Yes, You Can Wear Black in the Summer—Here Are 7 Chic Outfit Formulas to Follow
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Wearing light-colored hues in the summer is a no-brainer—a breezy white T-shirt or linen dress on the hottest days of the year is an obvious sartorial reprieve. You might think that sporting darker colors, like black, attracts more heat, which seems like an inherent no-go. However, black clothes and accessories needn’t be avoided in the summer months; some of the best pieces on the market—dresses, tank tops, sunnies, beach bags, and swimwear—just look great in black. Why avoid it?
Vogue’s All-Black Summer Wish List:
- The Black Capri: Vince slim-fit capris, $245
- The Black Wedge Sandal: St. Agni leather wedge sandals, $320
- The Black Halter Top: Nili Lotan Ivey halter top, $395
- The Black Daytime Dress: Leset Barb maxi dress, $460
- The Black Mini: Matteau mini skirt, $380
- The Black Button-Up: Suzie Kondi kappa shirt, $375
- The Black Statement Skirt: Stella McCartney asymmetric skirt, $1590
- The Black Mesh Tote: Alaïa mesh shoulder bag, $1,290
- The Black Bikini: Left on Friday plunge bikini top and hi tide bottom, $95 each
- The Black Cover Up: Eres Mimi halterneck dress, $355
This summer, instead of focusing on color-packed looks, why not lean into breathable black clothes and accessories. Think a go-to black maxi skirt with a strapless top, or a minimalist dress in satin. A lightweight black cardigan is the perfect layering piece for cool evenings or air conditioned offices, and you can never go wrong with classic black sandals. When it comes to styling the inky shade, festive textural takes, like raffia or lace, add an element of contrast to any head-to-toe black look.
Still not sold? Consider this: Black clothes tend to hide sweat better than pastels or light neutrals like gray or tan. Below, shop seven summer-ready looks, all featuring black clothes and accessories on the market now.
The New Crop
Capri pants are the style of the season, and they look especially chic when incorporated into an all-black look. Pair a slim-cut shape from Vince with a halter top and subtle wedge sandals.
The Subtle Reveal
Mix The Row’s classic maxiskirt with a tube top for an appropriate skin-showing ratio. Add a lightweight black cardigan over the shoulders for an air-conditioned office and a simple pair of flats.
The Minimalist’s Formula
Add texture to a sleek black maxi with shiny silver accessories (including shoes), a silk scarf, and a woven tote bag.
Grown-Up Girlie
Pair a black miniskirt with a fitted tee and button-up, Mary Jane flats, a raffia tote and a timeless leather watch.
Fluid Fabrics
All-black can still feel ethereal. A lace skirt, satin bow, an strappy kitten heels will do the trick. A mesh tote is the handbag equivalent of “light and airy.”
Black on Black, Beach Edition
A flowy black cover-up and oversized sunnies feel ultra-cool on and off the beach.
Deskside Polish
Low-rise black trousers add a bit of edge to the typical office look. Style them with flat loafers, a sleeveless tee, and minimalist jewelry.
