Is black the chicest colour to wear in summer?

a working question + a deep dive

I was minding my own business, quietly surveying the overpriced fruit I definitively would not be purchasing, when she picked up a pear across the narrow aisle. Dressed head to toe in black ~ black cotton (dare I say poplin?) baby doll top with laced strappy sleeves, a straight-leg black cotton pant, and woven black leather sandals. Her hair was tied up in a low ponytail, the front pieces twisted back and tucked in, a delicate gold chain with maybe ten eye-catching diamonds hung around her collarbone (real? lab? zircon? who cares!), layered with a long, Italian ball chain necklace. A brown leather Prada bucket bag hung effortlessly off her shoulder. Against the kaleidoscope of colour and packaging in the busy specialty grocer, her monochrome outfit stood out in the most elegant way possible. Was this the chicest outfit I’d seen thus far this summer? Is black the chicest colour to wear in summer? I needed to deconstruct. Cue the deep dive…

When I consider my wardrobe, there is a marked difference between the colour palette of my winter and summer clothes. I lean heavily into warm, dark, muted colours for most of the year. Aside from the occasional pop of red or pink, I can’t bring myself to wear something yellow in late November. I love to see it on others, but I’m happy in my darker tones when it’s cold outside. However, when summer rolls around, I love colour, particularly in dresses. With the advent of minimalism in fashion, my love of colour has ebbed, but still, I’m much more likely to wear an orange and pink drop waist skirt, a mint green silky dress, or nautical red striped sweater in the summer. After a long winter, I want a break from all darkness.

Despite all that, I love a black gauzy cotton dress, a flowy black linen pant, or a silky black slip skirt when the temps warm up. What is it about seeing an all-black outfit on the street in summer that makes me look twice? Why does a breezy black skirt with flip-flops feel so elegant and effortless? Here’s what I think. Given that we see black most of the year in the way of black puffers, black wool coats, black wool pants, black sweaters, black suits, black ribbed toques, black scarves, and black leather boots, seeing that same black in a floaty cotton voluminous fabric, with a little lacy frill, in the creamiest silk, as a silly strappy sandal, feels somehow subversive. It’s unexpected, rebellious, and often arresting. It’s black let out of jail, black getting to ease up, black (finally) with a day off.

That being said, I do believe what makes black such a beautiful colour to wear in summer is how it’s styled. Whether it’s pairing an all-black outfit with a gold collar necklace, a stack of beady anklets, undone hair, a smudgy pink lip, a straw bag, or sandals with silver hardware, the styling matters. Black is the perfect backdrop for all forms of accessorizing. Any element that juxtaposes the colour is what takes it from plain to eye-catching. Perhaps some details on the fabric help too ~ eyelet cotton, a fringe on the hem, an interesting button, maybe some gold hardware. All these little pieces and elements are what often make me think, gosh, that’s so pretty.

Let’s look at a few images to help deconstruct why some all-black summer looks work beautifully.

@lucywilliams

Lucy Williams rarely misses. I love the ruched peplum top paired with a drop-waist cotton skirt. The mix of textures - gathering on the top and woven bag - along with the striking tear-drop silver earrings and snakeskin sandals, gives a visual break and pop.

@sylviemus_

This outfit is a mix of classic modern basics: a knee-length slip skirt, black leather slingback heels, and a black cotton baby tee. I love the addition of the minimalist, pale gold accessories - paperclip bracelet, gold hoops and (especially) the anklet. Finally, the straw bag and sliver of skin at the waist nails the feeling of summer in the city.

@amaliemoosgaard

Amalie’s dress could look and feel overwhelming, but I think it works because of the casual elements that balance it out. Her hair is undone, with some summer frizz to boot. The everyday bucket bag with the fat brown handle looks easy, casual, and unplanned against the formality of the tiered black dress. She also has on a pair of black thong sandals (not seen), which create some breathing room. Here, the styling is about making the dress feel more casual and pared back.

@monikh

I love how voluminous Monikh’s pants are and the asymmetrical cut of the top. This outfit is about playing into the airiness of summer fabrics while keeping it easy with brown thong sandals, a cord necklace, and slouchy bag.

@pinterest (source unknown)

This evening look feels elegant yet laid-back. Instead of a flat sandal, she’s wearing one with a heel. The skirt has a lovely sheen to it, and the gold accents on her purse chain and earrings elevate the look for a warm summer night.

Kelsey Merritt

This is another beautiful example of dressing up an all-black look. Red lips, white and black pumps, and the gorgeous gold necklace bring the dress to life.

@brittanybathgate

The fabric, bare feet, hair pulled back, minimal makeup, and tiny earrings. No notes. This look feels chic, elegant, and relaxed. Love.

Rachel Wang

Obviously, the dress is gorgeous. The square neckline, puffed sleeves, and skirt pleating make it so special. But the accessories - rope sandals, seashell earrings, barely there chains, and leopard print bag - make it feel playful and beachy.

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This brings me back to the premise of this post. Is black the chicest colour to wear in summer? I believe it might be. Ultimately, what makes it special is letting go of how we wear black for most of the year and considering it through fresh eyes. A pair of black cotton pants and a black t-shirt is fine, but adding a red thong sandal, messy bun, and long cord necklace with dangling charm makes it feel playful and summery. Experimenting with elements like colour, texture, contrast, and fabric within the backdrop of an all-black look is what all these looks have in common, making them so.darn.chic.

I’m dying to hear which outfit you loved the most out of the images, if you wear all-black in the summer, and if you have a color you think is the pinnacle of chicness when it’s warm.

Thanks for reading, and I’m so happy you’re here.

Lots of love,

Sana