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Texture Play! The Secret to Styling All Black
Learn how to style an all-black outfit using texture play. From velvet to mesh to leather, discover the secret to making black look anything
It all started at my nail appointment earlier this week. As I was picking a shade, my nail tech Kim took a photo of me in my (slightly overdressed for a nail appointment) outfit. What was a wearing? A beautiful one shoulder pleated cape dress in fuchsia (linked) and what Miss Vida Boheme from the movie ‘To Wong Foo’ would call a ‘say-something hat’. She complimented the look and added, “Oh my god, I wish I could wear colour like you.” Without missing a beat, I told her: “Kim, of course you can! It’s easy just play around with colours you already like and slowly add those pieces to your wardrobe.”
The words came out so easily and I said them so confidently, but I could see in her face, it wasn’t that easy at all. For a lot of women, wearing colour can seem overwhelming, scary and even stressful. It isn’t always that simple for everyone else. For many, colour feels daunting, even terrifying. That’s why it’s so easy to stick to neutrals or all black. And while I adore an all-black outfit (it’s timeless, chic, and dramatic), there’s something magical about colour. It’s a way to show your personality, mood, and energy before you’ve even said a word. And if you get it right, it’s equally as chic, timeless and dramatic but even better? It’s fun! And that’s what style is all about. Having fun with your clothes.
So, here’s the good news: you don’t need to wear every shade of the rainbow to start. Injecting colour into your wardrobe can be easy, fun, and completely tailored to you. Here’s how to dip your toe in, without feeling like you’ve jumped headfirst into a paint pot.
Would I do that to you?
If head-to-toe colour scares you, begin small. One pop of colour is all you need to get the ball rolling. Think of a lime green bag with an all-black outfit, or a pair of cobalt blue heels peeking out under your jeans. A bright scarf, a bold manicure, or even colourful earrings can create a big bold impact while still feeling safe.
2. Give your neutrals a kick
Neutrals are your safety net and while you transition to experimenting more with colour, pairing them with just one colour makes that shade shine without overwhelming you. For example:
3. Try a little monochrome Magic
Monochrome isn’t just for neutrals. Experiment with different tones of the same colour: sky blue with denim and navy, or blush pink with rose and magenta. It feels intentional, polished, and surprisingly easy to pull off. It also mutes the boldest colour in your outfit in a way that doesn’t make it stand out too much
4. Think pastels
If bold brights feel too much, pastels are your best friend. Lavender with mint green, baby blue with soft peach, or lemon yellow with lilac are softer on the eye but still colourful enough to give your outfit personality.
5. Tonnes of tones
Earth tones often feel more wearable because they echo natural shades. Try terracotta with cream, olive with rust, or sand with turquoise. They feel warm, grounded, and stylish.
6. Accessories, accessories, accessories
Still nervous? I got you! Accessories are one of the easiest ways to introduce colour into your outfits and wardrobe. Bags, shoes, sunglasses, belts, or even a bold lipstick, can act as your entry point to the wonderful world of colour dressing – acting like accents instead of statements. Which can feel overwhelming. Start with one, then add more. And once you’re comfortable with accents, move into tops, skirts, and jackets.
Remember, fashion is meant to be fun, experimental, and personal. After all, it’s just clothes! Try something on, see how it makes you feel, and if you don’t love it, take it off and try something else. The goal isn’t to force yourself into colour, but to find the shades that make you feel brighter, bolder, and more you.
So if the thought of colour bloody terrifies you, start small, play around, and let it surprise you. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite power shade and before you know it, we’ll be rocking pink hair together.
Cheers to that!
