WIW: Textural Black

Head to toe black outfits can be harsh but black is my favourite colour to wear and will always be a staple in my wardrobe. So in order to make an all black outfit look interesting and not "flat", I need to add texture.

Today's outfit started with a tweed knit skirt I bought at Cleo Petite before Christmas and haven't worn. It was actually a bit tight when I bought it and then became tighter (darned shortbread cookies!) but thanks to Lean Eating, when I tried it on last night, it fit beautifully. I paired the knit skirt with my sleek and drapey side tie boat neck top to add softness and volume to the shorter and slimmer fitting skirt. Then I added my black large polka dot hose for even more texture and visual interest. My one shot of colour is my blue/purple suede booties.

My accessories consist of my black/white handbag, silver ring and a vintage grey/silver bangle....and of course, a swipe of red lipstick!

I'm happy in this outfit and although some consider black to be an easy, bordering on lazy, colour choice, I still think it can have "oomph".

So what do you think? Boring black? or interesting black? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

BTW - camera is doing funny things to the shine of the shirt on my chest. I promise you that my breasts do not look like car headlights IRL!

And Gain thinks every outfit needs a shot of orange!

Top & skirt: Cleo Petite
Tights: Hue
Boots: Aerosole
Handbag & bangle: thrifted

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23 Comments

  • Raisin replied 11 years ago

    This looks really great. I love a textural black outfit. The indigo booties are a nice touch!

  • replied 11 years ago

    Dang! why dya have to post just when I logged off! Love all the textures Shannon and the booties are a sneaky shot of colour to all the black. Sending a virtual cuddle to Gains! YLF

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, you look awesome in this! LOVE!!! You and I are fully embracing the slouch, aren't we? Hey, who'd a thunk it? But when it works.....I love the sweater with this skirt, which has so much interest. FAB that it fits now!

  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    I love that skirt! It is so perfect for you!! Tell me about the shirt... is it shiny? YLFers made me get rid of my "shiny" stuff when I first started posting here.... Just a thought, not sure if consensus has changed since that time....

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Skirt plus top is perfect! My hat's off to Cleo Petite again and I wish they would feature you in an ad campaign!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Diane - Gain says "thanks" for the cuddle (he's such a love bug)!

    Suz - bring on the slouch! Like you say - who'd a thunk it? I'm really liking a slouchy top with a more fitted skirt.

    Rita - not to worry. The shirt isn't actually shiny, just not a flat black, if you know what I mean.

    Shevia & Raisin - thank you!

  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago

    You look great in black! I like to wear black too, in fact today's outfit is mostly black also (although I probably would have added some red if I had remembered it was Valentine's Day before getting to work). I'm happy to hear you're already having some success with the weight loss plan.

  • cinnamon fern replied 11 years ago

    Love the boots with this outfit!

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    Love this silhouette, Shannon! It's a great balance of softness and modern. The idea of "Almost Blacck" opens up a lot of possibilities, doesn't it?

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    You are lucky that you wear your favourite colour so well because few people wear black well to my eye.

    Super duper outfit! Great de-bombshelled look! Nice touch with the blue booties :)

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Cannot argue with dots and stripes! I don't know what I'll do if black ever starts to look bad on me... this is so fun!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I think this looks really great, Shannon!

  • Thistle replied 11 years ago

    Love the textural aspect of the black, and blue booties really add a pop.

    Really cute fur baby too!

  • lyn67 replied 11 years ago

    Well, YES!!!! It has a good amount of "omph" here:-) Esp love it with the navy booties!

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    I am SO in love with textural black! It is really cool and you look fantastic.

  • catherine replied 11 years ago

    Another lovely, inspired, put-together outfit. You look great. The tights and booties are so interesting together.

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    i am a lover of black clothes as well. you have done a great job of putting together a varied and interesting ensemble and the cobalt booties take the cake! Love the pieced fabrics in the skirt.

  • Joy replied 11 years ago

    Love the textures and surprise of the blue booties. Congratulations on sticking to your weight loss program.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, I second Angie: you are lucky to suit black so well! Love this simple but strong textural outfit from pepper and salt head to cobalt toes!
    Slouch rules!

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    You look wonderful in black - loving the slouch on you:)

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Well you know what I'm going to say! There is something about black to me that always looks sharp, stylish and contemporary. The textures here are lovely but it's the neckline that closes thendeslnfornme as the skin showing between your face and the neckline add the desired softness. Love it.

  • ButterflyLady replied 11 years ago

    I love the drapey sweater with the sleeker skirt. And the purple booties are gorgeous. It must feel even better knowing that the skirt fits better now ...

    Tickles and strokes to Gain.

  • rute replied 11 years ago

    Love! I must copy this asap ;)

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