Why you'll always look luxe in black

Kate Moss celebrates her 45th birthday

Much like white shoes, asymmetric earrings and any perspex accessory, an all-black look warrants a look of concern from my mother. I appear to be in mourning, apparently: perhaps for my normally fairly colourful wardrobe, or for happier days when I wasn’t attempting Dry Jan or a wardrobe cull.

But I disagree. There’s a quiet confidence that black exudes, and actually, I feel my best and most stylish in all-black. No trying to distract with a bold print or pop of colour, but still demanding attention. See Kate Moss celebrating her 45th birthday last week: she wore a silky LBD, black velvet courts, black opaques and a fluffy black Stella McCartney jacket. Not an ‘it’s my birthday!’ silver sequin in sight, no gold lamé or jewelled velvet platforms - just a chic, classic black look.

The reason Kate’s look worked - and the key to getting all-black right and keeping it interesting - is in the textures. Her mish-mash is a souped up version of the vibe I’ve been going for of late. Think a cashmere knit with a silk slip skirt, or a satin blouse with wool trousers and a leather belt. Then, for the weekend, a furry jacket with black denim and suede ankle boots.

Slick black accessories with a bit of pizzazz make quiet statements, too. Moss threw in another texture with her thick leather belt, and I’ve been wearing a velvet one with gem-embellished buckle (received as a secret santa gift last month) over jumpers and blazers. If embellishment feels like too much for everyday, mock-croc looks just as good in the form of a top-handle bag as it does an ankle boot.

As well as the fact that you’ll be needing a new lint roller, it’s worth noting that for most of us (excluding supermodels) black needs to be kept away from the face to avoid washing us out, particularly smack bang in the middle of winter. This is where many reach for a white knit or shirt - but actually, they can look just as harsh as their black counterparts. Black’s perfect partner is another expensive-looking hue: beige. The combination of deep black and a rich beige looks like luxury - and it’s the best compromise if you don’t want to join me in full Kate Moss meets Morticia Addams garb. symbolising the sun - was a way of celebrating the arrival of spring.

For full article see: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/wearing-black-ultimate-way-look-luxe-budget/?li_source=LI&li_medium=li-recommendation-widget