Wearing light-colored hues in the summer is a no-brainer—a breezy or linen dress on the hottest days of the year is an obvious sartorial reprieve. You might think that sporting darker colors, like black, attracts more heat, which seems like an inherent no-go. However, black clothes and accessories needn’t be avoided in the summer months; some of the best pieces on the market—dresses, tank tops, sunnies, beach bags, and swimwear—just look great in black. Why avoid it?
This summer, instead of focusing on color-packed looks, why not lean into breathable black clothes and accessories? Think a go-to black maxi skirt with a strapless top, or a silky slip dress. A lightweight black cardigan is the perfect layering piece for cool evenings or air-conditioned offices, and you can never go wrong with statement jewelry. When it comes to styling the inky shade, festive textural takes, like raffia or lace, add an element of contrast to any head-to-toe black look. Still not sold? Consider this: Black clothes tend to hide sweat better than pastels or light neutrals like gray or tan.
Below, shop seven summer-ready looks, all featuring black clothes and accessories on the market now.
The New Crop
The style of the season, and they look especially chic when incorporated into an all-black look. Pair a slim-cut shape from Vince with a halter top and subtle jewelry.
* Vince slim-fit capris – BERGDORF GOODMAN
* St. Agni leather wedge sandals – NET-A-PORTER
* Nili Lotan Ivey halter top – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
* Sandy Liang prom bag – SSENSE
* Bottega Veneta new entry sunglasses – SHOPBOP
* Stone and Strand bold hoop earrings – NET-A-PORTER
The Subtle Reveal
Mix The Row’s classic maxiskirt with a tube top for an appropriate skin-showing ratio. Add a lightweight black cardigan over the shoulders for an air-conditioned office and a simple pair of flats.
* The Row Trevy maxi skirt – NET-A-PORTER
* Éterne Amina strapless top – MODA OPERANDI
* Extreme Cashmere little bit cardigan – MYTHERESA
* belt – 07s SHOPBOP
* Le Monde Beryl regency ballet flats – NET-A-PORTER
* Agmes Celia hoops – SHOPBOP
The Minimalist’s Formula
Add texture to a sleek black maxi with shiny silver accessories (including shoes), a silk scarf, and a woven tote bag.
* Leset Barb maxi dress – NET-A-PORTER
* Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce tote bag – LUISAVIAROMA
* Toteme striped scarf – NET-A-PORTER
* Mejuri dôme Figure ring – MEJURI
* Lié Studio Amanda silver cuff – NET-A-PORTER
* Emme Parsons Agnes sandals – EMME PARSONS
Grown-Up Girlie
Pair a black miniskirt with a fitted tee and button-up, Mary Jane flats, a shoulder bag, and a watch.
* Matteau mini skirt – NET-A-PORTER
* Agolde Abbie ribbed T-shirt – NET-A-PORTER
* Suzie Kondi kappa shirt – NET-A-PORTER
* DeMellier Tokyo shoulder bag – NET-A-PORTER
* A.P.C. Katie ballerina flats – SSENSE
* March Hare Kimsey watch – MARCH HARE
Fluid Fabrics
All-black can still feel ethereal. A lace skirt, satin bow, an strappy kitten heels will do the trick. A mesh tote is the handbag equivalent of “light and airy.”
* Stella McCartney asymmetric skirt – NET-A-PORTER
* Proenza Schouler White Label Liz plunging sleeveless top – BERGDORF GOODMAN
* Completedworks meandering cuff – NET-A-PORTER
* Alaïa mesh shoulder bag – NET-A-PORTER
* Aeyde Paige suede sandals – NET-A-PORTER
* Jennifer Behr Virginia bow – BERGDORF GOODMAN
Black on Black, Beach Edition
A flowy black and oversized sunnies feel ultra-cool on and off the beach.
* Left on Friday plunge bikini top – MODA OPERANDI
* Left on Friday hi tide bikini bottom – MODA OPERANDI
* Eres Mimi convertible dress – NET-A-PORTER
* Cos oversized sling bag – COS
* J.Crew Callie sandals – J.CREW
* Loewe oversized sunglasses – NET-A-PORTER
Deskside Polish
Low-rise black trousers add a bit of edge to the typical office look. Style them with flat loafers, a sleeveless tee, and statement jewelry.
* St. Agni low-rise flare pants – MODA OPERANDI
* Toteme organic t-shirt – NET-A-PORTER
* Bottega Veneta Kalimero cha-cha bag – SSENSE
* J.Hannah duo form ring – ASSEMBLY NEW YORK
* Toteme everyday ballerina flats – SSENSE
* Sophie Buhai reversible hoop earrings – MODA OPERANDI
