Blog · Kleuranalyse Online

Who can wear black? And what to wear instead

Does black actually suit you? We explain why black does not flatter everyone, which seasonal type it does work for and which colors you can wear instead of black.

Which colors make you glow?

Waarom zwart dragen niet altijd een veilige keuze is. Past zwart bij mij? Met een kleurenanalyse krijg je kleding advies dat past bij jouw kleurtype.

For many women, black is the go-to choice. It suits “everyone”, it is slimming and it goes with everything. Yet black is one of the most difficult colors to wear. On many people it makes the skin look duller and dark circles stand out more. So who can wear black, really?

Below you can read why black does not suit everyone, who can wear black well, and which colors you can wear instead.

Why do we reach for black so often?

Black feels safe. It does not stand out, you do not have to think about combinations and it quickly looks polished. In many shops and wardrobes, black is therefore the base. But safe does not automatically mean it flatters you.

Who can wear black, and why not everyone

Black is the darkest and heaviest color there is, and it hardly reflects any light. Close to your face, that has a big influence. If you have a lot of contrast yourself, for example dark hair and light skin, black matches that beautifully. If, on the other hand, your coloring is soft or light, black takes over.

Your skin looks paler and flatter
Dark circles and shadows become deeper
Lines around your eyes and mouth stand out more
You look more tired and sometimes older than you are

For warm types, black is also often too cool. Your face then lacks the warmth your natural coloring needs. Read more about warm or cool undertone.

Who can wear black? Per season

Whether black suits you depends on your seasonal type. Do not know your type yet? Then first read what the 12 seasonal types are.

Winter: yes

Black is one of the best base colors for winter types. Pure white, navy and charcoal also look stunning on you.

black · navy · charcoal · More about this season →

Summer: better not

Black is harsh next to your soft features. Choose one of these colors instead:

navy · charcoal · deep grey-blue · More about this season →

Autumn: better not

For autumn types, black is often too cool and too harsh. Dark Autumn can carry black best. Beautiful alternatives:

chocolate brown · burgundy · dark olive · More about this season →

Spring: better not

Black is too heavy for your fresh coloring. Bright Spring can carry black best. Choose instead:

camel · warm grey · bright navy · More about this season →

Still want to wear black? Here is how

Black is not a forbidden color. With a few tricks you can wear it without it costing you your glow:

Wear black further away from your face. Black trousers, a skirt or shoes have little influence on your face.
Put a color from your palette near your face. A top, scarf or collar in your colors under a black blazer or coat already makes a big difference.
Use make-up and jewelry. A lipstick and jewelry that suit you bring color back to your face.
Choose black as an accent. A black bag, belt or boots give your outfit structure without overpowering your face.

Good to know

When your hair turns greyer, your natural contrast often decreases. Black that used to suit you can suddenly look harsher. Then it helps to look at softer dark base colors.

Black at work or on a formal occasion

Sometimes black seems the only option, for example at a job interview, a business meeting or a funeral. Even then you have more choice than you think.

For work, a blazer or trousers in navy, charcoal or chocolate brown look just as professional as black. At a funeral or another formal moment, you can wear black and soften it with a scarf, shirt or piece of jewelry in a calm color from your palette. That way you stay appropriately dressed, without looking tired.

Combining black with your colors

If you are a winter type, you can combine black beautifully with clear colors from your palette, such as royal blue, fuchsia or pure white. The contrast matches your own appearance.

Are you another seasonal type and still want to wear black? Then wear it in the lower half of your outfit and choose a color from your palette for your top. Black trousers with a dusty rose sweater, a black skirt with a camel shirt or black boots with an olive green dress: that way your face stays fresh, while you can still enjoy black.

A dark base that does suit you

The great thing about black is that it goes with everything. The same is true for the dark base color from your own palette. Navy, charcoal, chocolate brown or burgundy are just as easy to combine, but bring more life to your face. With a color fan you quickly find the right shade in the shop.

Want to know for sure whether you are someone who can wear black, and what your best dark base color is? Get your colors analyzed or take the free color test first.

Looking for inspiration? On our Pinterest page we collect outfits and color combinations for each seasonal type.

Frequently asked questions

Is black slimming?

Dark colors can look slimming, but that applies to other dark shades too. Navy, charcoal or chocolate brown work just as well, as long as they suit you.

What color can I wear instead of black?

That depends on your season: navy, charcoal or grey-blue for summer types, chocolate brown, burgundy or olive for autumn types, and camel, warm grey or navy for spring types.

Do I have to get rid of all my black clothes?

No. Wear them further away from your face or combine them with a color from your palette near your face.

Does make-up help if I wear black anyway?

Yes. A foundation that matches your skin, a little blush and a lipstick in your colors bring life back to your face.

Color analysis