Chic Ways To Style Black

So many of you are loving my post on classy ways to style navy blue. I thought I would talk about chic ways to style black. After all, black has long been considered the epitome of elegance, sophistication, and versatility in fashion. Whether you’re headed to the office, attending a dinner party, or simply running errands, black clothing can be styled in endless ways to create a chic, and polished look. Black is an essential color in any wardrobe. It offers comfort, confidence, and effortless style for women at any age. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or simply enhance your existing black staples, you’ll find the perfect outfit ideas and styling tips to suit your needs.

Why Black is a Wardrobe Essential

Black is versatile, flattering, and always in fashion. It’s the color you can rely on for both professional settings and casual outings, giving you the freedom to create looks that are both sophisticated and functional.

Not only is black timeless, but it’s also slimming and easy to mix and match with other colors and textures. It offers the perfect base for experimenting with bold accessories or layering pieces, allowing you to express your personality through fashion while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.

Chic Ways To Style Black

The Little Black Dress: A Must-Have Classic

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is one of the most iconic wardrobe pieces for women. It’s the epitome of effortless elegance and versatility. Famous fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel made wearing little black dresses a classic wardrobe staple. Whether you’re attending a cocktail party, a business dinner, or a casual brunch, the LBD can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

The key to styling the little black dress for all occasions is in the shoes. Choose your shoes to compliment the formality of the event. For casual or business casual events, wear your little black dress with ballet flats (they can be any color! Even leopard print!). For dressy occasions wear heels, or even knee-high boots. The beauty of a little black dress is how versatile they are. For extra casual days, wear your little black dress with sneakers or ballet flats, and layer a denim jacket over top.

 

Black Blazer: Sleek and Sophisticated

Tailored black pieces such as blazers, are perfect for creating a polished and professional look without feeling too formal. A black blazer exudes confidence and is flattering on all body types, which is why it’s a go-to choice for so many. It’s on my list of timeless pieces to invest in. You can never go wrong with it, and it will always be in style.

A black blazer and black tailored pants will always be business appropriate. Even in a business casual setting. That’s because it’s a classic look. But don’t just reserve black blazers for the office. My favorite way to wear any blazer, but especially a black blazer, is to wear it with jeans. I love the contrast of a dressier and tailored top with the relaxed look of denim. A blazer, white t-shirt, and jeans is the original off-duty model look we all love!

If you’re looking to invest in a black blazer, go for one that’s well-fitted but not too tight, with classic lapels and a single-button design. It can easily transition from work to evening with just a few accessory changes. A red lip never hurts for an effortless French vibe!

 

Monochrome The Ultimate in Chic Ways to Style Black

A monochrome black look can be incredibly sleek and slimming. While all-black outfits can feel bold, they never go out of style, and they always look effortlessly chic. This is perfect for both day and night events.

While you can wear black accessories with your all black outfit, I like to add some contrast. My favorite way to style all black is to add some warmer accessories like brown, tan, or cognac.

 

What Colors Go With Black?

While black is a neutral that pairs well with almost any color, knowing how to pair it with other shades can elevate your outfit even further. Here are some of the best color pairings to consider when thinking of different ways to style black outfits:

Wearing Black and White: Classic and Clean

Black and white are a timeless combination that always looks classy and sophisticated. White pants with a black shirt, or black pants with a white shirt is the epitome of modern elegance. It’s simple and classic. I love these ivory jeans for a softer take on the black and white look (if in-between sizes, size up in these).

Styling Black and Gold: Luxurious and Glamorous

Gold accents, whether in the form of jewelry or accessories, add a touch of luxury to black outfits. Think gold necklaces, bracelets, or even a gold clutch paired with a black dress for an elevated look. I love having a go-to pair of gold heels (15% off with TARAFHM15) for so many different occasions. This sustainable jewelry brand has a nice selection of everyday jewelry like these gold hoops. You an take 30% off your purchase with TARA30.

Style Black and Red: Tres Chic

Red is the perfect color to add drama and energy to a black outfit. A red handbag, shoes, or lipstick can brighten up a black ensemble, making it ideal for evening wear or a statement look. Just a pop of red is all you need.

These red pumps are my favorite red shoes to wear. I love that they are suede which makes them really classy, and more understated. They have a comfy plush insole with arch support. They run slightly big- I wear them in size 7. Take 15% off with code TARAFHM15. If you prefer flats- these are my favorite ballet flats.

Black and Gray Outfits: Subtle and Sophisticated

Outfit details in order: 1. Classic black coat 2. Bootcut jeans 3. Gray vest 4. Statement Gold earrings 5. Denim skirt 6. Gray Polo sweater 7. Classic black ballet flats 8. Black leather clutch 9. Black ankle boots 10. Light gray sweater 11. Black velvet pants 12. Gray handbag 13. Gray Coat (one of my favorites) 14. Black sweater 15. Silver Mary Jane flats 16. Classic black bag 17. Gray pants (I also have these in black)

Grey and black are a natural pairing, creating a polished, professional look. Whether it’s charcoal grey trousers with a black blouse or a light grey sweater with black jeans, the combination is understated yet elegant.

Gray leans on a cooler color scale, so mixing it with silver metals in jewelry, a belt, or on a bag will keep the look clean and minimal. However, feel fee to mix in gold to warm up the look. You can’t go wrong either way.

