“The hard truth? Black may be draining the life from your face.”
As a personal stylist, I’ve lost track of how often people say, “I just wear black because it looks good on everyone!” Many people believe that black is effortlessly chic and universally flattering, but the truth is more complicated.
So, does black look good on everyone? I’m unpacking this question on The Susan Padron Podcast.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALKED ABOUT WHETHER BLACK LOOKS GOOD ON EVERYONE
So, Does Black Look Good on Everyone?
The short answer is that no, black doesn’t look good on everyone. And there’s a reason why you should probably swap your all-black wardrobe for more flattering colors.
As a Certified Color Consultant & an Intuitive Personal Stylist, I’ve seen many people fall victim to the “black myth.” But the truth is that a true black is actually a cool color. Here’s what it means (and why it matters).
Understanding the Cool Undertones of True Black
When talking about colors in fashion, it’s important to know that there are colors with a cool base and colors with a warm base. And then, of course, there are neutral colors as well – but even neutrals typically have slightly warm or cool undertones.
(Think about lipstick – red lipstick, in particular. There are cool reds, and there are warm reds, and you may find that wearing certain shades of red works better for your natural coloring.)
True black is a cool color.
This means that if you don’t have cool undertones in your skin, wearing black will make you look more pale, accentuate the shadows under your eyes, and make any redness or blemishes on your skin more visible.
This is why certain skin tones might feel like they have to wear more makeup or bolder makeup when they wear a black dress, black pants, or another black outfit.
If your skin has warm undertones, black is not the most flattering color for your personal coloring.
Color Analysis and Seasonal Color Palettes
I’m a Certified Color Analyst, and, if you haven’t yet seen the viral color analysis TikToks, color analysis is a way to find out which colors look best on you based on your natural features, like your skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
Color analysis sorts people into different “seasons” – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – each with its own set of flattering colors.
Spring and Autumn have warm skin tones, and Summer and Winter have cool undertones. Within each season, there are also more specific subsets, like Light Spring or Bright Winter.
When it comes to true black, it only fits into one season: Winter. True black is a deep, cool, and intense color that complements Winter’s strong and clear features.
Black can overwhelm other seasons, making them look washed out or dull. So, while black might seem like a classic, go-to color, it’s really only the best choice for those in the Winter season.
Winters typically have a cool skin tone, dark brown hair, and pale skin or fair skin. Winters can have dark skin too – the most important thing is that there are cool undertones to their features and high contrast.
Alternatives to Wearing Black
Don’t hate me just yet! If black is not your color – and it most likely isn’t – you don’t have to entirely remove it from your closet!
When it comes to wearing black (or any other colors that are not in your seasonal color palette!), it’s all about proportion and placement.
Tips on Proportions and Placement When Wearing Black
So, how do you wear black clothing items without letting them drain you?
The closer a certain clothing item is to your face, the more important it becomes to wear a color in your seasonal palette (AKA, not black).
So, here are some tips:
- If you’re wearing a black shirt or a black dress, make sure that your makeup colors are in your seasonal palette – this will help your natural features look better.
- Accessories that are close to your face, such as glasses and jewelry, should also be in your color palette if your outfit has black in it.
- Try to avoid wearing clothing items like black turtlenecks because they cover the entire upper half of your body. If you want to wear black, opt for black pants or throw a jacket in your color over the black turtleneck.
- When wearing a black top or a black dress, consider wearing an item with a deeper neckline or something sleeveless so that the natural coloring of your skin is the emphasis.
- Black shoes, bags, and pants are totally okay because they’re further away from your face!
You don’t have to just avoid black forever.
Mastering your intuitive style is all about creating the right balance and letting the other colors in your seasonal palette win over the black!
How to Ditch Black Clothing and Find Your True Colors
I know that wearing bright colors can seem like an overwhelming thought. Black clothes are so easy and practical!
Figuring out what your color season is can help you feel more confident about adding a splash of bright color into your outfits in a flattering way that makes you feel absolutely fabulous!
Learn more about color analysis or book your session with me now!
FAQs
What Skin Tone Looks Good in Black?
People with cool skin tones look best in black. If your skin has blue or pink undertones and high contrast between hair, skin, and eyes, black might actually improve your natural features instead of overwhelming them. But if you have a warmer or softer skin tone, black will most likely be too harsh for you and make your complexion look dull or washed out.
What Color Season Is Black?
Black is a Winter color. True black is a deep and crispy color, and it perfectly aligns with the cool undertones of most Winter types. That said, black can be too overpowering for certain subsets of the Winter season as well as Springs, Summers, and Autumns.
Can Anyone Wear All Black?
You certainly can wear all black if you want to, but it’s not a flattering color for most people. It can make your features look washed out, drain color from your face, and make the circles under your eyes and skin blemishes more visible. Even if true black is a color in your seasonal color palette, it’s a good idea to combine it with other colors in your season vs. default to all black outfits.
How To Wear Black If It Doesn’t Suit You?
Black is not a flattering color for most people, but it doesn’t mean that you have to stop wearing it altogether. There are ways to subtly and successfully integrate black clothing into your wardrobe. Pair black with colors that complement your skin tone, such as wearing a scarf, necklace, or top in a more flattering shade near your face. It’s all about creating the right balance of color in your outfit!
HEAR THE TRUTH ABOUT WEARING BLACK IN THIS EPISODE OF THE SUSAN PADRON PODCAST
Check out the Susan Padron Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. While you’re there, hit subscribe!
WHAT’S NEXT?
If you’re ready to create a transformation in your life and align your inner self with your outer expression, learn more about color analysis sessions.
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