AN ICON RETURNS
- Let's face it, black goes with just about anything. As winter warms up, you can layer it with white or khaki, even a taxicab yellow. You just can't make a big mistake when you start with black basics.
- You don't have to think too hard when you get out of bed and dress for work. You just grab your favorite black jacket, skirt or trousers. Add a turtleneck sweater in the winter or a white cotton blouse in the summer, and you're set.
- You can feel good about spending a little more on black, whether it's shoes, a handbag, a dress or separates. You know you'll wear these pieces for years, so you can make an investment and always know it will pay off.
- Yes, black is always in style. It was popular decades ago when Coco Chanel made it her signature, and it has been included in almost every fashion runway show since. It's still the hands-down favorite of most fashion editors and trendsetters year after year.
- Black is black. You can mix and match several different shades of black (especially if you go with different textures). You'll still look like you're all put together. No one will ever know that the jacket you bought on sale during the holidays is topping off the trousers you bought a few years ago.
- Black is stain resistant. This is important, people. How many times have I worn a winter white scarf to Starbucks and have had to whip it off with my clumsy hands right after spilling a few drops of a skinny latte? Ditto with red wine. Sometimes there's more than one reason to suit up in black. It saves on dry-cleaning bills.
- Accessories, anyone? Just because you choose to wear head-to-toe black doesn't mean you have to be a boring "minimalist." Instead, black is the perfect backdrop for piling on the extras - that wide animal print belt or that orange patent handbag.
- Black is always ready for a party. It may not be the most festive color around (yes, it's always perfect for a funeral too), but you can dress up that little black dress for a wide variety of occasions.
- Hey, go ahead and wear those black pants a few times a week and nobody will notice. You'll get a lot more mileage out of the black pieces that stretch your wardrobe when added to other items, whether they're black or not.
- Did we forget to mention the best reason of all to wear black? It has a wonderful slimming effect on most people. This fashion "fact" has long been acknowledged in editorials on instant weight loss. Make sure your black clothes fit and you'll look fit too.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.
© Copley News Service
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