There are a litany of reasons why women choose black for their wardrobes, be it consciously or by default. It's slimming, easy, doesn't show stains, wears well, looks chic, is modern, and more. Despite the fact that I don't choose black for my wardrobe doesn't mean I don't see the merits of this color or appreciate it for those who wear it well. Given the popularity of a black based wardrobe, I am going to show you how to create a wardrobe capsule using this color as the base.
How to Create a Stylish Black Based Wardrobe Capsule
What may surprise you is, despite this wardrobe being black based, it's not lacking in interest or variety, even if it isn't chock full of color. There are ways to build out a capsule based in this shade without abandoning your favorite color. If you love your black clothes but are feeling like you need to infuse it with something more, take a look at the capsule I have built and some of my tips on how to do it yourself.
Here are the pieces I'll be using. You'll see the main base pieces are all black and I've kept the rest of the capsule neutral. With just these pieces, I'll be creating a total of 23 outfits for both work and casual.
Before we get into the black based wardrobe outfits, here are some tips to consider first.
#1- Work tonally
If you like your black based wardrobe but fear it has gotten a little staid or one-note, consider working tonally by adding shades of grey. You will add some depth to your outfits and make them more interesting.
#2- Abandon the black shoes and bags
If your outfits feel too dark, heavy or uninspired, but you're not ready to ditch your black clothes, consider expanding your shoe and bag colors by adding some fresh shades. Try beige, grey, metallic or even some fun colors.
#3- Matching blacks is hard
A potential problem when you buy too much black is being able to wear all of your pieces together. Matching blacks can be nearly impossible. What do you wear with that black blazer, black dress or black pants if you only have other black pieces to wear with them? This is why having a little variety in your black based wardrobe is helpful.
#4- Add complementary neutrals
If you want to branch out from all your black but aren't ready to stray too far from your trusted color, try adding complementary neutrals. The key is to choose neutrals that work with your black clothing. For example, shades of camel, cognac, ivory and grey will work with your black whereas colors brown brown and navy won't. You want to enhance your black based wardrobe, not make it more complicated.
Outfits
Illustration is always best, so check out these 23 outfits I created using the capsule and tips I shared.
Black Pants
Black pants are a staple in most black based wardrobes. Using this pair from Theory I created these five outfits.
Black dress
The little black dress is another staple in any black based wardrobe. I created these three looks using this style from J. Crew.
Next, I styled the dress with the Sam Edelman block heel sandals, Rebecca Minkoff bag, and bar pendant necklace from Nordstrom.
Jeans
These next denim looks show that even if your preference is black, if you follow my tips, it won't look like it's the only color you own. Using these jeans from Madwell, I created these outfits.
The 4th look was created with the black Judith & Charles blouse, grey Jimmy Choo pumps, and gold bracelets from Karine.
Charcoal grey skirt
Instead of a black skirt, I chose this charcoal grey one from Judith & Charles. I selected it to add some variety while not straying too far from black.
White jeans
Lastly, the white jeans from J. Crew that I used to brighten up this black based wardrobe.
The last outfit I styled similarly to the previous look. I swapped out the tank with the grey top, Argento Vivo earrings, and cognac bag.
By sticking with black, but following some of my easy tips, you can keep your black based wardrobe tight while safely branching out to create a cohesive and interesting wardrobe.
