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7 Ways to Wear More Color If 90% of Your Wardrobe Is Black

Listen, we’re not here to knock an all-black wardrobe. We love an all-black wardrobe. But there is the rare occasion when you need to shake things up. If you’re interested in injecting the slightest bit of color into your day-to-day look, read on for seven simple ways to do so.

The Shy Gal’s Guide to Wearing Bold Prints


how to wear more color navy
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Swap One Black Piece For Navy

Forget what you heard: You can (and should) wear black and navy together. The combination is an unexpected twist that adds a little dimension, plus it’s not too far out of your all-black comfort zone. Think of this as a relatively low lift where adding color is concerned.

Get the look: Everlane top ($16); The North Face jacket ($139); Vince skirt ($265)

how to wear more color white
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Pair White With Black

OK, depending on where you stand on color theory, white may or may not even be a color. Regardless, we’re taking baby steps here. To keep the black pants and white button-down from looking too waiter-y, toss a black jacket or blazer on top and undo a few of the shirt’s buttons.

Get the look: Ann Taylor top ($70), blazer ($198) and pants ($98)

how to wear more color neutrals
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Then Dip Your Toe Into Neutrals

You’ve tackled white and navy, so classic neutrals are a natural next step. Instead of wearing black on top and bottom, nix one of those pieces for blush, gray or camel, which are different without being too loud.

Get the look: Treasure & Bond top ($29); Diane von Furstenberg pants ($378)


how to wear more color coat
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Wear A Colorful Coat

While there’s nothing subtle about this topper, the vibrancy of it actually does a service to your black-on-black attire—making it look like a complementary canvas rather than your usual thrown-on-and-go look.

Get the look: Topshop sweater ($25); NYDJ jeans ($114); Unreal Fur coat ($170)


how to wear more color shoes
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Wear Bright Shoes

You know those fashion kicks you desperately love but worry they’re too “out there” to wear? We’d argue that all-noir is the most perfect base to finally make them work.

Get the look: Wit & Wisdom jeans ($68); Madewell jacket ($498); Sam Edelman shoes ($100)

how to wear more color bag
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Or A Bold Bag

Same goes for a statement handbag, which instantly becomes the focus of your outfit.

Get the look: Mural blazer ($79); Trouve pants ($79); Ted Baker London bag ($195)


how to wear more color monochromatic
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Wear A Monochromatic Look

We know what you’re thinking: I thought we were taking baby steps! Hear us out: Wearing all one color is easy and chic—it’s part of the reason you wear all black, no? The same principals apply to a bolder monochromatic look. For a more casual vibe, tuck a colored tee into trousers of the same color and you’re good to go.

Get the look: J.Crew pants ($80), tank ($50) and jacket ($148)



sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years