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The Weekend Read * The Colour Black: Timeless Classic or Stylish Illusion?

September 19, 2025

The Weekend Read * The Colour Black: Timeless Classic or Stylish Illusion?

Judi Prue | Read in 10 minutes

Hello,

It's hard not to notice how quickly the evenings are starting to draw in. Inevitably this means winter is on it's way and for many of us that means,, psychologically, you tend to reach for the darker hues in your wardrobe to match the time of the year. And one colour that many of us often feel needs a place in our wardrobe is colour black.

There are few colours in fashion as loved, loathed, mythologised and misunderstood as black. It’s the little black dress that Coco Chanel said would liberate women, the uniform of the avant-garde, the armour of the chic and the safety blanket of many. It is the most overworked hue in many of our wardrobes.

We are constantly told it’s slimming, that it goes with everything, and that it suits everyone. None of these things are strictly true. And yet the rails of every high street store groan under the weight of it. For some of you, black is your best friend, for others it strips you of colour and works against your natural colouring.

So, in this weeks The Weekend Read let’s talk about black. Let’s look at its power, pitfalls, history and it's place in your wardrobe. And most importantly, let’s talk about when to wear it, when not to and what to reach for instead.

A Short History of Black: From Mourning to Chic

Black wasn’t always chic. In fact, for centuries, black was the colour of mourning, religion, and restraint. Medieval monks wore black to signal piety and humility. Widows wore black to declare their grief. In 16th-century Spain, the nobility adopted black as a sign of wealth and austerity — expensive black dyes were a marker of serious status.

Fast-forward a few centuries, and black took on new meanings. In Victorian England, it became the prescribed uniform of mourning, with strict rules about how long you had to wear it. Meanwhile, across Europe, artists, poets, and intellectuals began to claim black as their colour of choice — moody, bohemian and deeply serious.

It was Chanel, of course, who catapulted black into the modern fashion world. Her 1926 “little black dress” was hailed by Vogue as the uniform of the modern woman: simple, chic, and infinitely adaptable. Black, once the colour of sorrow, became the colour of freedom, elegance and sophistication.

By the 1980s, black was the uniform of New York’s downtown cool kids and Parisian intellectuals alike. Yves Saint Laurent’s tuxedo suit for women, Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde creations at Comme des Garçons and the severe glamour of Helmut Newton’s photography, all cemented black as the colour of cool.

But here's the catch, just because black has a fascinating history doesn't mean it's always flattering, easy or kind.

The Weekend Read * The Colour Black: Timeless Classic or Stylish Illusion?

The Myths of Black

When it comes to colour you have probably been brought up hearing the same tales: blue and green should never be seen, red has associations with 'women of the night' and black - well it's slimming right? Who told us this and why do you lean towards believing these myths? Well, it's time we told you the truth about these myths:

Myth 1: Black is slimming

This one needs busting immediately. Black doesn’t inherently make you look slimmer. What it does do is absorb light, meaning it creates fewer shadows and less contrast than lighter colours. This can give the illusion of smoothness, but it can also drain your face, exaggerate under-eye shadows and fine lines and make you look more tired than you actually are. A well-fitted garment in a colour that loves you back, will always be more flattering than a badly-fitted black one.

Myth 2: Black goes with everything

You've probably grown up being told this one: “black goes with everything.” But actually, it doesn’t. Black can be harsh against softer, and warmer colours. Pair it with a pastel and suddenly that pretty pink looks like it’s lost a fight. Place it next to a warm camel or cream and it can make those shades appear muddy.

Black does love bold, cool, jewel tones though like emerald, royal blue and fuchsia, which is why those who look great in the Winters seasonal colours thrive in it. But with softer and warmer palettes? It clashes.

Myth 3: Black suits everyone

Arguably the biggest myth of all. Black does not suit everyone. In fact, it only truly belongs in the Winter palette and should be worn only by those of us who can wear pure, cool, high-contrast shades.

For Springs, Summers and Autumns, black can be draining, overwhelming and simply unflattering. And that’s okay, because there are glorious alternatives waiting in your palette that do everything black promises to do, but infinitely better.

Who Can Wear Black, and Who Should Think Twice

At House of Colour, we talk about seasonal palettes of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. Each palette has its own set of colours that harmonise beautifully with the natural undertones of your skin, your hair and eyes.

Winters: Black’s Best Friends

Winters, this is your party. You are the only season who can wear black effortlessly. On you, black looks dramatic, sleek and powerful. Pair it with your brights — crisp whites, electric blues, fuchsia pinks and emerald greens and you’ll look like you own the room.

