1. Keep things classic
Classic pieces will look elevated. | Joern Pollex/Getty Images
The easiest way to make a statement, even if dressing in one color seems boring? Choose ultra classic pieces to raise the look. Anyone can throw it in a black coat anchored with a trendy coat or au courant shoes. Combining timeless pieces with an all-black outfit requires a more subtle sense of style. This look of blogger Eva Jasmin includes classic building blocks: peacocks, thin pants and chelsea boots. In combination, they look elegant and raised – about as far from as boring as possible.
2. Add a contrasting accessory
Add a pop of red for some visual interest. | GABRIEL BOUYS/Getty Images
Another perfect way to revive a monochrome outfit? Add an accessory that provides some contrast. This look would have been quite spectacular, even without the opposite bag, in a guest who came before the Etro show in Milan Fall / Winter 2015/16 Milan Fashion Week. But the bright red punches enough to make the outfit 100% Instagram worthy. And if it’s not a distinction worth targeting when dressed in the morning, we don’t know what it is.
3. Show a bit of skin
Showing just a sliver of skin adds some edge. | Joern Pollex/Getty Images
Many of us are supposed to be completely black communities in the winter, where we cocoon as many times as we can comfortably wear. However, if the temperatures are not below zero, you may want to distort the appearance by showing some (only a little) skin. At this glance, the model Sandra Schild prefers troubled jeans with holes in her knees, otherwise a move that successfully adds edge to a classic, buttoned look. Worried about the heat you will lose by lifting your knees? Add a wool hat just like Schild.
4. Go casual
Try something super relaxed to give a new twist to an all-black ensemble.| Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images
It can mean that you need to wear a monochrome outfit, take off all the stops and wear gorgeous heels, a structured top or a formal jacket. Still, this is not the case. Lucia, the guest of ‘Mercado de Motores’ at the Ferrocarril Museum in Madrid, skillfully demonstrates how cool everyday black outfit can be. Leather jacket is always a good idea. Especially with the unexpected combination of Van and trousers.
5. Pump up the volume
Try adding more volume to your look. | Timur Emek/Getty Images
A sure way to get a black outfit from Blah to explain is to choose a voluminous piece to add drama. In winter, the easiest way to do this is to go with an oversized jacket. This dress in the Doğa Bursali model is an easy example of how interesting a voluminous piece of outerwear can make a ensemble. Having a stylish pair of shades to complement the look won’t hurt either.)
6. Go vintage to add drama
Look glam by wearing a vintage cape and dress. | Alfie Goodrich/Getty Images
Stealth black is not a great color for formal attire. But if you want to add drama to a daily look, try a vintage look. Visited as a guest at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2015 A / W, this community is a great example of how interesting a vintage look can be. All without scandalous necklines and skirt lines chosen by modern designers (usually when they don’t think how cool it really is in winter). If you’re not sure which outerwear piece you will get next, definitely consider the vintage cape.
7. Choose accessories that pop
Let your accessories shine by choosing some statement pieces. | Timur Emek/Getty Images
A black outfit is the perfect backdrop to show something special. This outfit in Sebnem Guenay is an excellent example. Guenay’s monochrome outfit draws attention to his vintage glasses and handbag – which, in fact, look stylish and pioneering even if they are older than their clothes. Are you looking for an excuse to visit your favorite old place? This is definitely a good thing.
8. Hide a pattern
A pattern underneath adds visual interest. | Joern Pollex/Getty Images
Are you thinking of wearing all black? Sounds like a great plan. Remember, you don’t have to wear solid black pieces from head to toe. In this look, blogger Diana Buenger wears an outfit that will look solid black if the jacket is closed. However, the open jacket reveals a patterned shirt that adds a lot of visual interest to the outfit and contrasts with the shapes seen in the skirt, belt and bag. The top coat may not be black, but that’s what makes it an eye-catching choice.
9. Switch up your shoe color
Brown boots are an unexpectedly stylish choice. | Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images
Do you think you should wear black shoes in a completely black outfit? Think again. This awesome look seen in blogger Aranzazu Garcia would look great with a pair of black boots, but Garcia chose a brown pair instead. The choice is unexpected and adds another dimension to a monochrome outfit. And when it comes to critics who say you can’t wear brown shoes with black clothing? We say that the rules should be broken.
10. Go for some really unexpected footwear
Chunky sneakers give this coat a fresh look. | Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images
Maybe a pair of brown boots with a black outfit is not “unexpected” for you. If so, you will love this outfit from designer and stylist Masha Schubbach. Instead of a stylish black heel or boot paired with this jacket, Schubbach wears a pair of chunky white sneakers instead. For the right person, this is a fun, challenging and comfortable way to change an all-black outfit.
11. Add something edgy
A leather jacket toughens things up. | Timur Emek/Getty Images
If an all-black outfit is starting to feel boring, a sure way to ante is to add something sharper to the mix. For example, a leather jacket, slim-fit skirt or a bold pair of boots. Blogger Duygu Senyurek has all three of these outfits. While it’s probably not going to work if you’re entering a polar freezing sensation, it’s a fun and youthful look for autumn days in colder climates or winter days in warmer ones.