Written By
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
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Wearing all black is one of the boldest and most powerful style moves you can make.
Dressing monochromatically is a surefire way to make a bold statement with less. Simplicity projects strength. And while it’s possible to dress monochromatically with any color, it just hits differently when we’re talking about wearing all black.
I’ve been wearing a lot of black this entire season and for the fifth and final installment of our “Rome In Black & White” series, I thought I’d dress like a sartorial villain to explore the topic of wearing all black. We’ll talk about some of the benefits of this style of dressing, I’ll give you some tips for pulling the look off, we’ll discuss what wearing all black says about you, and more.
So if you’ve been curious about how to wear all black, consider this your ultimate guide.
Benefits To Wearing All Back
First things first. Let’s begin by taking a look at three specific benefits to wearing all black.
- Effortless. Wearing all black is simple and effortless. Choosing a single color — black, in particular — eliminates the stress of color coordination, making it easy to throw an outfit together in a hurry. This simplicity can save you valuable time and mental energy in the mornings. It’s a form of uniform dressing in that way and I can personally attest to the lightened mental load when you simplify in that way.
- Slimming. Black is famously slimming. It creates an illusion of a slimmer figure by hiding shadows and contouring the body. This can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your clothes, which is what we’re all looking for, isn’t it?
- Easily elevates a look. Black has an innate elegance and sophistication. It can effortlessly elevate any look, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. By wearing all black, you can ensure you always look chic and put together.
Tips For Wearing All Black
Although monochromatic looks appear very simple, there is a little bit more than meets the eye when it comes to pulling it off successfully. Here are four tips for wearing an all black outfit — and bonus, you can apply these tips to a monochromatic outfit of any color.
- Vary textures and fabrics. When you’re dealing with an outfit built around a single color, you’ll need to find ways to make it interesting. One of the easiest is to mix different textures and fabrics to create a sense of contrast. Here, I’ve combined our black flannel suit with a cashmere sweater and our wool and cashmere blend greatcoat. From afar, the differences are quite subtle but they become more apparent when viewed up close.
- Choose a statement piece. Another way to keep an all-black outfit from looking bland is to choose one eye-catching standout piece. For this particular outfit, we’re talking about the greatcoat. With its longer and more classic length, it is attention-grabbing and helps to elevate the look.
- Consider the silhouette. Another way to create interest with an all-black outfit is to consider your silhouette. Silhouette refers to the shape of the entire look. Here, my statement greatcoat also checks the silhouette box thanks, once again, to the old school longer length.
- Layer it up. One of the biggest challenges when working with an all-black outfit — or any monochromatic outfit, for that matter — is to create a sense of depth. Varying your textures and fabrics is one small way to tackle that problem, but layering can take it to another level. When putting this look together, I considered not wearing the suit jacket but finally decided that because of the extra depth it provided, that it was an essential component to this look.
What Does Wearing All Black Say About You?
So what exactly is the psychology of wearing all black?
Dressing in all black attire is often considered a reflection of simplicity, elegance, and sophistication. This choice of color scheme can be interpreted as a sign of someone who is confident, empowered, and unafraid to stand out in a crowd.
Additionally, black carries with it an inherent sense of mystery and intrigue. It has the power to evoke curiosity about the wearer’s personality and inner world. This enigmatic quality can draw people in, making them eager to learn more about the individual behind the dark clothing. It’s a subtle and stylish way to hold people’s interest without saying a word. And we like that.
Wearing all black may also indicate a practical and pragmatic approach to one’s style. Black items of clothing can generally be mixed and matched rather effortlessly with each other, making it a go-to choice for those who prefer a minimalist wardrobe or those who don’t want to spend unnecessary time deciding what to wear.
However, it’s important to remember that color is just one aspect of one’s style and self-expression. It’s a tool that can communicate a part of who we are, but it does not wholly define a someone’s character or personality. An individual wearing black could be an artist, a business executive, or a student. They could be extroverted or introverted, easygoing or meticulous. The beauty of style, and particularly the choice to wear all black, lies in its ability to provide a blank canvas for our individuality without confining us to a box.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, wearing all black is a bold and empowering style choice. It’s effortlessly chic, versatile, and adds depth to your look. While the color black adds an element of mystery, it is also a practical choice for a minimalist wardrobe. Remember, your style is a reflection of your unique personality, and dressing in all black is just one way to express your individuality.
