Black may not be the colour that first springs to mind when it comes to summer outfit ideas. However, this perennially timeless colour can very easily be incorporated into your spring / summer capsule wardrobe. Below I share a few suggestions for my favourite ways of styling black in the warmer months.
1. Consider the fabrics
Part of the reason that black isn’t ideal for warmer weather is that it tends to absorb heat more – so it’s good to invest in pieces made from breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton (organic, if possible), silks, tencels as these will help you feel cooler than synthetics.
2. Look to your wardrobe staples
Chances are, you may already own a lot of black garments in the form of wardrobe staples (think tank tops, t-shirts, or a black dress). When paired with a pair shorts or a skirt they can create a timeless summer look.
3. Consider pairing black outfits with woven accessories.
Woven accessories – such as a straw bag, sunhat or woven slides can give a black dress or outfit a more relaxed feel – perfect for a summer picnic or beach side dinner.
Three of my favourite ways to style a black monochromatic outfit for summer
1. Slip dresses or maxi dresses
Slip dresses and maxi dresses are a great way to incorporate black into your summer wardrobe. They are often light weight, breezy and can be dressed down with a pair of sandals making them a chic option for your next beach holiday.
2. A crop top or strappy singlet paired with a midi or maxi skirt
While it may look like a dress, the above outfit is actually a top which I’ve had for many years paired with a linen midi skirt. One of the great things about separates is that, by mixing and matching them, they can easily transition throughout different seasons. For example, I’ve styled this same skirt with a long sleeved top or a black knit for cooler weather.
3. Black singlet and tailored black shorts
A black top (singlet, t-shirt, crop top, or statement top) can be paired with a pair of tailored shorts for a casual chic outfit.
4. A black playsuit or jumpsuit.
I’ll always have a soft spot for jumpsuits and playsuits – easy to wear in the summer heat. Much to my despair, this one was devoured by our dryer late last year when accidentally put it on the wrong cycle (it happens to the best of us) but it had been a favourite of mine until that point. Playsuits, being the slightly more casual and cooler version of the jumpsuit, can be particularly perfect in warm weather.
Shop the Edit
