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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
There are few things that make me feel as powerful and sexy as an all-black outfit. It’s bad-ass, boss energy, and I fully subscribe to its purpose. It’s no wonder most women turn to black when they mean business. It’s the ultimate power move: sleek, mysterious, and endlessly chic.
But what makes black truly special is that it invites you to play. I know that sounds ironic considering so many people think of black as boring or safe, but there’s actually so much to experiment with when you’re dressing in one colour — textures, patterns, silhouettes, and finishes. Think about it, you can mix leather, velvet, taffeta, and mesh in one look, and somehow it all makes sense. In fact, when it comes to black, the more experimental you are with your mix of materials and shapes, the more interesting the outfit becomes. I fully understand (and miss) Janelle Monáe’s black-only phase. She was really on to something. Bring it back, Janelle!
This look fully embodies that philosophy of playing with black. An exploration of texture, structure, and proportion — proof that an all-black outfit doesn’t have to blend into the background. It can be dramatic, feminine, and quietly commanding all at once. Plus, there’s something about my pink hair against all that black that makes me extra happy every time.
The foundation: a voluminous taffeta skirt from The Kemist, layered and sculptural, swishing with every step. It gives the outfit volume and movement that’s so fun to walk in. I love this skirt. On top, a velvet waistcoat from Topshop which I love! It’s buttoned up just enough to feel tailored, open enough to feel modern and sexy and add rich depth. Velvet catches the light beautifully, which is key when you’re working with a single tone. It keeps black from falling flat.
To tie it all together, a cropped blazer from Zara with satin lapels and an oversized flower detail. Very Bradshaw. Very structured romance. Each piece has its own texture story: the matte crispness of taffeta, the plush sheen of velvet, the soft gleam of satin. When you combine them, you get depth and dimension even within one colour.
Then come the accents: mesh Mugler gloves for transparency and intrigue (because skin is a texture too), and studded leather heels to ground the look with a touch of edge. The trick is to keep accessories tonal but contrasting in feel — glossy croc leather next to soft velvet, or sheer against structured. That interplay is what keeps the eye engaged. There’s so much to see the more you look, yet as a whole, it doesn’t feel busy. The joy of all black!
So, here’s how to inject this into your own wardrobe.
When styling all black, my go-to approach:
1.Mix materials. Leather, lace, velvet, organza, cotton — the more contrast in texture, the richer it feels.
2.Play with shape. Oversized meets fitted, structured meets fluid.
3.Add subtle shine. Metallic details, satin finishes, or patent shoes to bounce light.
4.Keep hair and makeup intentional. Black amplifies everything else, so balance the drama with softness or lean all the way in with bold contrast if it’s a night-time look.
So, next time you don’t know what to wear, bet on black. It never loses.
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