You'll hear time and again that "pink is the new black," or "brown is the new black," or "gray is the new black." But let's face it. Nothing can take the place of black in the fashion world. Black is a timeless fashion statement. And for a good reason. A wardrobe full of black is flattering, simple, practical, and beautiful.
Black is Flattering
Black is a very flattering color. While you look beautiful no matter how your body looks (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!), black can help bring out that beauty by drawing attention to all the right places. Black is slimming and forgiving.
The little black dress is a universal wardrobe staple because everyone can pull one off and look stunning.
Black is Simple
By having a lot of black in your wardrobe, you don't have to sweat the trendy colors. If you get overly caught up in the trendy colors of the season, you'll find yourself scrambling to buy a whole new wardrobe every few months. Then you'll start all over again, chasing the trends the next year. Chasing trends can be exhausting and expensive, and you'll always be self-conscious about looking dated.
Black is timeless. It has always been a trendy yet safe choice.
Shopping for black is more simple, too. You don't need to stress about finding the right olive hue that doesn't make you look sickly or making sure the pink is the same shade in all the pieces you are putting together. At stores, when you find an item you love, you don't have to be tempted to buy it in every color.
Black is simple. It is minimalistic. Pulling together an outfit with black at the heart of it is a lot less stressful than trying to get the right colors. Accessorizing a black outfit is easy. Conjuring a cohesive outfit is just easier with black.
Black is Practical
Black is a color for every occasion. Whether you are dressing up for a job interview, a first date, a sporting event, a funeral, or a concert, black has your back. Black elevates your outfit. It is hard to look underdressed when you are wearing black. It is the most versatile neutral that works well for everyone.
Black can also help you hide stains. We've all been there: you get all dressed up for a great time out, just for some food to spill on the outfit you meticulously spent much too long picking out.
If you were to let spaghetti sauce drip on a white outfit, there would be no hiding that. But on black? You could blot it away, and it would go unnoticed the rest of the night until you can launder it out. The same goes for sweat; you will be much better off hiding extra perspiration in black attire than in a lighter color.
Black can be dressed up or down. It looks just as good at a formal black tie event as it does when you’re lounging around in your yoga pants. It can fit into your wardrobe all year long, from a black tank top on your summer hikes to a black leather jacket to wear when the weather cools. Whether you are trying to go for a sophisticated, classical look or a bold, edgy look, black can accomplish it.
With a basic and neutral base of black, you can play with different textures, patterns, or even pops of color. Stripes, polka dots, gingham, and florals can be added to complement the black. Black jeans can be paired with a patterned or colored top. Black tops can be coupled with dark wash denim, light wash denim, a skirt, or leggings.
And you can easily do black on black, too. While outfits that are all one color can feel overpowering in other shades, black does not have the same effect.
To maximize your wardrobe, try creating a capsule wardrobe with black staples at the center and a variety of different pieces and accessories to complement them. For example, you could start with black jeans and pair them with different blouses, shoes (from sneakers to stilettos), and accessories. Take a picture of your capsule at the end so you can quickly remember all the ways to mix and match those black jeans. It will come in handy on mornings when you’re in a hurry to get dressed and out the door.
Black is Beautiful
There is no doubt that black is beautiful. Black outfits are classy, chic, bold, swanky, elegant, and sharp. Whether it's a formal gown or a Delta Sigma Theta shirt and jeans, it's hard to go wrong with black.
As a Delta Sigma Theta member, you will always want to be representing your best self, and you can do that well when you are looking stylish and fashionable. Keeping black staples in your wardrobe is a great way to achieve that.