There’s a reason Tumblr and Instagram feeds are filled with images and quotes proclaiming “All black everything,” “I’ll stop wearing black when they invent a darker color” and “Black is the new black.”
It’s by far the best color.
Black jeans go with everything, and they're the most crucial wardrobe staple.
Black over-the-knee boots take any boring outfit up about 15 notches. A black dress will seamlessly take you from post-work beers to a night of dancing and cocktails. And a perfectly-fitted black leather jacket screams put together and effortlessly cool.
To cap it all off, you can never own too much black.
Unfortunately, it’s nearly April. Vibrant hues and striking white dresses are popping up in stores, starkly contrasting the inky colors we’ve come to love during this long, bleak winter.
Our favorite style bloggers and celebs are playing with more color and forgoing the It-girl black-on-black uniform for something a bit lighter and, for lack of a better word, spring-ier. It’s tragic.
But, for those of you after my own heart, don’t start freaking out about what you’re going to wear instead just yet.
Temperatures might be nearing 60 degrees and you may not be forced to wear three layers just to step outside anymore, but it doesn’t mean you have say goodbye to the always-slimming color du jour.
Thankfully, there are simple ways to incorporate your edgy, hardcore black into your soft, spring and summer palette without looking like an overly-emotional, dark eye makeup-wearing 14-year-old goth.
Don't let the warming weather melt your year-round chill.
Instead of wearing head-to-toe black, pick one or two statement pieces as a safety blanket.
Tired of the same sunglasses you've been wearing since you bought them on sale at Zara in August? Buy them in black and they're instantly timeless.
Or, find a staple summer piece, like a hat or lightweight scarf, in black.
You'll still exude the allure of mystery you're used to having, but the rest of the outfit keeps your look current. Pair them with simple and classic pieces and you'll still feel true to you -- even if it's a more colorful you.
Let your staples do all the talking.
Easy to throw on, lightweight and versatile, maxi dresses are, without a doubt, the go-to dresses in the spring and summertime.
You can pair the same maxi with gladiator sandals during the day and platform heels at night for two completely different vibes.
But you shouldn't feel pressured into buying bright and sunny pieces just because the days are getting longer. Your staple buys should still reflect your style sense, so don't shy away from everlasting black hues.
A little shine goes a long way.
I know, I know. You're used to wearing an understated color that allows you to stand out without being too loud. But I'm going to need you to move out of your comfort zone for this one.
Think of metallic as a neutral -- like a grey, navy or beige.
It works with a wide range of colors and styles, and it's the perfect spring alternative to your go-to black. Don't worry about being too matchy-matchy, either.
Take some inspiration from athletes.
We've seen the athletic trend picking up steam for a while now: an essential Nike bag, funky trainers and joggers are ubiquitous in a sea of coffee-cup-and-white-bedspread photos on Instagram. And they're not going anywhere anytime soon.
When you're dressing for the gym, a Pilates class or, hell, just #forthegram, black keeps the separates looking put together without feeling too sporty in a "yeah-look-at-me-I-work-out" way.
Anchor all your funky looks in something effortlessly chic.
The 60s and 70s are back in full-force this season.
I promised myself I'd never wear flares again (too reminiscent of the pair I wore with pink UGG clogs in seventh grade), but I'm retracting my vow here.
The right flares elongate your legs and a high-waisted pair hide the few pounds you're trying to lose before your summer getaway.
Just make sure you pair them with a good heel -- a mule, chunky sandal or heeled bootie. You want to stay as far away as possible from your middle school years (trust me).
Wear seasonal and fun patterns... in black.
Classic warm weather patterns -- nautical stripes, polka dots, Miranda Priestly's favorite springtime florals -- worn in dark shades will always work. They capture the trends without screaming, "Hey, look at at me!"
