The Basics: Back to Black

I'm sure you've felt the same way: Sometimes it's easy to get into a funk and want to wear all black, head to toe, without an ounce of skin showing. But if you're goign to go there, why not mix things up by at least using various textures and fabrics. This picture is such an awesome example of how to do it well. the combo of leathers, knits, textures, and layers that have all these fun, contrasting lengths. Not only is the leather such a rich detail, but the jacket comes down almost right to the hemline of the skirt which is SO much black, but still it doesn't look dowdy or funeral-ish. I guess if you're going to do it--and sometimes we can't help but--you've got to do it in an interesting way. Contrasted against her pale skin (which is oh-so-me), the black actually looks rich and beautiful as opposed to blah, which is how it can come across. Next time, you're in a rut and feeling the blues (or rather the blacks), this is the way to go.

(photo: courtesy of New York Magazine)