Can everyone really wear black?

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Can you?

Because I don't think I can. It makes me look ill.

I'd love to be able to though.

Someone told me that even if you can't wear black when young, you will eventually be able to wear it as you get older? Is this true?

Wear navy instead. Infinitely classier.

I find I can get away with it if not too near the face (v or scoop neck). Otherwise it drains me.

But you can always "soften" black with a shawl-type thing or large-ish necklace.

Ooh I do MrsM (I worship at the alter of Jean Muir) but it's so much harder to find ... well, not this season thankfully, but usually ...

The colour analysis clothes advisors say that most people don't suit black - but this really just means you shouldn't wear black near your face.

I suit black but not navy.

Black on the bottom half is a mainstay for everyones wardrobe. Grey is a nice alternative.

I also think its the item too...a beautifully cut expensive looking black top will look miles better then a round necked long sleeved black tee shirt from Next IYSWIM.

Yes Geo a necklace to "soften" the effect is a good idea ...something warm that reflects light back on the face I imagine (gold or pearls or some'at)

... am particularly interested in the concept of the little black dress ...as promoted by Trinny and Tranny

perhaps it's not for everyone after all ...

I can't. I look like death, not even warmed up. I wear dark brown instead. Much more flattering for me.

I used to wear more black when I was younger. I wear it less and less (though have strangely recently bought two new summer dresses in black).

Yes, come to think of it I only buy black things that are really expensive/well cut. And I always accessorise well.

BonsoirAnna, I agree that black really shows up poor material. It can be a pretty unforgiving colour, really. But sometimes, its just got to be done!!

Yes Mrs M, I do have one pair of black trews which I wear with black boots but stick to brown and navy usually ...totally agree about cut and quality ... there's black and there's black ...a surprising number of different shades of black actually (as I discovered recently when I had to buy a funeral outfit)

Also, as my ma always says "a woman has to be very well groomed to wear black successfully" which is another reason why I avoid it. That and my speckled barnet.

That's really interesting Podrick. I always assumed that if you are classified as "winter" iykwim (sorry a bit hazy about the colour analysis categories!) that you could take white, black and red for example.

In fact one of the reasons I avoid black is I never know which colours to put with it without looking cheap (Trinny and Tranny's influence again). Black trews and white or red blouse would be too stark for my colouring ....don't know where else to go from there ...

Today I have on a black dress with a grey/gold glittery cardigan (both Dries Van Noten [blush}] but you could get the same effect for less £££). It's smart but not flashy/dressy.

Deep aubergine purple, very dark, can work well with black. Again, it's all about the cut and the fabric (says she wearing her George at Asda jeans and Uniqlo hoodie)

Bonsoir Anna - so in fact (apart from summer dresses) you are disproving the theory that one will eventually take to black as one ages.

I suppose this makes sense if you think about it because aren't we suppose to lose colour from our complexions as we get older?

Ohhh ... Dries .... you lucky thing Anna!!

I did have an aubergine suit once Mrs M but it made my complexion look a bit yellowy (but there again that could have been the vodka ...)

Yes, I think that black is less forgiving as we age and lose colour from our skins and hair.

I wear a lot of colour - quite bright colour - in a general sort of way. As I age I feel much more inclined to wear geometric cut clothing and bold pattern and colour. There is nothing worse that all those aging French women with their leathery faces, crepey cleavages, skin tight white jeans and high-heeled sandals teetering around the streets of Paris.

I used to wear a lot of black when younger but now can only wear it if either tanned or looking my very very best.Agree re quality cheap black anything looks like a student.Navy looks great brown looks terrible on me even though I have red hair and everyone suggests it but it doesn't work.Grey ok but also depends on tan or how healthy I look.Nothing beats it for evening though

Grey in the evening is very flattering. For any age.

Grey is fab with yellow, which is super fashionable right now .

grey makes me look super ill. black suits me more as i've got older.

I am going out later and have a v dark purple dress with matching footless tights and yellow suede mary jane heels.V flattering colours actually would love to be able to wear yellow next to my face but its a definite no!

I used to wear lots of black but don't so much anymore.

Navy suits me much more and i'm a fair skinned, blue eyed blonde.

Do agree with anna though - i have one black dress which was quite dear and does look nice. But its a summer dress so i'm not totally covered up which i think helps.

Oooh yes Anna, teetering (or in many cases tottering) is the word ... my in-laws have a place near Mandelieu (sounds grand - it's just a tiny studio apartment in reality ) and there are some glorious sights to behold down there ...all accessorised with a tiny lap dog of course, usually wearing a matching outfit in gold lurex. Although, I have to say that once they are over a certain age I can't help admiring their chutzpah...to actually care enough to wear 5-inch heels when you are ninety takes some dedication!!

LOL I expect it is even more accentuated near Cannes (warmer weather/better tans) than in Deauville, where my out-of-laws have their rabbit hutch résidence secondaire

I have always worn black. Years ago, my mum said I shouldn't wear black as it didn't suit me, so when I was off to my usual Summer ball, I bought three different dresses to try on. Pink, light blue and black. Mum had to concede that black suited me!

I do think that you need to wear make up with black though. It balances the tone of your skin and the harshness of the black.