Back to Black: My Wardrobe Basics

I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to talk about my favourite topic when it comes to fashion – good ol’ black. You know that whole ‘I’ll stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour’ slogan, I’m so behind it. There’s something about black that just makes me feel sophisticated, put-together and a little bit polished, but not overly so. I’ve been this way since I could dictate my own clothing choices; I think it’s an innate leaning, with a bit of the ‘Posh Spice’ affect thrown in. So here it goes, my monochrome wardrobe basics, a.k.a) the easiest post ever to put together… 

THE BLACK COAT

Here’s a shocking fact for you – I only own one black coat, well two if you count my leather one. I feel like that’s because I wear so much black that sometimes I like to break it up a bit with my jacket choice. Sometimes I don’t though and don black head-to-toe and that’s cool too. On those occasions I wrap up in my Whistles Erika Faux Fur Collar Jacket, which works as a great little two in one. Keep the blue collar on and it gives you a bit of contrast, but take it off and suddenly things look more casual and the fit a little more boyfriend. I love it. Annoyingly it’s sold out pretty much everywhere, but this REISS number is a good dupe.

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THE BLACK JUMPER

Whenever I think about what jumper I want to wear in the morning I always get sad when I realise that all my black ones are in the wash. I think I need to realise that it’s silly me buying any other colour (aside from grey and navy because they make me a bit sad when they’re in the wash too). Equipment do the loveliest cashmere pieces –  I love the Sloane Jumper and the Asher one too – but they’re pricey, investment pieces. & Other Stories do some fab dupes for like a third of the price. This Cashmere Jumper from them fits beautifully and washes well too.

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THE BLACK TROUSERS

I live in some kind of black trouser; be it a denim or leather. On the odd occasion I’ll rock out a blue denim, but for the most part I stick to black. Quelle surprise! Jean-wise I love the Topshop Leighs for a lightweight summer option (LOL!) or the Acne Studios Skin 5 which are a little thicker and therefore hardier. I’m actually wearing a pair of leather trousers from ZARA in this post that I picked up about two years ago now. A pricey purchase, but I wear them so often and I love how I can wear them in a pretty casual way by pairing them with trainers or really dress them up with heels (on that rare occasion that happens about once a year).

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THE BLACK TRAINERS

I love trainers. I like to walk a lot (mainly to avoid feeling like a tinned sardine on the underground), so whilst the boot options in my wardrobe are comfortable; nothing beats trainers once we’re reaching the 15,000 steps in a day mark. I find that black trainers are your best bet because they trick the eye into thinking you’re wearing something much chicer on your feet. The Nike Roshe Runs are my favourite because they feel like slippers and don’t have too much branding going on, but I’m currently all heart-eye emoji over this New Balance pair.

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THE BLACK BAG

I never thought I’d be one for fancy bags, but I must admit that I’ve been well and truly sucked in and I eyeroll at myself at least once a day for that fact. Recently I’ve been reaching for the Saint Laurent Tote Bag all the time because it’s a bag with Mary Popins-esque powers and has the ability to carry everything and anything. Although the Saint Laurent Monogramme Tote is a great choice for everyday when I need to carry around the essentials with me, but not the kitchen sink. I also can’t stop thinking about the Chloe Faye. Will someone please talk me out of it before I do something stupid. Please and thank you.

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Photos by Lauren Shipley