How to wear black over 40

As the temperatures begin to decrease and the days become shorter, more and more woman begin to resort to wearing all black and black-dominated looks. While your natural inclination might be to take this route, it’s not always the best option for women as they age.

As our complexion changes and often becomes paler, black (especially too close to the face) can be jarring, harsh, and wash out your complexion. In other words, the most comfortable option for winter might not be the most flattering.

In today’s post, I highlight 8 ways women over 40 can wear black for a chic look in a way that is as flattering and stylish as you. From all black looks (make it work with texture) to colorblocking (for modern and effortless styles), you can turn this neutral shade into a coveted pop of style.

Wear it in classic cuts and styles

To keep an all black look or piece from appearing too frumpy, select classic cuts and styles that are perfectly tailored. The perfectly tailored aspect of the piece is key, as anything that is ill fitting will become eve more pronounced if you select a black piece. A common misconception is that black is always sliming. This is not always the case and any piece that is ill fitting can actually become more pronounced in black.

• Adrianna Papell black sheath dress
• Jacques Vert black pencil skirt
• Phase Eight black trench coat
• Raoul slim leg pants
• Jigsaw tailored wool coat
• Karl Lagerfeld tuxedo blazer

Don’t wear it too near to your face…

If you have a piece with very little texture or embellishments, wearing black too close to your face can actually make you look washed out and do very little to brighten your tone. A way to get past this challenge is by wearing a piece that has a contrasting color close to your face (such as the dress below), or selecting a piece such as a bright scarf or necklace to warm the look closer to your face.

• Mikael Aghal crepe dress
• MSGM silk crepe top
• Adrianna Papell black sheath dress
• Kope London red floral scarf
• Jonahan Simkhai crepe jacket
• Milly mesh skirt
• Nest gold and teal necklace

Go with print and patterns

Another way to wear black without giving in to an all black look is by selecting piece with a black hue dominated pattern. You still get the edge of a black tone, however, the monotonous black is broken up with a visually engaging print or pattern. You can go with a subtle pinstripe look (like the vest below), or select a piece such as the blouse below that features bright colors and prints against a black backdrop.

• Alice + Olivia pinstriped vest
• F.R.S. For Restless Sleepers printed silk pants
• Alice + Olivia printed silk blouse
• Proenza Schouler plaid top
• Issa silk midi dress

Don’t get too heavy

Play with texture

Texture is another way to add more definition to black pieces. Whether you opt for an all black look or select a one piece, texture is known for adding a color like dimension to your look. Pleats are an easy way to achieve this look, as is jacquard. Feathers are also another great option that is very in line with fall and winter 2016/2017 trends.

• Jonahan Simkhai crepe jacket
• Elizabeth and James fur vest
• Proenza Schouler tweed culottes
• 8 pleated leather skirt
• Karen Millen crochet dress

Pair it with denim

One of the most timeless pairings for a very effortless and chic look is the pairing of black and denim. While many tend to shy away from too much of a black and blue pairing, the composition of black or blue denim with black or blue pieces creates very clean and almost minimalist looks.

• Alexis black pussy-bow silk blouse
• Proenza Schouler black denim jacket
• Current/Elliot checked jeans
• Etoile Isabel Marant chambray top
• J Brand black jeans
• Kain perforated black top
• Etoile Isabel Marant dark rinse jeans
• Current/Elliot tie-front chambray top
• Joie black flared jeans

Embellish it

Much like texture, selecting an embellished black piece gives you the permission to go with all black pieces if your heart desires. Whether you opt for colorful embellishments (like the sleeveless top or sequined jumpsuit below) or aim for metallic additions (like the buckled skirt below), embellishments break apart the monotony of a black piece or look.

• 10 Crosby by Derek Lam
• Alice + Olivia embellished chiffon top
• Badgley Mischka mbellished chiffon wide-leg jumpsuit
• Mikael Aghal embellished tulle dress
• A.L.C. embellished buckle skirt

Go Sheer

When you add a sheer element to a black piece, it transforms even the most basic pieces into a highly valued wardrobe piece. The key to wearing this look is to follow the philosophy of keeping it simple and not adding too many other embellishments to your look. You can also add pops of color to come through the sheer fabric for a multi-dimensional look that can also warm the complexion.

• Alexis belted lace jacket
• Tart Collections bblack crocheted wrap
• Alexis lace jumpsuit
• Milly mesh skirt
• Jonathan Simkhai sheer sleeve chiffon top

Colorblock

The quickest way to achieve a chic look with very minimal effort is to colorblock with black. It gives the look an editorial like tone without looking to over designed. For a long and elongating look you, can play with a column of color. We used tan as the base here, combined with a pin striped vest, but even more slimming results you can also use black as the base.

• Rag & Bone White jeans
• Jaeger wool cape sweater
• Tibi jacquard culottes
• Fenn Wirght Manson red lace dress
• Elizabeth and James fur vest
• Alice + Olivia pinstriped vest
• Marc Cain camel cashmere top
• Weekend Max Mara camel trouser

Shop the looks featured above here below:

What is your biggest style challenge when it comes to black? How do you wear black for the most flattering look?