Those of us who wear black don’t do it because it’s slimming, we wear it because it’s sharp as hell. You can’t just plop on sloppy, unfitted black garments and be done with it. Black requires special attention to fit and form. It is architectural. It connotes authority and gravitas. If you swath yourself in yards of black, of course you’ll look like you’re in widow’s weeds. So, don’t. Wear it in gorgeous cuts. Wear it with a chic haircut and sophisticated make-up.
Click on images to enlarge.
Black can be youthful. This isn’t a clergy look, but it puts to rest the silly notion that black is only for the aged in body or spirit.
Black can communicate simplicity, and agility of mind:
Rob Bell.
Black is elegant:
Lady in black, Athens.
Black is good for pastors. But you have to wear make-up. (I’m wearing a ton here because I’m going to be attending several events that day and won’t have time to refresh my face between events. I also look like a stewardess but that’s because of my silly pose):
Preached to a small fellowship in Amsterdam yesterday & felt great in black turtleneck, tailored pants, structured long blazer, red & black stole & rockin’ red leather Wolky shoes (low stacked heel, t-strap w/2 button closure). Bought them thinking this is a PB shoe! Careful & colorful makeup & jewelry felt good too. I wouldn’t go for this look in a more formal worship setting, but it worked for this small & informal group – tailored, respectful, spirited was how I felt & looked. Thanks PB for the excellent coaching over the years. [How exciting to hear from the tenth country to be touched by the angelic wings of PeaceBang’s digital ministry! The Netherlands! Love the outfit, Kelli. Did you take any photos? Are you really going to make me do a google search for the Wolky shoes? You naughty! – PB]
LOVE the black. I totally gave myself permission to wear black and grey as much as I wanted this fall/winter. I’ve been giving more attention to appearance for a while, but I needed to take off some of the anxiety and think a little less. If I catch myself considering grey a color, not a neutral, I add a pop of jewel tones. The black and grey uniform has made it possible to play more with accessories that I used to.
Good black clothes, wash, rinse, repeat.
I do wear black but as a backdrop so to speak to my metallic clogs and scarves and embroidered boots – if you wear this kind of thing with bright colored clothes you end up looking like a circus clown- I love your blog but disagree about with you about black being architectural and conveying authority. . . I will write no more on the subject but am disagreeing with you I think black has connotations of mourning yet –
Rob Bell! He looks stunning and brilliant. I’ll make it my goal to portray the female version, Bella Roberta.
I own a lot of black, particularly in skirts, but some of us can’t wear it well. We really need the charcoal color alternative.
Couldn’t find the Wolky shoes on their site or would have posted a pic. Friend who was there took some pics & if they’re good I’ll share soon.
I’m so stubborn. As a very light white skinned person, now letting my hair lighten into its own silvery, snow white destiny, I understand how wearing black on my top half is now just too much for my face. And I am so stubborn about wearing enough makeup to really balance out this color. I always used to love all charcoals and grays, but now those too seem to be competing with my hair – either making my hair color look ugly in comparison, or else the clothing item itself looking like a poor dull imitation of my silvery shiny hair. So I just gave up and wear white (or colors) on top now. Miss my black though – at one time probably 85% of my wardrobe was in solid blacks. [Oh, that’s really a big change when you go silver-haired. If my hair was silver I would let it go that way, but it’s going to be a dirty dishwater grey like my grandma and mom’s so NO WAY. However, it would be fun to play around with different looks, depending on your bone structure and persona. Like, you could cut your hair quite short and chic and then rock a very deep rose lipstick and have that be your pop of color. Now I want to do a consult with you! We could have so much fun! – PB]
K, a good friend of mine who decided to not color her hair felt like you do about black (and grey) but didn’t want to buy a ton of new clothes. She moved from blacks and jewel tones to grey and mid range (roses, orchids, teals) in scarves and a few jackets. She still throws the brighter jewel tones in too. She doesn’t spend a ton on clothes at all but always looks great.