Why I Don't Wear the All-Black Look

Hat: San Diego Hat Co / Earrings: Pavoi / Sweater: Amazon Essentials / Rhinestone collar: Amazon / Bag: Kate Spade, similar here / Petticoat: Amazon / Heels: Calvin Klein

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I don't wear all black.

Why not? Well, there's a few reasons...

Cotton beanie: Amazon / Scarf: Vera Bradley / Earrings: Amazon

First, I think the it's too easy.

It requires no skill to match a black skirt with a black blouse and black flats and a black headband and a black...

Straw hat: Amazon / Cardigan: French Connection, similar here / Bag: Quince

I'm also not sold on its reputed slimming effect.

Further, wearing head-to-toe black makes me feel sad. And life is too short to feel so sad!

Beret: San Diego Hat Co / Gold brooch: similar here / Camellia pin: Amazon / Sweater dress: similar from Quince here / Bag: Quince / Slingbacks: Naturalizer

Also of note: I don't have the coloring for it.

Of Lisa Eldridge's 41 shades of liquid foundation, my best match is #2. Yes, the second palest.

The contrast is too stark.

Headband: Amazon / Rose gold earrings: Amazon Collection

Wearing all-black is a New York thing.

Specifically in the city, towns surrounding the city, and towns populated with city transplants.

While I do live in NY, I am not a native.

Skirt: Grace Karin, XS-3X / Boots: Walking Cradles

A head-to-toe black outfit feels harsh and aggressive. I prefer soft and approachable.

A lighthearted feel, inside and out.

Scarf: Amazon / Headband: Funny Girl Designs / Cuff necklace: J.Crew, similar here / Dress: similar here / Sash belt: Amazon / Watch: Citizen / Handmade notebook: similar here

So if I wear a black dress with black pumps--like the outfits shown here--I'll make sure to add a dash of color!

Thank you for reading!

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