Summers: Try Dark Blue Greys, French Navy and Rose Browns Instead

Summers, with your soft, cool, muted tones are overwhelmed by black. It will drag you down, accentuate shadows and compete with your gentle colouring. Instead, reach for your blue grey, French navy, or rose browns. These shades give you the same elegance, but with a softer, more harmonious effect.

Springs: Go for Navy or Chocolate Brown

Springs, your palette is warm, bright and full of clarity. Black on you can feel heavy and stark. Swap it for bright navy blue, chocolate brown, or Oxford blue. These shades give you the crispness you crave, without the harshness of black.

Autumns: Embrace Dark Brown and Dark Olive

Autumns, you are rich, warm, and earthy. Black will look flat against your golden undertones. Instead, lean into dark brown, dark olive and chestnut. These shades give you depth, drama and sophistication, but with warmth and life.

Why We Love Black, Even If It Doesn’t Love Us Back

Even if black isn’t in your palette there's possibility you may still own it (especially if you haven't had your colours analysed). Why? Because black has become the default.

It feels safe. When in doubt, people reach for black. It feels like it won’t make a statement, when in fact it can make quite a harsh one.

It feels chic. Decades of fashion magazines, films and designers have told us that black is stylish. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a great example.

It feels easy. Black is everywhere, so it’s easy to buy. Try finding a warm coral cardigan in a sea of black knitwear and you’ll see what we mean.

But here’s the truth: colour is more powerful, flattering and joyful. than wearing black. Wearing the right shade for you makes you look brighter, younger, healthier and more confident.

Styling Black If You’re a Winter

If black is in your palette, then you get to embrace it wholeheartedly. Here are a few styling tips for you:

Pair it with crisp white for maximum contrast.
Add pops of colour like magenta, electric blue and emerald to keep it lively.
Use texture to soften it. A black item of clothing in silk, velvet, or lace can feel more dimensional than flat cotton.
don’t overdo it! Head-to-toe black can still feel heavy so break it up with accessories, colour, or texture.

If Black Isn’t Your Colour After Colour Analysis

What if black isn’t in your palate, but your wardrobe still has black in it? Don’t panic, here are some ways to make it work while you start to replace it:

Keep it away from your face. A black skirt or trousers are far easier to manage than a black top.
Add one of your Wow colours near your face. Scarves, necklaces, or colourful tops under a black jacket can soften the effect.
Use makeup strategically. A little bronzer, a stronger brow and most importantly a lipstick from your palate can offset the draining effect of black.
Choose softer fabrics. A flowing black chiffon blouse will feel less harsh than a stiff black wool.

Most importantly, experiment with your palettes' alternatives. You might just discover that chocolate, navy, or grey does everything you wanted from black, only better.

Black in Culture: Why It Endures

Part of black’s power is cultural. Black is the colour of formality: black tie dinners and the tuxedo. It’s the colour of authority: judges’ robes and police uniforms. It’s also the colour of rebellion: leather jackets, punks and goths.

It has associations with mystery, sophistication, danger and allure, so no wonder we keep going back to it. Black carries centuries of symbolism every time we wear it, which is why, for those with the right colouring it can be powerful.

The Joy of Letting Black Go

Just remember, you don't need to wear black to look stylish. Imagine replacing your black coat with a jewel-toned or bright navy, your black handbag with a rich brown or soft camel, your black dress with a chic navy one that makes your eyes sparkle. Imagine standing in front of the mirror and seeing yourself lit up, vibrant, alive and in focus.

That’s the power of wearing your best seasonal colours. Black may be the stereotypical “default,” but it doesn’t have to be your default.

Final Thoughts: Rewriting Black’s Story

Black is not the enemy. For some, of us it is the ultimate friend. But for many of us it is a colour that has been imposed upon us by fashion myths, retail convenience and cultural shorthand.

The truth is this: colour is more personal, more powerful and more transformative than a one-size-fits-all rule. Black can be chic, but so can navy, chocolate brown, olive, sea green, Oxford blue and dark blue grey.

So, next time you reach for black, ask yourself, is it because it makes you feel amazing? Or is it because you’ve been told you should wear it? Because when you choose colour consciously, those colours that love you back, will make you and your wardrobe truly comes alive.

Enjoy your weekend! In next week's The Weekend Read we will be talking about the psychology of shopping both online and on the high street. We will explore how brands get you to part with your money and sometimes get you to buy things you didn't know you even needed!

Best wishes,

Judi & Jenny xx

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