If wearing all black is wrong then I don’t want to be right – here’s how to wear black and wear it well

Wearing/Featuring: Classic Silk Shirt – The Fable | Ripped Black Jeans – Ksubi | Bag – Proenza Schouler (‘PS11 Mini Classic’) | Pointed Pumps – Bally | Sunglasses – Celine | Perspex Cuff – Cooee

There are perhaps three categories of people in the world who have a legit license to wear black all the time: goths, architects, and minimalists (the second may well be a subset of the third). Being in the final category, you can imagine my feeling of vindication when a certain study recently showed that black clothing is more often associated with positive human attributes like confidence, power and intelligence. And yes, I am well aware that mentioning the above has sealed my reputation, once and for all, as a cereal quoter of trivial (and questionable) survey statistics. Of course, to wear black is to tackle a special set of sartorial perils. So here are my top tips for wearing black, and wearing it well.

Mix fabrics

While the catwoman and wetsuit looks have their time and place, these are clearly counterproductive for us minimalists – creatures of logic, purpose and functionality. So your key word for dressing tonally is contrast. Mixing your fabrics is a powerful tool to have up your sleeve. It’s not just a juxtaposition of textures we’re after, but it’s also the fit and form: bunchy knits with shiny leather; sleek satin with structured wool. In my case, I’ve opted for a classic weightless silk shirt and fitted denim.

Pay special attention to proportions

Without colours and prints, there’s little else to distract the eye, and there’s no disguising proportions that are not quite right. Consider your silhouette, keeping the top and bottom halves balanced. For me, I love a high waisted jean with a loose fitting shirt. It cinches the waist nicely to break up an otherwise shapeless look.

Follow through with accessories

To wear black on black is a statement all on its own, and those who wear black never do so by halves. Am I right? So bring on the black handbag and black shoes too. That said, adding metallic elements is highly recommended. Silver hardware lends to a more casual vibe, while gold hints at something dressier. However, I’m not a fan of mixing the two.

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