Why Black Is Not Always the Best Choice.

And What to Wear Instead

Black is often a go-to, but it’s not always the most flattering choice for everyone. While it's slimming and versatile, it can also look harsh, especially against softer or warmer skin tones. Many of my clients are surprised to find that black makes them look tired or aged—and once they see the difference in a better colour, they never go back.

As an image consultant, I often hear this: “I wear black because it’s safe.” But playing it safe can actually drain your energy, mute your natural features, and hold your style back. Wearing the right dark neutral for your colouring can lift your whole face, make your eyes sparkle, and even reduce the need for makeup.

Why Black May Not Work:

• Drains colour from lighter or warm-toned skin, especially if you’re Spring or Autumn.

• Highlights under-eye shadows, fine lines, and redness.

• Creates harsh contrast that can feel overwhelming or severe.

• Doesn’t align with everyone's style personality—natural, romantic, and creative personalities often feel more themselves in softer hues.

When Black Works Best:

• Cool-toned individuals with high contrast colouring (like deep Winters) tend to wear black beautifully.

• When balanced with colour in accessories, makeup, or layers.

• In formal or structured pieces, like a blazer or evening dress.

Better Alternatives to Black (Depending on Your Colour Season):

For Autumns:

• Chocolate brown

• Olive green

• Rust or deep camel

For Springs:

• Warm taupe

• Golden beige

• Light olive

For Summers:

• Dusty navy

• Charcoal grey

• Soft plum or rose brown

For Winters:

• Deep navy

• True red

• Icy grey or cobalt blue (yes, Winters can still wear black—but colour is powerful!)

These alternatives still ground an outfit like black does, but feel more harmonious with your skin tone, hair, and eye colour.

How to Start Transitioning Away from Black:

• Start small: Swap your black tee for a navy or charcoal version.

• Layer strategically: If you love your black blazer, try wearing it over a blouse in your best colour.

• Use accessories: A scarf, lipstick, or statement earrings in your colour season can balance a black outfit.

• Try colour blocking: Mix black with a flattering tone like teal, burgundy, or emerald to ease into it.

Pro Insight: The Colour Drape Test

Stand in natural daylight (by a window) and hold fabrics of different colours under your chin. Notice:

• Does your face look brighter or duller?

• Do your eyes sparkle or recede?

• Does your skin look more even, or do shadows and texture show up more?

The right colour should lift your features, not drag them down.

Real Client Example:

One of my clients, a natural redhead with golden undertones, used to live in black. During her colour analysis, we tested warm neutrals—chocolate, camel, rust—and her whole face lit up. “I look more alive,” she said. And she did! We kept a few black staples for versatility but added layers and accents in her season, and her confidence soared.

Final Thought:

Black can work, but it's not the style saviour it's made out to be. There's a whole spectrum of deeper, richer, more flattering colours that can still make you feel sophisticated—and allow you to shine through.