instagram, Pinterest or visit our free Facebook Group

[et_bloom_inline optin_id=”optin_1″]

6 Body Shapes – dressing to flatter you

Understanding the 6 Body Shapes

Let’s talk today about the 6 Body Shapes. There are some body shapes we share, even if our proportions and scale differ.

Any scale of person (petite, standard, plus) can be any body shape.

I’ve worked with ladies who just recognised three body shapes, straight, curvy and full figure. I prefer to expand on that a little and feel the following covers most of us.

In order, the six body shapes are Triangle (often called a Pear), Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Hourglass, Diamond and Oval (often called an apple shape).

Typically a Pear/Triangle body shape will have shoulders which are visibly narrower than hips.

An Inverted Triangle body shape will have shoulders which are visibly wider than the hips.

A Rectangle body shape is usually proportionate, in that hips and shoulders are equal width with no obvious waist.

An Hourglass body shape has a defined waist, hips and shoulders are equal in width.

A Diamond body shape tends to carry any weight about their middle but is a more angular shape than an Oval might.

An Oval/Apple body shape tends to carry any weight in the upper body, usually with a higher waist.

Knowing which body shape is closest to your body, will allow you to highlight your bests best and minimize the bits you’d rather no one noticed. There are lots of simple tips you can use.

Many people will be a combination of body types. I’m a pear or triangle shape but have a little belly padding which has raised my waistline so it is similar to an apple or oval shape. I wear tops that are fitted in the back with shaping to show off my waist curve at the back but straight at the front to allow some ease for a curvy tummy. I wear bootcut trousers to balance my wider hips and skim my curves. If I wear a skinny jean that would make my hips and legs look much wider.

How to wear black if you don’t suit black

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black and I really don’t suit black

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black Lower Your Necklines

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black Wear a Statement Necklace

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black Scarves, Shawls and Pashminas

How to Wear Black If You Don’t Suit Black Texture, pattern and fabric type