Black is a staple colour in the wardrobes of many women and it's virtues as a flexible & essential part of any wardrobe are endless.

Black can be a classy and sophisticated look for a corporate office or business function.

Black can be minimalistic and chic.

Black can be your wallpaper to a bold statement!

Black can be fantastically slimming (thus the little black dress as a wardrobe essential).

Black can be flexible & can be mixed and matched with almost all of the other colours in your wardrobe.

Black doesn't show dirt as easily (for the clumsy in all of us).


But if you do choose to dress up in blocked black, rather than piecing it together with other colours, that doesn't mean you should sacrifice style and pizazz. The best way to work with an all black outfit is to amp up the accessories.

Glamorous
Spend a Saturday morning perusing the local markets & thrift stores in search of a vintage style brooch or two. Pin them onto your outfit however you see fit. Throw on some pearls for some more old world charm. If vintage isn't your cup of tea, a few silver bangles, an understated simple matching necklace and some drop earrings will look equally as glam. Hot pink fingerless gloves are rather girly glam too, if that's your game.

Sophisticated
So you've got your hair styled in a sleek bun & you're black pants suit is ready for action, but you can't help but feel a little something is missing? That would be your dear friend COLOUR! For something simple and inoffensive that will not detract from your sophisticated get up, try some red lips & coordinate with a red ribbon in your hair. Some plain gold or silver jewellery can also work a charm with the sophisticated style, try a few bangles & a chain.

Modern Chic
Black is simple and chic already so if chic is the name of the game, keep it that way. Try some white opaque stockings for an effortlessly smart look. You could team this up with a simple silk scarf or tie around your waist, neck or wrist.

Bold
Black is the backdrop for your marvellous accessories, so work them! If bold is what you're after then a the best place to start is by pinning a huge bow in your hair. Loulou Loves You has a fantastic range that will make you stand out from the crowd in the best possible way. Team with some bright patent pumps (go for yellow or hot pink) and you are ready to own the footpath & storm the city!

Corporate / City
Black trench's are a greatly versatile wardrobe option for the cooler months but whatever cute ensemble you've pieced together underneath ends up lost in a sea of black. To make your black coat pop with a bit of attitude, try cinching it at your waist using your favourite belt: be bold, go for red or electric blue! Match with your shoes & you're all set.

Other Tips:

- Use a satin tie (the sort of tie you might get with, say, a satin robe) to cinch around your waist when wearing a black shirt/shirt dress. It is simple, elegant and looks great.

- Decorate your collar with your favourite earrings (perhaps reserve this for your not totally pricey pieces as the earrings will leave slight marks in the fabric!). Like wearing inch badges but much more unique!

- Wear coloured stockings, rather than plain black opaques. Be sure not to go overboard (ie. if you choose hot pink or yellow tights, tone down the rest of your accessories). If you're feeling a bit daring why not try ripping and cutting them off below the knee, trainee ballet style?

- Steal your boyfriend/brothers ties & use as cuff or tie loosely around your neck.

- Layer up on the chunky beaded necklaces.

How do you dress up black?