Black and Navy Blue: Classic and Refined

Outfit details in order: 1. Black sweater 2. Bootcut jeans 3. Gold earrings 4. Navy blue coat 5. Chic Black bag 6. Black belt 7. Classic black Ballet flats 8. Black wrap coat 9. Classic white button-up shirt 10. Navy blue blouse (more affordable option) 11. Black suede boots (15% off with TARAFHM15) 12. Navy blue slip skirt 13. Bucket bag 14. Black belt 15. Black pants 16. Classic black pumps (15% off with TARAFHM15)

Navy blue pairs beautifully with black, offering a slightly softer contrast than the sharpness of white. A navy blue blouse paired with black pants or a navy jacket layered over a black dress offers a chic, elegant look that’s both versatile and timeless. This combination is an easy way to elevate your wardrobe, blending the classic appeal of black with the subtle richness of navy.

Metallics: Modern and Eye-catching

Metallic shades like silver and bronze can add a contemporary edge to black outfits. A metallic bag, shoes, or earrings can make your black ensemble feel more modern and fashion-forward. I love these silver Mary Jane flat shoes for adding a modern edge to a simple black outfit. And while staying comfortable! For a dressier occasion, try these slingback heels I’m wearing in a silver woven fabric. They are gorgeous! Take 15% off with TARAFHM15. And this knit dress is so good!

Black and Camel Outfits: Timeless Elegance

Two equally chic colors are camel and black. It’s a timeless color combo. My favorite way to wear the combo is to style black pants with a camel sweater like this one, or this one. I love having different styles of pants in my wardrobe for different types of looks. Cropped pants will show off a pair of amazing shoes, while wide leg pants offer a more relaxed but still sophisticated look. You can also always layer a camel coat over an all black outfit.

Pro tip– throughout my blogging career I’ve taken a lot of photos! This has been one of the best ways to refine my style. Seeing how you look in certain items in a photo (especially pants) really does help. There have been many many times I loved an outfit only to see it in photos and realize the cut/style is not flattering on me. On the other hand, I’ve had outfits I thought were nice but nothing special, and seeing the photos completely changed my mind. Try looking at photos of yourself to see what pant style suits you best.

Pink and  Black: Soft and Feminine Ways to Style Black

Outfit details in order: 1. Black sweater 2. Pink beanie hat 3. White button-up shirt 4. Black coat 5. Pink leather bag (have it and love it) 6. Classic Black pants 7. Pink bracelet 8. Black ballet flats 9. Black shoulder bag 10. Pink turtleneck sweater 11. Black slip skirt 12. Black bucket bag 13. Pink polo sweater 14. Black leather evening bag 15. Black ankle boots 16. Wide leg jeans

For a softer, more feminine take on black, consider pairing it with pastel shades. A blush pink scarf or sweater worn with black jeans or a skirt creates a delicate balance between edgy and sweet. And the Pink Ladies loved it…

My 5 Must-have Wardrobe Staples When It Comes To Styling Black

I love all of the pieces I mention above. I only share what I truly love on this blog, that’s what makes this fun for me. However if I were forced to choose my top 5 wardrobe stales for creating chic black outfits, these are it:

1. Red Shoes

Sometimes you just need a pop of red. It’s so chic to style an all black outfit with red shoes. Alternatively, wearing a black sweater, dark jeans, and red shoes is so effortlessly chic. I prefer these flat shoes for everyday style, and these red pumps for dressier looks (take 15% off the pumps with TARAFHM15).

2. Black Pants

A great pair of black pants is a must-have classic wardrobe staple. They are insanely versatile. Find your go-to pair by taking a look at what type of pants you feel best in- wide leg pants, straight leg pants, pleated pants, etc. After trial and error, my go-to pants are these straight leg pants (if in-between sizes, then size up), these classic fit pants, and my favorite pants for the office and beyond (I have these in several colors)!

3. Black Sweater

A black sweater is a classy wardrobe must. Whether you prefer a crewneck sweater or a turtleneck, there are so many ways to style a black sweater. When it comes to turtlenecks, I love a thin, yet still warm style like this one.

4. Black Boots

I’m a shoe lover- that’s no secret. So trying to choose a favorite boot style is hard. I think they all play a huge role in a classic wardrobe. Here are my favorites in different boot styles- these ankle boots are so chic and comfortable (take your true size or 1/2 up if you plan to wear thick socks), these suede mid-height boots (take 15% off with TARAFHM15), and these block heel knee high boots. All classics you will wear for years.

5. Black Bag

A timeless black bag is so versatile. When choosing a bag, think about whether you need a large daytime bag, an evening bag, or one that can be worn day to night. Although you may not use an evening bag as much as an everyday bag, if it’s a gap in your wardrobe, fill it! You can’t go wrong choosing a black one. You will be happy you did the next time you need it.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Chic Ways To Style Black Outfits

Black is undeniably one of the most versatile colors in fashion. Whether you prefer a classic, professional look, a chic evening outfit, or casual weekend look, black can be tailored to suit any occasion and any style. By pairing black with the right accessories and colors, you can create endless outfit combinations that are both sophisticated and chic.

Let me know in the comments below if you prefer to see real-life photos, collages, or a mix of both in my blog posts. I know my Pinterest readers love a good photo collage!