How To :: all black everything

Monday, January 26, 2015

Rocking a monochromatic black ensemble is chic, sexy, and always fashionable. But to push that all-black-everything look over the edge, there are a few key style elements to play with: texture, proportions, layers, and accessories. Let me explain... 
When wearing all one color - black especially - it's vital to incorporate a variety of textures into your ensemble. This allows the eye to see each individual piece clearly, thus eliminating the "blob" illusion. In short: you'll look leaner and chicer, and your clothing will appear more expensive. Here I've got leather, silk, cotton, and ponte all in one look. 
Match your footwear to the rest of your one-color outfit to create the illusion of length. For us short girls, this trick is everything! 
Don't be afraid to add a splash of a different shade for variety's sake. I love the way this sweater opens in the back and includes a built-in layer. Use your layers wisely and you'll pull off a dramatic effect. It's all about thoughtful proportions baby! 
Up your jewelry game by adding a leather band into the mix. The result? A boost of instant edge. Silver spikes only intensify your cool factor. 
This metallic Marc Jacobs watch makes yet another appearance on my blog. It's now my most worn timepiece and who can blame me? Its modern design and sleek face look fabulous with absolutely anything! 
Dark pearls for a subtly seductive take on a classic.  
Photos by Dan Harper
[layered sweater: Ann Taylor, leggings: Ann Taylor, booties: Nordstrom, necklace: Ann Taylor, watch: Marc Jacobs, earrings: fine jewelry, leather bracelet: Michael Dawkins, silver spike bracelet: Stella & Dot, bangle: Alex & Ani]

Black represents power, sophistication, and timelessness. It's always on-point and always versatile. Lately - maybe this comes with age - I've been gravitating towards it more and more. Black has got my back during hectic mornings and episodes of weight gain (can anyone say, after-holiday-pounds)? When it comes to dressing, black wins. Always. 

My dad and I took these photos two days ago before we got a load of snow yesterday. Just when the bitter cold seems to be melting away, we get another dose of chill. My dad refers to it as "snow way out"...haha, get it? But no one will get hit harder this week than the East Coast - to my friends in New York especially, stay bundled!  
SHOP :: 


74 comments:

  1. Different textures is definitely the way to go. You have done it perfectly in this outfit.

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  2. I love the twist with the blouse under the sweater in this outfit. Perfectly done :)
    Happy week ahead :)
    xx
    http://cenestquedelachance.blogspot.de/

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  3. I love all black on you, it looks perfect and edgy but still really pretty :) x
    Freya's Fashion Chapter

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  4. I like your outfit)

    springinsoul.blogspot.ru

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  5. Love your all black look :)

    Liebste Grüße
    Jana von www.bezauberndenana.de

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  6. Great look - and I love the lipcolour!

    Greets from the EDELFABRIK
    Chrissie

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  7. love your all black look sweety!
    happy new week!

    <3, Kathrin
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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  8. Hi hun! You rocks in total black look, I need a similar for my next winter, very inspiring outfit.

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  9. Kat I LOVE LOVE LOVE this look! This might be my favorite yet :) Have a good Monday!

    Fishbowl Fashion

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  10. Cute pants and shoes. Thanks for sharing.

    Eye See Euphoria | http://eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/linda-farrow-spring-summer-15

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  11. Nice look, I love it a lot. I love it even more as I see the pants as I have something very similar from AE. I love them, they are so versatile! 2 thumbs up! On another note : I am moving to Wordpress.org in a few days and I will lose touch/link to my followers and those I follow on GFC. I will start following my favorite blogs on Bloglovin' and if you would like to keep in touch I would appreciate that you'd do the same :) Thanks!

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  12. Great look! You're very pretty!
    xx
    www.theblackblush.blogspot.pt

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  13. I love how chic this look is. That pop of print is just perfect!

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  14. This looks beautiful! It is a simple, all black outfit, but you added such great interest with your accessories. The bracelets, necklace, and boots are amazing.

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  15. Wow this look is on top.Everything is so beautiful.
    love love those pants
    kisses

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  16. I love your new hair!!

    xx
    www.mellowyellowblog.com

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  17. Very pretty look..

    www.blondeincashmere.com

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  18. Wow, this look is perfect, love this style. ^^
    Lovely greets Nessa

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  19. nice combo,i love this post,all black is classic:)

    http://mellowmayo.blogspot.com

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  20. You're so pretty.. i love your pants so much

    XOXO,

    www.fashionerza.com

    I can rock any outfits, come follow my online diary

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  21. Beautiful outfit and I love your hair! x
    Shirley | Quartz and Roses

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  22. Love it!
    Black rocks ;)
    Emilie
    http://mylittlefashiondiary.net

