WHY WEARING BLACK IN SUMMER IS COOL

Fatima Truscott Black Summer Dress Wearing black in summer The FT Times Blog

WHY WEARING BLACK IN SUMMER IS COOL

8th June, 2019 by Fatima Truscott

Summer style tells us that we must waft around in white floaty fabrics looking like an extra from Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut and masterpiece, The Virgin Suicides.

The Virgin Suicides \\ 1999 \\ Sofia Coppola

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE wafting around in white floaty fabrics looking like an extra from Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut and masterpiece, The Virgin Suicides (evidence below).

More images of me wafting in white, here

But I also own a wardrobe that is approximately 80% black…

AND MORE BLACK! ps: STILL SO IN LOVE WITH THESE BOOTS\\ Kendra Doc Marten’s

And for some maddening reasoning, wearing black in summer, for many, still sounds like a bit of a style boo-boo.

Now without sounding like Peppa Pig (aka THE BIGGEST BRAT THAT EVER LIVED) I really want to squeal, “But whhhhhHHHHyyyyyyy?”

Repeat after me. This is not the Edwardian era.

If you like it, just wear it.

Innit?!

Style is of course totally subjective.

But my mantra is to go with how YOU feel when YOU wear something – and don’t be scared to challenge the silly ‘rules’.

This trio on Instagram are proving my point.

And as for the ‘wearing black in summer makes you hotter’ theory – I think that myth has been quashed entirely since research came about yonks ago investigating why Bedouins wore black in the desert.

So, even scientifically, you’ve got NO excuse now.

And if like me, it’s not about rocket science – it’s just a personal preference to be at one with the dark side (is it any wonder that my daughter’s favourite colour is black) then I’ve edited for you a little summer shopping guide below with some practical style advice too.

Just add sunshine…

*Affiliate links are used on this post. It doesn’t cost you anymore but if you like something on here, purchasing it via my blog means that little ol’ me can get a very small amount of commission – and not Google! Yay! Read more here.

DRESSES…

*Flattering for prominent waists, pear shapes and comfy enough to wear without a bra //* *Sundress H&M £24.99*

*Suits all body shapes and makes a great beach cover-up too* // Monki Kaftan Dress £30

*Layer over a plain white T or slip under a white button shirt or denim jacket* // AsosSlip Dress £18

*Fuller busts and folk-style lovers will get tons of wear from this easy day dress* // Asos Embroidered Dress £32

*Thick straps means fuller busts can cleverly conceal bra straps. Perfect midi length* // Asos sundress £25

*Dreamy. Let loose. Can easily be dressed up or down* // Selected Femme £40

*Flattering and perfect for soaking up the Vit D in a pub garden* // Asos halter dress £25

SEPARATES…

*Linen is the ideal fabric for warmer weather – and no ironing needed, too* // M&S Linen Top £32.50

*Paper bag or carrot top trousers are an ideal alternative to traditional tailoring* // H&M Linen Blend Trousers £19.99

*This skirt will make a 365 timeless item* // New Look Pleated Skirt £19.99

*Perfect for wafting around on scorching hot days* // & Other Stories Midi Skirt £69

*Silk is also a great fabric to wear as the mercury rises* // M&S Silk tank top

ACCESSORIES…

*Cult status clogs. Instantly give your outfit that 70s twist* // Swedish Hasbeens £98

*Rattan bags are EVERYWHERE! Bag yours now* // Friday bag £22

*Smarter than a foam flip-flop. Elegant and office worthy* // Aldo £45

*Removable printed liner means you can conceal items you wish and display the ones you want*// New Look Bucket bag £22.99

*Beach, bar or just a busy Mum wanting a new home for Kinder toys and wet wipes* // H&M Oversized Shopper Bag £24.99

*A luxury treat that results in you being hands-free* // Gucci Marmont Matelass Belt Bag

*Is it even summer without an espadrille?* // Matalan Bow espadrille £12

*The summer sandal that gets better with age* // Next Hurrache Sandals £34

*You can even wear these in the water. Sensible and stylish = winning combo* // Saltwater sandals £59.90

*For those that prefer a slight heel…* // White Stuff Wedge Sandals £60

*This summers’ most-wanted footwear. Fugly (fashion + ugly) feet are here to stay* // Teva sandals £49

Will you be wearing black in summer?

[Join in the conversation. Scroll down to comment]

6 Comments

Sunita @luckythingsblog says:

9 June 2019 at 8:31 am

Ah I love this love of black blog post! As you know Fatima, wearing black is my #daretobedifferent when it comes to My Style Triangle. I worked my long floaty black dress to work the other day and loved added some bright earrings. Love how you talk about breaking the silly fashion rules. Excited about our next @mystyletriangle on Saturday 13 July. Now, off to plan my black outfit for this week’s work wardrobe.

Reply
- Fatima Truscott says:
  
  9 June 2019 at 7:11 pm
  
  Love the idea of a floaty black smock dress and supersized earrings!
  You know, rule breaker numero uno 😉
  
  XX
  
  Reply
MP Allegaert says:

9 June 2019 at 9:35 am

I finally switched my closet over from cold weather wear to my warm weather wardrobe and put away soooo many black sweaters. BUT…I have plenty of black tees, tops, jeans, sandals and ,yes, dresses. I will most definitely be wearing black this summer! Especially love the Monki caftan and Hasbeens.

Reply
- Fatima Truscott says:
  
  9 June 2019 at 7:10 pm
  
  Thank you for lovely comment. I’ve yet to do with big swap yet, might aim to do it over the next few weeks and start putting things away for the holidays too.
  Also a big fan of the Hasbeens – I already have the brown and yellow, too. I find them so comfy and they last for ever
  
  FT x
  
  Reply
Michelle says:

9 June 2019 at 1:48 pm

I like it! Definitely up for some black linen this Summer.

Reply
- Fatima Truscott says:
  
  9 June 2019 at 7:08 pm
  
  Love black linen. Very chic and so timeless.
  
  FT x
  
  Reply