Black is back. Who knew? Where did it go?
Call it that old black magic. Fashion trends remain ephemeral, but what’s really important is all the wearable black pants, tops, dresses, skirts and coats available for both fashion-forward women and fashion phobes. What woman doesn’t need those go-to, basic pieces for her wardrobe?
“After a few seasons of cutesy, overly feminine styles, black is a clean slate,” says Guillaume Poupart, a New York City-based designer who recently launched his first collection of outerwear. “It’s very modern and very fresh, especially when interpreted with more wearable goth and rock [looks]. It’s elegant, so you can wear it in the daytime and evening.”
Actually, black isn’t so basic these days, says Laura Schara, Macy’s trend correspondent. Patent leather, sequins and beading (even for menswear) enhance the hue. You can make a big statement with just one little spectacular piece or play with accents, whether it’s for day or night.
Texture is the key word for updating black, the fashion experts agree. The trends of black and metallic “play off each other,” says Allison Berlin, a New York City-based fashion stylist and founder of Style Made Simple, a personal styling business.
Zippers, studs and eyelets look good on black and are a good contrast, whether it’s fabric or leather, Poupart agrees.
“The whole thing about black this fall is mixing textures. It’s not all matte black. I am so into patent lately, especially bags, shoes and belts. It really punches it up,” says Lauren Dimet Waters, editor in chief of secondcitystyle.com, a fashion e-zine and blog.
“Black is so pervasive this season,” Berlin says. “Patent is huge and all over the street.”
The little black dress is a must-have, but this fall, the swinging shapes evoke the ’60s, and jet black stones embellish the collars, Berlin says. For other dress ideas, check out the Diane Von Furstenberg collection at fine department stores, which has a range of styles, she says.
Alice + Olivia’s dresses are “stylish and funkier,” she says. Berlin suggests a crisp white shirt to update a jumper-style LBD, and if you’re getting just one party dress, it should be black sequins.
With all the skirts and dresses out there this fall, hosiery plays a big role, whether netted, cable or tights, says Jennifer Edwards, general manager for Fogal Legwear of Switzerland, at 900 N. Michigan Ave.
Black tights are popular — and they’re a safe choice. Fashion-conscious women are buying green, orange, turquoise and cobalt blue, Edwards says. A deep plum is an alternative for those who shy away from bright colors, she says.
Opaque black tights are “huge, huge, huge,” Berlin says, adding that teal and gray tights also hit the mark.
As for coats, volume still speaks. But are all those trapeze shapes and bell sleeves going to be around for a while? It’s the most common question Poupart gets.
“I think [volume] is here to stay. The trapeze shape will be replaced by fit and flared [shapes]. Women will get used to wearing them; it’s fun,” he says. Fur scarves add drama and dimension, he adds.
As for makeup, black liquid eyeliner or a smoky eye finish the look, Berlin says. Tone down the lips with a nude shade, she says. For the more daring, try a black-tip manicure.
“The cat-eye [eyeliner] is huge right now,” Dimet Waters agrees.
She suggests Chanel’s Tulip Noir polish for nails and Stila Smudge Pots or Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner with Sephora’s No. 28 Smudge Pot brush for a foolproof cat eye.
Overall, it’s nice to go back to the dark side, the pros say.
“Black goes with everything and makes you look skinny. That’s why it comes back,” Berlin says.
Magic.