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  23. Amazing look, I love your new hairstyle!
    Have a lovely day!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  24. This is on point! The black outfit, hair, makeup... stunning :)

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  25. Hey!
    Like your blog and your style!
    Hugs from Ukraine!!
    bagagusik.blogspot.com

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  26. Hey, dear! Lovely post! :)

    Would you like to support each other on Bloglovin as well? xx

    Blog | Facebook Page | Bloglovin | Instagram

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  27. Beautiful and edgy total black look. I love the cool legging and the sweater. Happy Tuesday Kat!

    xx glamdevils.com / miradevils.blogspot.com

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  28. love the outfit :) you look so gorgeous x

    http://only4feet9.blogspot.com

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  29. A perfect rock n' roll outfit! :) Lovely!

    Kisses,

    Babi
    www.voguebuster.net

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  30. Gorgeous! I love how you added just a hint of fun pattern!

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  31. soooo stunnin look!!!!! like everythin in all outfit!!)))
    have a lovely day))) xoxo

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  32. Cool outfit, I love all-black looks. The trousers are really awesome.

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  33. Pretty Look! You are beautiful!!

    www.nissimendes.ch

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  34. Ah hah, gearing up for your move back to NY? This is a great look and love the unexpected opening in the back of that sweater.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

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  35. That's such a good idea - mixing up the textures! I never think of that and I always kind of look like a schlub ;)

    COOCOO FOR COCO

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  36. I love your style :) & I love the opening on the back of that sweater, it really adds a lot to the outfit <3

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  37. Love this look! All the accessories really pull it together. Looking great, as always!

    xoLiz

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  38. Lovely all black outfit Kat and such a cool idea for a 'how-to' post! Stay warm ;)

    ican'taffordmylifestyle

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  39. such a fabulous look! love those leather leggings! you look so awesome :D

    katslovefashion.blogspot.com

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  40. Love your shoe :)

    http://imaginarymi.blogspot.com/

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  41. Loving the longline necklace and spiked bracelet. You look adorable.

    www.stylegonerogue.com

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  42. I love this look! It's almost like a reflex that when we have a staple black item, we will reach for bright accessories to balance it out. But yeah, layering different shades of black and bringing out texture can make you look totally chic and amazing!

    I’d really love it if we followed each other :)
    __________________________________________________
    Hope you follow my blog ‘Heylinni’ at:
    http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4923497
    I’d be glad to follow back! Us bloggers should support each other ^_^

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  43. love it all black! those boots are just fabulous!


    a possible fantasy

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  44. Beautiful outfit

    New post in
    Www.miharujulie.com

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  45. Super stylish look!
    Have a nice day!
    Angela Donava
    http://www.lookbooks.fr/

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  46. Beautiful styling, love your jewelry!!

    Rosa
    Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com

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  47. I've been meaning to buy leather leggings! So nice! Great proportions!

    http://theycallmetania.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/cosy-knit.html

    x

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  48. Gorgeous photography! I love that lipstick on you, too!

    Lauren x
    www.thefashionramblings.com

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  49. You look so stunning Kathleen! I absolutely love the all black attire, very elegant.. love the layered sweater! And gosh.. I need those boots in my life.. looks gorgeous and very practical for many outfits <3

    Take care always, love Christine ~ xx
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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  50. You look stunning! Amazing jewerly!

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  51. great blog dear.... nice outfit !
    would you like to follow each other on our blog ...?
    let me know ---> http://mcaruso930.blogspot.it/
    I wait for you, kiss!

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  52. I have the same leggings and am obsessed with them! They’re so comfortable and flattering!

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  53. Thank you a lot for your comment on my blog:)
    Let me know if you wanna follow each other!
    xx

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  54. nice outfit! XD

    itsjustshalay.blogspot.com

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  55. Love your Outfit! It´s really cool! You are beautiful btw :)
    xx Hazel
    http://thetasteofhazel.com/

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  56. Oh Yes! You can never go wrong with an all back outfit!
    I love how the top looks at the back. Stunnin photos!


    www.theycallmetrue.com

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  57. Wowza! You look amazing x
    Loving the dark romance look XOXO
    Lailabee
    www.lailabee.blogspot.com

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  58. Oh my you look incredible! Love how sexy and polished this look is...

    happymedley.blogspot.com

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  59. Ahhh your dad sounds so cute with his "dad joke."

    Your all black outfit is so chic and just totally perfect. Love the leggings!

    Jackie

    Something About That

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  60. I think your idea of layering and textures is the perfect way to wear an all black outfit! The leather pants are fabulous and I just love that your sweater has an open back to layer something fantastic underneath! As always your accessories are just amazing and the perfect way to finish the look!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  61. Love the all black on you! Very chic!

    http://tickleyourvanity.com

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