Orange may be the new black as far as the Netflix show is concerned (who else finished binge watching??), but there’s no other color that effortlessly transitions from day to night, work to weekend, casual to elegant than black. And as much as I love sugary hues that call to mind pretty Instagram photos of macaroons, there’s something alluring about black in the summer, scorching heat and humidity notwithstanding. Maybe I’ve read one too many articles on how to dress like a French fashion editor (I know I’m not alone here) that’s made me want to suspend my longtime hiatus from black. Or maybe it was Marc Jacobs’s final Louis Vuitton show, where the models were adorned in pitch black to signify the designer’s departure.
Regardless of the reasons, it’s clear that black can transcend its “basic” status to looking more polished and off-duty with a certain je ne sais quoi. The key to styling black in warmer temperatures can be as simple as wearing accents of yellow, mint, coral, and white; layering delicate gold or rose gold jewelry; and opting for lighter fabrics like chiffon, eyelet, and silk, although a sleek leather moto jacket never looks out of season. Inspired, yet?
Overalls & Jumpsuits
Leave it to Olivia Palermo to turn a childhood relic like overalls into a pin-worthy ensemble. The tailored fit of the overalls layered over a sheer black top makes this look more grown up, yet still fun and seasonal.
Laser
One of the top runway trends of Spring 2014 is laser cutouts, and for a good reason – it gives us much-needed breathing room to withstand humidity. If you’re going to wear black this season, it had better be laser cut for your sake. Juxtapose a laser piece with a more conservative component such as a button-down.
The LBD
Everyone knows the little black dress is a classic that knows no seasonal bounds. But here’s a little secret: the trick to pulling off the look in summer depends a great deal on the fabric. Try a lightweight jersey dress with a fishnet hem and layer with long, delicate jewels for a bohemian vibe.
