How To Wear Black In Summer
Black is prized for its understated elegance and endless wearability, but it’s not always the most obvious choice when it comes to summer dressing. Here, discover how to maximize its year-round appeal by styling it the right way…
The summer months might set the tone for bright, joyful style, but SS25 is proving that fashion’s favorite shade isn’t just suited for the winter months or after-dark looks only. The enduring appeal of black comes from its ability to highlight the silhouette and craftsmanship of a singular design. The key to styling the inky shade is to pair contrasting textures and choose pieces with dynamic shapes, so that head-to-toe black looks elevated and considered.
When navigating warm-weather dressing in the city, a knitted top may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but it’s a lot more wearable than you might think – Amsterdam-based Róhe is all about the sculptural details, and its merino wool-blend top comes with an elegant one-shoulder neckline and draped cutout at the back to keep things cool. Wear it with Max Mara’s knitted ‘Alce’ maxi skirt, Bally’s studded leather ballet flats, and stacks of silver jewelry.
The key to dressing for the office is to choose pieces that’ll keep you cool but still look polished in a professional setting. A breezy maxi dress from Matteau offers a stylish solution – with its relaxed fit and empire waist, it flows into a soft, swishy silhouette. Style it with A Emery’s cult-status ‘Jalen’ sandals and Chloé’s faux-raffia logo tote – the compact size will easily hold your phone, keys and sunglasses, such as Saint Laurent Eyewear’s sleek D-frame style.
Low-key weekends call for easy, relaxed staples that will see you through a day of brunches and gallery-hopping. Jil Sander’s minimalist blouse is made from a lightweight crepe and has an unexpected, ruffled collar. The expertly cut shape works well with denim and skirts alike – Citizens of Humanity’s frayed denim shorts – from our NET SUSTAIN edit – are the ultimate pairing. Tuck the shirt in loosely for a laid-back feel and add Déhanche’s leather belt to create shape, then, to finish, slip on Saint Laurent’s classic loafers.
To nail the laid-back-luxe trend, reach for Ami Paris’s relaxed knitted polo shirt and pair it with Nili Lotan’s tailored pants – their voluminous shape puts a polished spin on the barrel-leg silhouette that is undoubtedly the look of the moment and yet are equally classic, ensuring they will endure beyond the season. Complete your look with sunglasses from Oliver Peoples’ ongoing collaboration with Khaite, which re-imagines vintage designs; this glossy acetate cat-eye style oozes New York cool. And finally, Gabriela Hearst’s chic ‘Circe’ slides will be your go-to for years to come.
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